Suomi.fi e-Authorizations: A person under guardianship can now act on behalf of another person and grant their trusted person the right to act on their behalf

As of 12 December 2023, an adult under guardianship may authorise another person to act on their behalf in many services. The person under guardianship can also act on behalf of another person, themselves. 

Acting on behalf of another person is possible in services that verify the right to use the services via Suomi.fi e-Authorizations. Such services include Suomi.fi Messages, MyKanta and pharmacies, among others. See the list of services

Suomi.fi e-Authorizations help you use services on behalf of another

The change makes it easier and faster to act on behalf of another person, since you can now handle matters online. Previously, information on being placed under guardianship has prevented authorisation and acting on behalf of another person.

One of these services is Suomi.fi Messages You can now 

• use Suomi.fi e-Authorizations to grant your guardian or other person the right to use Suomi.fi Messages on your behalf
• act on behalf of your child or company in Suomi.fi Messages 
• act as an attorney acting on behalf of another person or company 

How do I authorise someone else to act on my behalf?

• If you have online banking IDs or a mobile certificate, you can authorise another person by logging in to Suomi.fi e-Authorizations. You need the name and personal identity code of the person to be authorised.  
  • You can find instructions in Suomi.fi on the Granting mandates as a person page
• If you do not have online banking IDs or a mobile certificate, the person to be authorised can submit a mandate application with you.
  • Suomi.fi provides instructions for granting mandates if you are unable to use electronic services

How do I act on behalf of my child or company?

If you want to act on behalf of your child or your company, you do not need a separate mandate. The services use Suomi.fi e-Authorizations to check your right to use services directly from the Population Information System or the Trade Register.

The Guardianship Services Act restricts guardians’ use of and authority over bank accounts

Under the Guardianship Services Act, persons subject to guardianship will not be able to manage their bank account. Therefore, you are not able to authorise another person to manage matters that allow changing your bank account number.

If the competency of a person placed under guardianship is restricted, they are not able to authorise the managing of their financial matters, either.

When can a guardian or attorney act on my behalf?

The Digital and Population Data Services Agency is promoting the e-services of guardians and attorneys in 2023–2025. In the first phase, persons under guardianship are given the opportunity to authorise and act on behalf of another person. A person under guardianship may authorise their own guardian or other trusted person.

The goal is that by the end of 2025 private guardians and attorneys will be able to act on behalf of their client in matters within their mandate without separately granted Suomi.fi e-Authorizations. Available services are those that use Suomi.fi e-Authorizations to check the person’s right to use services.  

The schedule of the reform depends, among other things, on legislative changes.

What is Suomi.fi e-Authorizations?

• A Suomi.fi e-Authorization is an electronic power of attorney that enables private individuals, companies and organisations to safely authorise someone else to act on their behalf.
• Acting on behalf of another person is possible in services that use Suomi.fi e-Authorizations to check the person’s right to use services.  
• Suomi.fi e-Authorizations are produced by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.