Population Information System

The Finnish Population Information System is a computerised national register that contains basic information about Finnish citizens and foreign citizens residing in Finland on a permanent or temporary basis. Also recorded is information about buildings, construction projects, residences and real estate.

The information in the system is used throughout Finnish society’s information services and management, including public administration, elections, taxation, judicial administration, research and statistics. Businesses and other private organisations can also gain access to the information. Basic information related to the identification of people and buildings is registered in the Population Information System.

Personal data recorded in the system includes

• name
• personal identity code
• address
• citizenship
• native language
• family relations
• date of birth and death (if applicable)

Building data registered includes

• the building code
• location
• owner
• area
• facilities
• network connections
• intended use
• year of construction

Real estate data registered includes the real estate unit identifier, owner’s name and address, and buildings located on the property.

Finland’s registration of population data is viewed internationally as being of a high standard. Population registers have a long history in Finland, with population information having been registered since the 1530s.