Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if a child has been born and you want to understand which records are registered, who is responsible and what the family needs to do next.
The guide does not cover baby care, health or parenting. It focuses only on administrative matters: the child's records, name, personal identity code, parenthood, possible foreign documents and the next Kela step.
What happens after the child is born?
When a child is born in Finland, the hospital enters the birth details into the Population Information System. Parents usually do not need to apply separately for the child's personal identity code if DVV's registration conditions are met.
The family's own important task after birth is to notify the child's names and mother tongue within the deadline. It is also worth checking whether your situation involves confirmation of parenthood, foreign documents or right-of-residence questions.
From birth to the Kela step
Step 1
The hospital enters the birth details into the Population Information System
This is the next point in the route.
Step 2
The child receives a personal identity code when the birth is registered
Prove your identity at the place named in the guidance.
Step 3
The family receives guidance for notifying the child's details
This is the next point in the route.
Step 4
The child's names and mother tongue are notified by the deadline
This is the next point in the route.
Step 5
DVV registers the details and other authorities can use them
This is the next point in the route.
Step 6
Next, check Kela family benefits
Check your situation before the next action.
Registering the child's records
DVV maintains the Population Information System. The child's records may include birth details, name, personal identity code, mother tongue, contact language, parents and guardians.
Child born in Finland
The hospital enters the birth details. The family's task is usually to notify the child's names and mother tongue according to DVV or parish guidance.
Child born abroad
The family usually needs to request registration and submit documents according to DVV guidance.
Child's name
The child's names and mother tongue must be notified within three months after the child's birth. DVV guidance explains how to submit the notification online or on a form and when a parish may be involved.
The name is not only a family decision. DVV investigates the lawfulness of the name after the notification has been submitted. DVV usually does not give an advance opinion before the form is returned.
Name and mother tongue
The notification gives the child's forenames, surname and mother tongue. Only one mother tongue can be entered into the Population Information System.
Personal identity code
When the child's birth is registered, the child is issued a personal identity code. According to DVV guidance, a child born in Finland can receive a personal identity code, for example, when the parent who gave birth has a personal identity code and municipality of residence or a valid temporary address in Finland.
The personal identity code is important for later official matters. It may be needed with Kela, healthcare services and other services.
Parenthood and family records
The child's family records may include parents and guardians. If the child is born during a marriage, some records may be determined directly. If the parents are not married or the situation involves two mothers, confirmation of parenthood may be a separate step.
DVV and parenthood
DVV can confirm parenthood, but establishing it often starts through the municipal or wellbeing services county child welfare officer depending on the situation.
What happens after registration?
After the child's names have been entered into the Population Information System, the records become available to other authorities. DVV may not send a separate confirmation. If necessary, the guardian can check the child's details through an official service according to DVV guidance.
After registration, the next practical Family Guide step is Kela. Family benefits, such as child benefit and parental allowances, are processed by Kela under Kela's own rules and applications.
If foreign documents are needed
If the child was born abroad or the family relationship is based on a foreign document, check DVV guidance before sending documents. Required documents may include a birth certificate, a document on confirmation of parenthood and translations if needed.
DVV accepts documents in certain languages and may require legalisation or apostille. Do not send an unofficial copy if DVV asks for an original or officially certified copy.
If you need a sign language interpreter
If you need a sign language interpreter for child registration, name, parenthood or foreign-document matters, arrange interpreting early. Write down in advance what the matter concerns and which documents you have.
Ask DVV or another authority for written guidance if you are unsure about the next step. Written guidance makes it easier to handle the matter with an interpreter.