Finland
Apostille in Finland
At a glance
Who issues apostilles in Finland, and what does it cost?
| Uses apostilles? | Uses apostilles1 |
|---|---|
| Member since | 1 |
| How it joined | Ratified (signed and confirmed), 1 |
| Who issues apostilles | Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto, DVV), notary public services, documents issued by a Finnish public authority or a comparable party such as an authorised translator or a licensed physician2 |
| Fee | €38 (per apostille certificate)3checked 18 October 2026 |
| Processing time | Not published by the office3checked 18 October 2026 |
| Documents covered | 3 kinds of document listed by the office |
| What the receiving side decides | Whether it accepts the document: for example how recent it must be and whether it needs a translation. |
| Last checked |
Step by step
How to get an apostille in Finland
Check that the document was issued by a public authority or a comparable party, as the notary public can only certify those.3
If the document is private, first ask the notary public to certify the authenticity of the signature or the competence of the person who signed it.3
Book an appointment with a notary public of the agency, or use the agency's telephone service for notary matters on weekdays from 9 to 15.4
Documents
Common documents
As listed by the office:
- Documents issued by a Finnish public authority3
- Translations made by authorised translators3
- Documents signed by licensed physicians3
More about these documents: sworn or certified translation.
Contacts
Who to contact in Finland
- Apostille officeDigital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto, DVV), notary public services2Documents issued by a Finnish public authority or a comparable party such as an authorised translator or a licensed physicianjulkinen.notaari@dvv.fi
- The office that will receive your documentAsk it before you start what it needs: an apostille, a translation, or a document issued recently.
Common situations
Using a document from or in Finland
A document issued in Finland
The apostille comes from Finland, from the office named above. It works in any other country where the Convention applies with Finland.
Check where it can be usedA document for use in Finland
Get the apostille in the country that issued the document, not in Finland. Finland accepts it if that country is also a member and the Convention applies between the two.
Check your countryGood to know
Good to know
Note: Rule
A private document can get an apostille only after the notary public has certified the signature or the competence of the person who signed it.3
Note: Rule
The Legal Register Centre does not issue apostilles for criminal record extracts; the apostille for the signed and stamped extract comes from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.5
Before the apostille
Private documents
A private document, such as a power of attorney or a contract, is first signed in front of a notary public, and the apostille then goes on the notary’s certificate. A copy of a public document from another country is first certified by a notary public, then apostilled.
An apostille only confirms the signature, the role of the person who signed and any seal or stamp on the document. It does not confirm what the document says. The office that receives the document decides what it accepts.
Questions
Questions about apostilles in Finland
Does Finland accept apostilles?
Yes. Finland has been a member of the Apostille Convention since 26 August 1985, so it issues and accepts apostilles for documents exchanged with other member countries.
Who issues apostilles in Finland?
Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto, DVV), notary public services (documents issued by a Finnish public authority or a comparable party such as an authorised translator or a licensed physician).
How much does an apostille cost in Finland?
€38 (per apostille certificate). Fees can change, so check the office’s own page before you apply.
How long does an apostille take in Finland?
The office does not publish a processing time (checked 18 October 2026).
Do I need to notarise a private document first?
Yes. A private document, such as a power of attorney or a contract, is first signed in front of a notary public. The apostille is then added to the notary’s certificate, not to the private document itself.
Is an apostille valid in countries that are not Convention members?
No. An apostille only works in other member countries. Countries outside the Convention use a different process, usually called legalisation. The office that receives your document decides what it accepts.
Sources and verification
Sources
- HCCH status table: Apostille Convention (1961)
- Finland - Competent Authority (Art. 6)
- Apostille
- Services of notary public
- Extract for abroad
- Status
- Last verified: (18 October 2026)
- How it was checked
- Checked by our team against the sources above
- Next review
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