Maistraatti (Local Register Office)

Detailed explanation

The maistraatti system existed for centuries as the local administrative authority for civil and population matters. Each region had its own maistraatti office where residents would register their address, apply for name changes, register marriages and divorces, confirm guardianship arrangements, and access notary public services.

In the 2020 reorganization, the local maistraatti offices and the Population Register Centre (Väestörekisterikeskus) were merged to form DVV, creating a single national agency for digital and population data services. The services remain the same, but they are now provided under the DVV brand with increased digitalization and online service availability.

Many older Finnish documents, guidebooks, and even some Finns in conversation still refer to "maistraatti." If someone tells you to "go to the maistraatti," they mean you should contact DVV for the service in question.

How it affects expats

• •Name references: Older information may refer to "maistraatti"

• •this now means DVV

• •Registration: New residents must register with DVV (not "maistraatti") to get their personal identity code and municipality of residence

• •Civil ceremonies: DVV performs civil marriage ceremonies and registers marriages, divorces, and registered partnerships

• •Name changes: Applications for name changes in Finland are handled by DVV

• •Online services: Many former maistraatti services are now available online at dvv.fi

• •Appointments: DVV service points (formerly maistraatti offices) still exist

• •book appointments online at dvv.fi

Key details

• •Merged in 2020: Maistraatti offices became part of DVV on January 1, 2020

• •DVV website: dvv.fi

• •the central portal for all former maistraatti services

• •Services: Address registration, civil marriages, name changes, guardianship, notary services

• •Service points: Physical offices still exist across Finland under the DVV name

• •Online access: Many services available digitally with strong authentication

Related terms

• •DVV — the current agency handling population data services

• •Muuttoilmoitus (Change of Address) — address registration with DVV

• •Hetu (Personal Identity Code) — issued by DVV