Surname not updated after marriage in Finland: what Ukrainians should do
Surname not updated after marriage in Finland: this can be corrected through the DVV, depending on where the marriage was concluded and which surname is recorded in the documents. If the marriage was concluded in Finland, the surname is changed on the basis of the certificate of examination of impediments to marriage, when you declared the change. Otherwise, a separate application is required.
If you chose your spouse’s surname not at the time of the marriage but later, the DVV treats this as a change of surname. It costs 100 euros and requires the other spouse’s consent. If the marriage was concluded abroad and the new surname is stated in the certificate or passport, the DVV may register it.
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that a discrepancy in surnames is most often discovered only when a problem arises. A bank, Kela, Migri or the tax authority cannot match the documents. Below we explain what to do if the surname has not been updated and how not to miss deadlines.
Why a surname does not change automatically after marriage in Finland
In Finland, a surname changes only upon your application. The law allows spouses to choose a shared surname that one of them had before the marriage, or to keep their own.
| Option | What happens |
| Shared surname | Chosen when requesting an examination of impediments to marriage |
| Compound surname | One or both spouses take a compound surname combining both |
| Each keeps their own | The surnames do not change |
If you did not declare a change at the time of the marriage, the surnames are deemed to have been retained. That is why the previous surname remains in the system.
Surname not updated after marriage: what to do if the marriage was concluded in Finland
If the marriage was concluded in Finland, the DVV advises following the page on the surname upon marriage rather than filing an ordinary application for a change. What can be done after the ceremony depends on the circumstances, so it is better to contact the DVV. Do not delay the enquiry, as each month of discrepancy complicates the documents. This is especially important before applying for permits or filing tax returns.
If you are not sure whether a change of surname after marriage in Finland will resolve the matter, the DVV advises contacting its marriage specialists. It is more convenient to send the enquiry by secure email and to state your personal data and the substance of the question in it.
A reply may not arrive immediately. Therefore, prepare the documents in parallel, in particular the marriage certificate with an apostille and a translation, the other spouse’s written consent, and copies of passports. This will save time when the DVV requests additional information.
Marriage concluded in Ukraine: how the DVV registers the new surname
If you married in Ukraine or another country, the DVV registers the marriage on the basis of a notification. The new surname may be recorded if it is stated in the marriage certificate or in an identity document.
| Situation | How the DVV acts |
| The new surname is in the marriage certificate | Registers the new surname on the basis of the document |
| The new surname is in an identity document | Registers the surname on that basis |
| The new surname is not in the documents | May register it on the basis of a notification under certain conditions |
The last option is available if you reside in Finland or are a Finnish citizen and the other spouse gives consent. Therefore, prepare the documents from Ukraine in advance, together with an apostille and a translation.
Changing a surname to a spouse’s surname: conditions, cost, time limits
If the surname was not updated at the time of the marriage, it can be changed by an application for a change of surname. The DVV allows a spouse’s surname to be adopted with that spouse’s consent.
| Parameter | What the DVV states |
| The other spouse’s consent | Required; it may be signed in the application or on a separate form |
| Cost | 100 euros for each change or each person; the fee is non-refundable |
| Reversion to a previous surname | 95 euros |
| Processing time | 7–10 weeks, and 2–6 months if additional enquiries are made |
| Automatic decision | For one’s own previous surname, less than one day |
The new surname is entered in the system on the day the decision is made. After that, Kela will automatically send a new card, but the passport, electronic identity card and driving licence must be changed by you.
Children’s surnames after a parent’s change of surname
If one of the parents changed their surname upon marriage, the question arises of what to do about a minor child’s surname. The DVV sets separate rules for this.
| Situation | How the DVV acts |
| A father or mother married and changed their surname | The child may receive the father’s or mother’s new surname free of charge with the spouse’s consent |
| The child receives both parents’ surnames | The change is free of charge |
| Other changes to a minor child’s surname | Usually subject to a fee |
| A child aged 10–17 | The consent of all guardians and of the child is required |
For free processing, the consent of the father’s or mother’s spouse is required. If it is absent, the application becomes subject to a fee.
How to check the surname recorded in the Population Information System
Before filing any application, make sure what exactly is recorded about you. This will help you choose the correct procedure. If you notice a discrepancy, record it in writing. This will be needed for explanations to the authorities.
Divorce and reversion to a previous surname
A surname does not change automatically after divorce either. Spouses who changed their surname upon marriage may revert to their former surname at any time. If you intend to revert to a surname, align it in advance with the Ukrainian documents. Otherwise, you will again have a discrepancy between the countries.
Discrepancies in surnames across documents: the consequences
If the passport shows one surname and the system another, practical problems arise. They concern banks, Kela, taxes and permits.
- A bank may refuse to carry out transactions or open an account
- Kela or the tax authority may be unable to find your record
- Migri may require an explanation of the discrepancies
- Travel and identity documents become more complicated
- Translations and apostilles are made with errors and have to be corrected
The longer the discrepancy exists, the more documents will be issued with the incorrect surname. It should therefore be eliminated as soon as possible. In particular, do not sign contracts or file applications with the authorities until the entries in the various registers have been aligned, so as not to create new errors.
Typical mistakes when a surname has not been updated after marriage
Below are the mistakes that occur most often. Each of them could have been avoided.
- Assuming that the surname changed automatically after the marriage
- Not declaring the surname during the examination of impediments to marriage
- Not updating documents in Ukraine after a change in Finland
- Not obtaining the spouse’s written consent
- Filing an application for a change without checking the conditions
- Not checking the spelling of the surname in all documents
Each mistake means repeated enquiries and additional costs. Discrepancies between Ukrainian and Finnish documents are particularly risky. Therefore, before filing any application, check the data, conditions and cost on the official DVV page, not on forums.
Why it is difficult to correct the situation on your own
It may seem that filing an application is enough. However, the conditions depend on the place of the marriage, the time of filing and the family’s circumstances.
- It is difficult to determine which procedure applies
- Apostilles and translations from Ukraine are required
- Requirements and cost depend on your situation
- Documents need to be updated in two countries
- Information is scattered across the websites of different authorities
That is why more and more Ukrainians who have not updated their surname after marriage turn to lawyers even before filing an application.
On your own or with International Law Firm "Zahist": a comparison
The difference between the two approaches is best seen in a comparison.
| Parameter | On your own | With International Law Firm "Zahist" |
| Choice of procedure | Based on advice from forums | Analysis of the situation and the place of marriage |
| Documents from Ukraine | Difficult to prepare correctly | Review, apostille, translation |
| Application to the DVV | In person, sometimes in Finnish | Preparation and support |
| Updating documents | Easy to miss something | Checklist of authorities |
| Interaction with authorities | In person, sometimes in a foreign language | Support at every step |
We do not guarantee decisions by public authorities, as the final word remains with them. However, proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of refusals.
How International Law Firm "Zahist" helps with a surname after marriage
We work according to a clear plan so that you always understand what is happening in your case.
- Analysis of the situation: where the marriage was concluded and which surname appears in the documents
- Determination of the procedure at the DVV
- Preparation of the application and the spouse’s consent
- Assistance with the apostille and translation of documents from Ukraine
- Support with registration of the new surname
- Updating documents in Finland and in Ukraine
- Preparation of an appeal in the event of a refusal
At every stage, you know what is happening and are not left alone with the bureaucracy. This is especially important when a discrepancy prevents you from obtaining a permit or a payment.
Legal assistance with a change of surname
Do not delay seeking advice, because a discrepancy in surnames only complicates the matter over time. The sooner you start, the less you risk facing delays.
Contact the lawyers of International Law Firm "Zahist", and we will help you decide what to do if you have not updated your surname after marriage in Finland, and prepare all the documents.
