Finland Civil Registration

Offices to Contact
Väestörekisterikeskus PL 7 (Kellosilta 4) 00521 Helsinki Finland Telephone: 011-358-9-229 161 Fax: 011-358-9-2291 6795 Website

Historical Background
Civil Registration Kept by the State Church

Records of births, marriages, and deaths are commonly referred to as vital records because they refer to critical events in a person’s life. Civil registration is the vital records made by the government. Vital records of Finland have traditionally been kept by the church. Catholic parishes Evangelical parishes Orthodox congregations See Finland Church Records for more information.

Civil Registration for People Without Religious Preference

In 1923 a freedom of religion law was passed. As a result, people who did not have a religious preference were recorded in a civil registry [Siviilirekisteri/Civil registret]. Later, people who belonged to churches other than the state churches were also included in the civil registry.

Census Records as Civil Registration

In 1970 the government’s census records [henkikirjat/mantalslängder] became the basis of a general population register [Väestörekisteri/ Befolkningsregistret] for all people in Finland. This population register also incorporated the information from the earlier civil registry [Siviilirekisteri/Civil registret].

For more information about Finnish censuses, see Finland Census.

The Väestörekisteri/Befolkningsregistret has local offices on a commune (parish) level. The central office has a computerized register that includes information on individuals nationwide. The central office can help you find living relatives in Finland.