Kotipaikka

Kotipaikka is the Finnish term for domicile or place of residence. It refers to the official home of a person or entity and is used to determine legal jurisdiction, taxation, social security, and municipal administration.

For individuals, kotipaikka is determined by long-term residence and the intention to regard a place as home. It is usually the location where a person lives with their family most of the year. If a person spends significant time in more than one place, the kotipaikka is the location with the strongest ties, such as work, family, and community. Changes to kotipaikka are communicated to authorities and updated in official registries.

For minors, kotipaikka is determined by the domicile of their parents or guardians.

For organizations, kotipaikka refers to the registered office or seat and determines corporate jurisdiction and governing law.

Legally, kotipaikka affects which court has jurisdiction, which tax authority handles taxation, and where social benefits apply. It also influences eligibility to vote in municipal elections. The population registry uses kotipaikka to classify residents and manage services accordingly.

Data about kotipaikka are maintained in the Väestötietojärjestelmä (the population information system); moving to a new kotipaikka requires updating address information and may involve related administrative changes in taxation and welfare registrations. In practice, kotipaikka provides a stable reference point for personal and corporate administration within Finland.