Citizen Services
Marriage in Finland
In order to marry in Finland, you will have to present documentary evidence to the local civil registrar that there are no legal impediments to your marriage under the laws of the United States. As none of the U.S. state governments issue statements of non-impediments, most Finnish registrars accept an affidavit sworn by you at the Embassy to the effect that you are not presently married (or that all previous marriages have been legally terminated, provided certified evidence of such termination is attached).
If you wish to execute an affidavit of non-impediment, you must be physically present at the consulate. For an appointment, please call the consular section Monday - Thursday at (09) 616-25730 between 3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. to arrange a notarial appointment or contact us through email: HelsinkiNIV@state.gov. The affidavit costs $30.00 or 21.00 euros.
American citizens in Finland are subject to Finnish law. The U.S. Embassy has no authority to decide whether an American wishing to marry in Finland has satisfactorily complied with local requirements. Accordingly, we recommend that you contact the Finnish civil registrar office (Maistraatti), which has jurisdiction over your intended place of marriage in advance to determine what documentation is required.