Civil Records for Finland citizens in the United States — 2026

Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Finland authorities. Essential for citizens of Finland living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.

Finland consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

• Birth registration: children of Finland parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Finland nationals
• Marriage registration: marriages of Finland citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
• Death registration: death of Finland nationals in the U.S.
• Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Finland

Required documents

• Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
• Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Certified translation to the official language of Finland
• Passport and ID of the Finland citizens involved
• Application form completed

How to register

Most Finland consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Finland civil registry office.

Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.

Costs and processing times

Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Finland can take additional months.