Legal issues Finland

To get married in Finland, a foreign citizen needs to provide the following documents:

- A valid passport: The passport must be valid at the time of application and the ceremony.

- Certificate of marital status: A document confirming that you are not married and have the right to marry. This document should be obtained from the competent authorities of your country or your country’s embassy/consulate in Finland.

- Certificate of dissolution of previous marriage (if applicable): If you have been married before, you need to provide a divorce certificate or a death certificate of the previous spouse.

- Name change certificate (if applicable): If you have changed your name, an appropriate document confirming this change is required.

 

Document Requirements

Legalization: Documents issued outside of Finland must be legalized or have an apostille to confirm their authenticity. Exceptions are documents issued in EU countries or Scandinavian countries, for which legalization is not required.

Translation: If the documents are in a language other than Finnish, Swedish, or English, a translation must be provided in one of these languages. The translation must be done by a certified translator.

It is recommended to verify all requirements in advance with the Finnish Digital and Population Data Agency or the local office to ensure the correctness and completeness of the provided documents.

 

Checking for Marriage Impediments

Before the ceremony, a check to ensure there are no impediments to the marriage must be conducted. For this, you should contact the Digital and Population Data Agency or local court. Foreign citizens must provide an official certificate from their country stating that they are not married and are eligible to marry.

 

Marriage Ceremony

A marriage can be concluded in a civil or religious form. A civil ceremony is conducted at the Digital and Population Data Agency office, local court, or another agreed location. A religious ceremony is possible in churches or religious communities authorized to conduct marriages.

 

Marriage Registration

After the ceremony, the marriage is registered in Finland's Population Information System. If the marriage is concluded outside of Finland, it should be registered with the Digital and Population Data Agency, providing the appropriate documents.

In Finland, marriage registration at the Digital and Population Data Agency or district court is free if the ceremony is conducted during working hours at the institution’s premises.

However, if you plan to hold the ceremony elsewhere, such as at home or a banquet hall, or outside of working hours, a fee may be charged for the registration.

 

Additional Requirements

Depending on the foreign spouse's country of origin, additional documents or procedures may be required. It is recommended to check all requirements in advance with the relevant Finnish institutions or on their official websites.

 

For more detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources, such as the Digital and Population Data Agency and the Finnish Immigration Service.

In Finland, the process of registering a child's birth for foreign citizens involves several key stages:

 

Birth Registration in the Maternity Hospital

If the mother has a permanent residence in Finland and a Finnish personal identification number, the birth of the child is registered directly in the maternity hospital. The child is assigned a personal identification number, and the information is forwarded to the Digital and Population Data Agency.

 

Notification of Child Details

After the child is born, parents receive a form in the mail to indicate the child's name and native language. This form must be completed, signed, and returned to the Digital and Population Data Agency within three months of the birth.

 

Child's Citizenship

The child's citizenship is determined by the parent's citizenship. If neither parent is a Finnish citizen, the child will not automatically receive Finnish citizenship. In this case, it is necessary to contact the embassy or consulate of their country to arrange the child's citizenship.

 

Registration of a child born abroad

If a child is born outside of Finland, their information can be entered into the Finnish Population Information System. For this, it is necessary to provide the Digital and Population Data Agency with the original birth certificate legalized in the country of birth, as well as its translation into Finnish, Swedish, or English.

 

Establishing paternity or maternity

If the parents are not married, it is necessary to officially establish paternity or maternity. This can be done at a maternity clinic or after the child’s birth with the municipal child inspector.

 

Residence permit for the child

If the child has not received Finnish citizenship but will reside in Finland, a residence permit must be arranged for them. The application is submitted to the Finnish Immigration Service.

 

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements and prepare the necessary documents in advance to ensure the registration process goes smoothly.

Registering your own business in Finland involves several key stages:

 

Choosing the form of the enterprise: Sole trader; Partnership or limited partnership; Limited liability company.

 

Checking the availability of the company name: Ensure that your selected company name is unique and meets the requirements. Use the name checking service on the PRH website for this.

 

Submitting a founding notification: Depending on the chosen form of enterprise, submit the founding notification to the Trade Register through the online YTJ service or on paper forms. Online registration is usually faster and cheaper.

 

Registration with the tax authorities: Simultaneously with submitting the founding notification, register with the necessary tax registers, such as the VAT register (ALV-rekisteri) and the employer register (Työnantajarekisteri) if you plan to hire employees.

 

Payment of registration fees: Registration with the Trade Register requires the payment of a fee, the size of which depends on the form of the enterprise and the method of application submission.

 

Additional requirements

Depending on the field of activity, additional licenses or permits may be required. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with industry requirements and, if necessary, consult the appropriate authorities.

 

For more detailed information and access to the necessary forms, visit the official PRH and YTJ websites.

Availability of notary services: Notary services are provided by the Digital and Population Data Agency and Finnish diplomatic missions abroad. The main services include:

- Certification of signature authenticity.

- Certification of copies of documents.

- Issuance of apostille certificates.

 

Document requirements: To receive notary services, a valid identification document, such as a passport or ID card, must be provided. Documents issued outside Finland may require legalization or apostille, as well as translation into Finnish, Swedish, or English.

 

Procedure for obtaining services

Certification of signature authenticity: The applicant’s personal presence is mandatory. You must present an identification document and sign the document in the presence of the notary.

Certification of copies of documents: Provide the original document for copying and certification by the notary. Personal presence is not required; documents can be sent by mail.

 

Additional services

Finnish diplomatic missions abroad also provide notary services, including document legalization and certification of signatures. It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate in advance to clarify the available services and requirements.

 

For more detailed information, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the Digital and Population Data Agency and Finnish diplomatic missions.

In Finland, the divorce procedure is governed by the Marriage Act and involves several stages:

 

Filing for Divorce

Who can file: Either spouse can file a petition, or both can file jointly. Even if one spouse does not agree to the divorce, the other has the right to initiate the process.

Where to file: The petition is submitted to the district court based on the place of residence of one of the spouses. The application form is available on the website Suomi.fi.

 

Reflection Period

Duration: After filing the first petition, a mandatory six-month reflection period begins.

Exceptions: If the spouses have been living separately for at least two years before filing the petition, the divorce can be finalized without a reflection period.

 

Filing the Second Petition

When to file: After the six-month reflection period has passed, but no later than one year from its start, a second divorce petition must be filed.

Court decision: After receiving the second petition, the court issues a final decision on the divorce, regardless of the second spouse's consent.

 

Settling Family Matters

Children: If the spouses have minor children, they need to agree on custody, residence, visitation, and child support. In the absence of an agreement, these issues are resolved through social services or the court.

Property: Spouses can agree on the division of property themselves. In case of disputes, it is advisable to consult a lawyer or mediator.

 

Legal Assistance

State legal aid: Individuals with low or medium income can receive free or partially reimbursed legal aid. The application is submitted to a state legal aid office.

Private lawyers: When choosing a lawyer, it is recommended to ensure their competency in family law. A list of lawyers is available on the Finnish Bar Association website.

 

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the divorce procedure in advance and, if necessary, seek advice from specialists to ensure your rights and interests are safeguarded.

State Legal Assistance

Finland provides state legal aid to individuals with low or medium income, including foreigners residing in the country. This assistance covers a wide range of legal matters, such as family, labor, and criminal law. Eligibility for aid is determined based on the applicant's income, assets, and expenses. The application is submitted to the nearest legal aid bureau.

 

Private Law Firms

Many private law firms in Finland offer services in several languages. Consulting such firms can be especially useful for resolving specific legal issues.

 

Public Organizations and Associations

Some non-profit organizations and associations provide free or low-cost legal advice to immigrants. They can assist with issues related to integration, human rights, and social services. Information about these organizations can be found through local municipalities or immigrant centers.

 

Online Resources

Finland has a number of online resources that provide legal information and advice. The Finlex portal offers access to Finnish legislation and case law. Although the primary language of the portal is Finnish, some materials are available in English.

 

Seeking legal assistance in Finland is an accessible and transparent process for everyone, including foreign citizens. It is important to seek advice timely in order to ensure the protection of your rights and interests.

Authorized Translations

Official documents intended for submission to Finnish government authorities must be translated by an authorized (sworn) translator. Such translators have the required qualifications and are registered with the National Board of Education of Finland. A list of authorized translators is available on the website of the Finnish Association of Translators (https://finlandabroad.fi/).

The authorized translator certifies the translation with their signature and, if necessary, their seal. This confirms the authenticity and accuracy of the translation.

 

Legalization and Apostille: If the original document is issued outside of Finland, legalization or an apostille may be required in the country of issuance. This confirms the authenticity of the document for use in Finland.

 

Translation into the official language: The translation must be performed in one of the official languages of Finland — Finnish or Swedish. In some cases, translation into English is allowed, but it is recommended to clarify the requirements in a specific institution.

 

Additional recommendations

Consultation: If you have questions, consult specialists or the relevant government bodies.

The judicial system of Finland is characterized by the following features:

 

Finland has two main branches of the judicial system:

Courts of general jurisdiction: These courts handle civil and criminal cases. They include district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court.

Administrative courts: They deal with disputes between citizens and government bodies. They consist of regional administrative courts and the Supreme Administrative Court.

 

Role of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of Finland is the highest instance for civil and criminal cases. Its main function is to ensure uniformity in judicial practice and develop the legal system through precedents. The decisions of the Supreme Court serve as guidelines for lower courts.

 

Absence of a jury system: Finland does not have a jury system. Instead, criminal cases in district courts are examined by a panel consisting of a professional judge and two or three lay judges appointed by municipal councils. Lay judges participate in decision-making alongside professional judges.

 

Independence of the judiciary: The judicial system of Finland is independent from the executive and legislative branches of government. Judges are appointed for life and can be removed from office only by a court decision. This ensures the objectivity and impartiality of judicial decisions.

 

Besides general and administrative courts, Finland has specialized courts, such as:

Labor Court: deals with disputes related to collective labor agreements.

Insurance Court: handles issues of social security and insurance.

Searching for real estate: Start by determining the type of real estate (apartment, house, plot) and the region where you plan to acquire property. Use online platforms, real estate agencies, and local ads to find suitable options.

 

Checking the legal status

Before purchasing, it is recommended to check the legal status of the property. This includes:

- Certificate of ownership: confirms that the seller is the legitimate owner.

- Encumbrance certificate: informs about the presence of mortgages or other restrictions on the property.

These documents can be obtained through the National Land Survey of Finland.

 

Signing a preliminary agreement: After selecting a property and agreeing on terms with the seller, a preliminary contract is concluded. It specifies the main terms of the deal, including price, deadlines, and possible conditions. Note that the contract must be in written form and signed by both parties.

 

Payment of the transfer tax: The buyer is obliged to pay the property transfer tax. The tax rate is:

- 4% of the property's value for land plots and houses.

- 2% for apartments in multi-family buildings.

The tax must be paid within two months from the signing of the sales contract.

 

Registration of ownership: After completing the transaction, you must register the ownership with the National Land Survey of Finland. The registration application is submitted within six months from the date of signing the contract. Registration confirms your ownership rights and enters your information into the land register.

 

Additional costs

In addition to the cost of the property and the transfer tax, consider additional expenses such as notary or lawyer services, which are recommended to ensure the legality of the transaction.

 

It is recommended to seek advice from professionals in real estate and law to ensure the legality and safety of the transaction.

Guardianship

Guardianship in Finland is aimed at protecting the interests of individuals who, for various reasons, cannot independently manage their affairs. This may apply to both minor children and adults with limited legal capacity.

Appointment of a guardian: The decision to appoint a guardian is made by the court based on an assessment of the individual's needs. A guardian may be appointed to manage property, personal affairs, or both aspects.

Duties of the guardian: The guardian is obligated to act in the best interest of the ward, ensuring their well-being and protection of rights. The guardian's activities are supervised by social protection authorities.

Adoption

Adoption in Finland is aimed at providing a permanent and caring family for a child deprived of parental care. Candidates must undergo an assessment process, which includes consultations and preparation. Factors such as age, health, financial situation, and motivation for adoption are considered.

International adoption: Finland is a participant in the Hague Convention on Adoption, which provides standards and procedures for international adoptions.

For more detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as Suomi.fi and Finlex, where current legislative acts and guidelines on guardianship and adoption are presented.