Marriage in Finland is straightforward and equal for all couples regardless of gender. Here is how to do it and what it means legally.
Before getting married in Finland, you must apply for an examination of impediments to marriage at DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency). This confirms that both parties are free to marry. The examination takes about 7 days. You need a valid passport or ID and a certificate of no impediment from your home country (if you are not a Finnish resident).
You can have a civil ceremony (performed by a local registrar, free of charge) or a religious ceremony (church wedding in the Lutheran or Orthodox church, or other registered religious communities). Same-sex marriages have been legal since 2017. The ceremony requires two witnesses.
If you or your partner is a foreign national, you typically need: valid passport, certificate of no impediment to marriage from your home country, and any documents translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English by an authorised translator. Requirements vary by nationality, so contact DVV in advance.
Marriage in Finland creates mutual maintenance obligations, shared rights to the family home, and default rules about property (each spouse owns their own property but the increase in assets during marriage may be divided upon divorce). A prenuptial agreement (avioehto) can modify property division rules.
Marriage to a Finnish citizen can be the basis for a residence permit application at Migri. The marriage must be genuine (not entered into solely for immigration purposes). Migri may interview both parties. After marriage, you can apply for Finnish citizenship after 4 years of continuous residence (instead of 5).
Common mistake
Assuming a marriage from another country is automatically valid in Finland. Foreign marriages are generally recognised, but you should register the marriage at DVV to ensure it is reflected in Finnish records.
Good to know
Civil ceremonies in Finland can be performed in any location you choose (home, park, restaurant) as long as the registrar agrees. The ceremony itself is free, though you may pay for the venue.