The personal identity code

The personal identity code is a means of identification for individuals that is more specific than a name. Several people may have the exact same name but there are no two persons with exactly the same personal identity code. The personal identity code is meant to be permanent.

The personal identity code is used to identify persons in the registers and information systems of different authorities as well as in data communication between them. Some private sector actors such as banks, insurance companies, and private healthcare service providers may also need your personal identity code to ensure that information is registered for the correct person. 

A personal identity code is issued to a person who is registered in Finland’s Population Information System. Personal identity codes were introduced in Finland in the 1960s.

Parents of children born in Finland do not need to take any measures to obtain a personal identity code for the child. The hospital enters the necessary details of all births into the Population Information System, and when the child’s birth is registered, a personal identity code is issued to the child. 

Finnish citizens born abroad are issued a personal identity code after the Digital and Population Data Services Agency has registered the child in the Population Information System at the parents’ request. 

Children adopted from abroad to Finland usually receive a personal identity code after arriving in Finland. However, children adopted from some countries will receive a personal identity code before they enter Finland.

A personal identity code is issued to a foreign citizen moving to Finland from abroad after they have been registered in the Population Information System at their own request or at the time they are granted a residence permit.

The personal identity code is meant to be permanent. It can only be changed if a person’s date of birth or gender has been registered incorrectly or if the person is legally confirmed to be a different gender. Additionally, in very exceptional cases, the personal identity code can be changed to protect a person, if their health or safety is threatened, or if another person has repeatedly misused the original code.

Frequently asked questions