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. The affidavit costs $50. Payment is accepted in U.S. Dollars or the equivalent amount in Euros. Book an appointment and print the confirmation of your appointment.
Please bring with you:
- The confirmation page printout
- (The divorce decree(s), if applicable.) (You will receive the non-impediment form during your appointment.)
- A valid passport, or three valid official IDs.
- $50 dollars cash or credit card. No debit cards or personal checks can be accepted. Note that the $50 dollar fee is per seal/notarial signature. Payment is accepted in U.S. Dollars or the equivalent amount in 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 first contact the Finnish civil registrar office (Digital and Population Data Services Agency), which has jurisdiction over your intended place of marriage to determine what documentation is required.