kuolintodistus

Kuolintodistus, or death certificate, is an official document confirming that a person has died. In Finland it is usually prepared by a physician who attended the person at the time of death. The kuolintodistus records the deceased’s identity, the date and place of death, and, where appropriate, the cause of death. It serves as the medical basis for notifying authorities and for entering the death into the population information system (väestötietojärjestelmä) maintained by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto).

After the death is registered, an official death certificate can be issued to the deceased’s heirs or legal representatives. This document is used in administrative and legal matters such as probate, inheritance distribution, pensions and social security matters, and the settlement of the estate. It is also required to close bank accounts and terminate contracts. Access to copies of the death certificate is controlled and typically requires identity verification and a legitimate interest (for example being an heir or executor). In some cases, the hospital, municipality, or DVV can provide certified copies via official channels.

Related terms include kuolinilmoitus (death notification) and perunkirjoitus (estate settlement). The kuolintodistus is primarily a medical document; the legally usable form for most administrative tasks is the official death certificate registered in the population system.