Väestötunnus

Väestötunnus, meaning population identifier in Finnish, is a unique personal identification number used in Finland. It is assigned to every person registered in the Finnish Population Register Centre. The väestötunnus is crucial for various administrative and legal purposes within Finland, ensuring accurate record-keeping and the identification of individuals.

The primary purpose of the väestötunnus is to uniquely identify individuals for official purposes. This includes functions such as voting, taxation, social security, and accessing public services. It is also used by healthcare providers and educational institutions. The number is generated in a standardized format and is intended to be permanent for each individual throughout their life.

While the väestötunnus is a vital identifier within Finland, its use is generally restricted to Finnish authorities and specific authorized organizations. It is not intended for use in international contexts in the same way some other international identification numbers might be. The system is designed to protect the privacy of individuals while facilitating the efficient administration of services and rights.