How do I know if the deceased was a church member?

Usually this is evident from DVV's genealogy certificate or from family knowledge. If uncertain, start by ordering from DVV, as they note the church membership periods on the certificate.

Can all certificates be ordered from one place?

Not directly. Each registry keeper only delivers certificates for their own records. Sukuselvitys.fi handles all orders on your behalf with a single order.

What if the deceased lived in ceded territories?

Records from ceded territories (e.g. Karelia) are held by the National Archives. They deliver the genealogy report for the period the person was a member of a parish in the ceded area.

Guide · Estate inventory

DVV, EVL or National Archives — where to order?

In Finland, genealogy records are maintained by several different authorities. Where you order depends on which registry the person belonged to and during which period. This article explains all registry keepers and when each applies.

Published March 2026 · Reading time approx. 5 minutes

Written by Rasmus Nykänen Bachelor of Laws (ON)

Short answer

In most cases, documents are needed from multiple authorities. It is not enough to order only from "DVV" or "the parish". The correct registry keeper depends on the person's life history.

Registry keepers and when they apply

EVL — Evangelical Lutheran Church

Certificates are ordered from the Lutheran church for all periods when the deceased was a member. From 1999 onwards, records are available from EVL's regional registries with a single order. Older records must be ordered from the specific parishes where the deceased was registered.

DVV — Digital and Population Data Services Agency

DVV provides certificates for periods when the deceased was not a member of any religious community. DVV also maintains the population register for all Finnish residents from 1 October 1999 onwards.

Orthodox Church

If the deceased was a member of the Orthodox Church, certificates are ordered from its central registry. This is a separate organisation from EVL.

National Archives

The National Archives holds very old records not available in electronic registries, as well as records from ceded territories such as Karelia. Processing may take longer than with other authorities.

Swedish authorities

If the deceased or an heir lived in Sweden, certificates are also needed from there. From 1991 onwards, Skatteverket provides the certificate. Older records are held by Riksarkivet.

How do you know what to order?

In practice, this research is the most time-consuming part when doing it yourself. The registry history must be systematically reviewed and the correct order sent to the right authority.

Sukuselvitys.fi determines the registry history automatically as part of processing your order. You only need to provide the deceased's name, date of birth and date of death. We handle the research and send orders to all required authorities.

Key principle: The chain of official certificates must be unbroken from the deceased's 15th birthday until date of death. If a certificate is missing for any period, whether due to a forgotten move or a change of registry, the estate inventory cannot be properly completed.

Frequently asked questions

Usually this is evident from DVV's certificate or family knowledge. If unsure, start with DVV, as they note church membership periods on the certificate.

Not directly. Each authority only delivers their own records. Sukuselvitys.fi handles all orders for you with a single order.

Records from ceded territories (e.g. Karelia) are held by the National Archives.

You don't have to figure this out alone

We research the deceased's register history and order all required certificates from the correct authorities. You can trust that everything will be taken care of.

Order genealogy report — 79 €