Not enough time remains in the current session of the Finnish Parliament for legislative initiatives that would enable digital identity reform to be processed. Preparations for a European Digital Identity Wallet continue. This page will be updated soon. Read more.
Digital identity reform
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency is working with the Finnish Police to develop a solution for reforming digital identities as part of a project by the Ministry of Finance. This development work will result in a new, secure mobile application (Suomi.fi Wallet) for showing proof of identity when using in-person services and e-services of public and private actors. An alternative identification solution (Code Display) for using the electronic services of public administration will also be created for people who will not be using a mobile device for identification. These solutions will be new Suomi.fi services.
The aim is to develop a digital identity solution for citizens to make everyday life easier. It adapts to the needs of a changing society and is suitable for new digital platforms as they develop. The solution takes different users into account and thus promotes equality.
The digital identity development project is underway from 2020 to 2023.
This video shows how the digital proof of identity can be used in practice. If the embedded video doesn't work, the video can be seen at out video portal.
The legislation
15.9.2022 a government proposal on legislation enabling the use of digital identity cards was submitted to Parliament. Read the proposal.
Press release 24.2.2023: Digital identity reform interrupted, need for digital identity solutions did not disappear
European Digital Identity Wallet
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency develops digital identity solutions so that they are interoperable with the future European Digital Identity Wallet and serve as a basis for its implementation in Finland.
Read more about the European Digital Identity Wallet
Send an email to [email protected] and you will receive invitations to events and up-to-date information on the progress of the work.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions. You can also find more questions and answers on the Ministry of Finance website (in Finnish).
The digital proof of identity operates through a mobile app. It can be used by people who have a valid Finnish passport or identity card. It is issued by the police and serves as an identification document that is equal to a passport or identity card.
The digital proof of identity can be used for both electronic and in-person transactions. This means it will be possible to prove one’s identity when picking up a postal package, for example, by using the mobile application. The user receives for their own use the personal data which has been confirmed by the authority, and they can decide where and when to use it.
The new solution is available for use by both the private and public sector. It is also offered through Suomi.fi authentication using the same interfaces as other present-day identification solutions.
The digital ID for foreigners can be used by foreigners who need to manage their affairs in Finland. The digital ID for foreigners is granted by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. People who would benefit from this digital ID would include those planning to move to Finland for work or study or foreigners who have business activities in Finland. The person is registered in the Population Information System, and this can be done remotely as a self-service. The person receives a personal identification number, which remains the same even if they move to Finland later on. The digital ID for foreigners can only be used for electronic transactions. It works in the same way as the digital proof of identity: the user has the central role and they decide what information to use and who to share it with.
This solution for foreigners is also available for use in both the private and public sectors. It is offered through Suomi.fi e-Identification as one of the identification options, and the organization concerned decides whether to accept its use in its own service.
If you do not want or are not able to use the mobile application, you can receive an alternative means of identification for public e-services, Code Display. This is also granted by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. In practice, the Code Display may be a ID reading device similar to those which banks offer to their customers. The solution is offered via Suomi.fi e-Identification to participating services.
This video shows how the digital proof of identity can be used in practice. If the embedded video doesn't work, the video can be seen at out video portal.
These animations show how the digital proof of identity can be used in practice:
News
- 24.2.2023 — Digital identity reform interrupted, need for digital identity solutions did not disappear
- 10.2.2023 — The development of the European Digital Identity Wallet is ongoing: the first version of the reference architecture has been published
- 28.11.2022 — Testing of digital identity solutions has begun in organisations
- 24.11.2022 — Register for the digital identity user community – try and evaluate new services
- 4.11.2022 — Students envision the future of digital identity in a hackathon
- 1.11.2022 — Ethical hackers are looking for information security gaps in Suomi.fi services - the digital identity application also under testing
- 15.9.2022 — Development of the digital identity card already far along – feedback from test users guiding completion of the mobile application
- 8.9.2022 — Higher education student, register to our hackathon to envision the future of digital identity services
- 4.4.2022 — DVV is seeking a remote digital identity identification solution provider
- 1.4.2022 — New solutions for digital identity improve opportunities to make use of Suomi.fi services
- 10.3.2022 — Market consultation on identification tokens lays the foundation for a digital identity solution – respond to a request for information
- 8.3.2022 — Finland is actively involved in the preparation of the European Digital Identity Wallet – the proposal for technical architecture can now be commented on
- 2.3.2022 — Digital and Population Data Services Agency invites you to join the development of new digital identity solutions