Name change in Finland
18 December 2023
A Brief Guide to Name Changes for Transgender Individuals in Finland #
Name changes already made outside of Finland can be updated for free. Please refer to this website.
How to Submit an Application #
Note that if you wish to change your gender marker as well, refer to Confirmation of gender - DVV. After changing your gender, you can change your name for free. Remember, you must reconfirm within 30 days to 6 months after changing your gender marker.
The process is as follows:
- Strong identity verification (e.g., bank, MobileID) allows for the use of online services.
- Download and fill out the form. Then either:
-
- Print and mail it to the specified address.
-
- Save securely and send to an encrypted email address (ending in .s).
-
An explanation of encrypted email follows below.
Changing Your Forename #
The details are outlined here: Change forename.
For gender affirmation, those under 15 need a guardian’s consent; those 15 and older can apply independently. Specific instructions are provided below.
Changing Your Surname #
Key points are summarized here: Change surname - DVV:
- You must have a surname.
Further details are clearly stated in the website.
Name Service & Online Forms #
Using strong identity verification, navigate to the main page, and proceed to the relevant section to submit a new forename/surname/full name.
Note that only the first letter of each word can be uppercase; the rest must be lowercase.
Under the Name Act, you can change your name if:
- More than 5 people use the name.
- The applicant has a cultural connection justifying the name according to that culture’s norms.
- The name is justified for religious reasons.
- Other reasons.
Given the ambiguity of “other reasons,” it is advisable to seek the first three methods. For instance, if your preferred name is used by more than 5 people, as found in Name service - DVV, you can use the first method. If not, the second method may apply, if you have connections to non-Finnish cultures. I am not well-versed in religious justifications, so I cannot offer much information there.
If it is not a name change because of a change in gender marker, the online services will require a fee of 60 or 120 euros, regardless of success.
Printing and Mailing #
DVV will take 1-2 months to process your submission. You will receive an invoice, and upon payment, the application process will begin.
After the Review #
A letter will be sent to your address. If the name in the window of the envelope is the one you prefer, congratulations, your chosen name has been reclaimed!
Appeals #
To be updated.
Encrypted Email #
Simply add .s to the recipient’s email address.
For example, [email protected] becomes [email protected].
List of URLs #
Name service - DVV Name service Database - DVV Change forename - DVV Change surname - DVV