Digital First – implementation project for the prioritisation of digital official communication, 2024–2027
As part of the Digital First government programme project (2024–2027), when the legislation comes into force:
- Official mail sent by public authorities will chiefly be delivered digitally instead of by paper mail. The change applies to all adults who identify in the authorities’ electronic services through Suomi.fi e-Identification.
- Individuals will be given the option to read official mail they receive via private digital mail services.
Public authorities include, for example, municipalities, wellbeing services counties, and central government agencies. Official mail sent by authorities refers to, for example, decisions issued by authorities and other notifications sent by Finnish authorities.
The change applies only to:
- adult individuals who use public authorities’ digital services, and
- official mail sent by authorities (not to other public services).
The change applies only to those who use public authorities’ services digitally
Those who do not use public authorities’ digital services (such as My Kanta or MyTax), will continue to receive official mail on paper – unless they choose digital official mail themselves.
Finns are among the most digitally skilled populations in Europe. Although statistics show that digital services are already the most popular official service channel, telephone and in-person services will remain available alongside digital channels. It will therefore still be possible to contact authorities by phone or in-person.
Digital First will enter into force only once legislation has been amended
The digital priority of official mail is a significant change in Finland that affects the daily life of almost every citizen and resident.
The transition to receiving official mail primarily in digital form requires amendments to legislation. The digital priority of official mail will therefore enter into force only once the legislative changes have been adopted. As of February 2026, the legislative amendments are under consideration by Parliament.
The transition from paper mail to electronic official communications will introduce annual savings in tens of millions of euros from 2026 onwards.
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