Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if your family records have changed, a family member has moved to Finland, or you want to understand which family records may need to be registered or checked at DVV. The matter may concern marriage, a child's records, parenthood, a child born abroad or a document issued outside Finland.
This is the DVV step of the Family Guide route. It does not replace the existing DVV articles on personal identity code, address or municipality of residence. It shows, from the family point of view, which records are worth checking.
Basic order of the DVV step
Step 1
Check which family member's record is involved
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 2
Identify whether the matter is personal data, a family relationship or a document
Prepare clear documents and attachments before sending.
Step 3
Check DVV's official guidance
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 4
Collect the needed documents and translations
Prepare clear documents and attachments before sending.
Step 5
Later make sure the records are shown correctly
This is the next point in the route.
What are family records at DVV?
DVV maintains the Population Information System. The system can contain personal data and family-related records, such as marital status, family relationships, child records and municipality of residence.
Family records often help other authorities understand your situation. That is why the records should be correct. Still, DVV does not decide a Kela benefit, a Migri permit or a school place.
Which records may be important?
For a family, important records may include:
• personal identity code and name • address in Finland • municipality of residence • marital status • marriage or marriage concluded abroad • child's name and personal details • parenthood or family relationship • child's mother tongue or contact language • records of a child born abroad • foreign documents used for registration
Not every family needs every item. Start with the record that relates to your family matter now.
Personal records
Name, personal identity code, address and municipality of residence are separate for each family member.
Family relationships
Marriage, parenthood and child records can affect how other authorities understand the family's situation.
Documents
A foreign document may need legalisation, apostille or an official translation under DVV guidance.
Personal identity code, address and municipality of residence
If a family member moves to Finland, the first DVV questions are often the personal identity code, address and municipality of residence. The personal identity code identifies the person in official matters. The address shows where the person lives. Municipality of residence can affect local services.
If you need detailed guidance for these steps, use the separate DVV route articles. In this Family article, the main point is that each family member's records may be separate.
Marriage and marital status
DVV family records may include marriage, marital status or a marriage concluded abroad. If the marriage was concluded abroad, DVV may need official documents before the record can be entered into the Population Information System.
This article does not explain marriage requirements or ceremonies in detail. The purpose is only to notice that marital status can be a family record to check at DVV.
Child records and parenthood
After a child is born, DVV matters may include the child's name, personal details, parenthood records, contact language or registration of a child born abroad. Records for a child born in Finland and a child born abroad may follow different steps.
If the child was born abroad, always check DVV guidance before sending documents. The document form, translation and legalisation may affect whether the record can be registered.
Foreign documents
Family record registration may be based on a foreign document, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate or official decision. DVV guidance explains when a document may need legalisation, apostille or translation.
Do not assume that a photo, ordinary copy or unofficial translation is enough. Check DVV guidance and keep original documents safe.
When to contact DVV
Contact DVV or check DVV guidance if:
• a family member moves to Finland and needs registration • you do not know whether a family relationship or marital status is correct • you got married abroad • a child was born abroad and the records must be registered in Finland • a child's name or contact language must be notified • DVV asks for foreign documents • you need a certificate from the Population Information System
If the matter concerns a benefit, permit or school, another authority may still make the actual decision.
If you need a sign language interpreter
If you need a sign language interpreter for DVV matters, arrange interpreting before booking or as early as possible before the appointment. Write down in advance what record you want to check: personal data, family relationship, marital status, child records or a foreign document.
If needed, ask DVV for written guidance so you can return to it later with an interpreter or support person.
Related guides
Next step
Once the family's DVV records are understandable, the next Family Guide step is pregnancy and birth.