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Finland
Finnish nationals and foreign nationals that have spent
a period of residence in Finland are able to obtain an extract of
their criminal record. Applications are made to the Office of
Criminal Record (now called Oikeusrekisterikeskus or Legal Register
Centre).
The extract is known as a ‘Visa Extract’ and is available to an
individual for the purpose of obtaining a visa, work permit,
residence permit or other related reason for presenting to foreign
authorities.
Application Procedure
An individual can request a copy of their criminal record by
writing to:
Oikeusrekisterikeskus (Legal Register Centre)
PO Box 157
13101 Hameenlinna
Finland
The written request must include the following information:
- Full Name (and any previous names)
- Finnish
ID
Code
- Date and Place of Birth
- Full address details and contact telephone number
- Type of certificate required (i.e. Visa Extract)
The individual must also specify the reason for the
request.
There is also an ‘application form’ available upon request, by
writing to the above address or you can download the application
form from the following web site:
www.oikeus.fi/oikeusrekisterikeskus/18619.htm
(new window)
The completed application can be returned by post, fax or e-mail
and must be signed by the applicant; (an unsigned
application sent by e-mail will be accepted if it contains the
applicant’s contact data and there is no reason to doubt its
authenticity)
The extract can also be obtained in person from the Legal
Register Centre but applicants must be able to prove their identity
when presenting themselves.
Finish citizens and other persons that have spent a period of
residence in Finland are given an ID code.; An individual must
provide their Finnish ID code with their application (which can be
found in passports, driving licences, or other similar documents)
for the purpose of identification. Fingerprints are not
required.
The applicant must specify the reason for the
request.
Cost
The cost of a ‘visa extract’ is as follows: The "visa" extract
costs 10 euros. (if applying in Finland or applying from
overseas).
Method of payment
Payment must be made in Euros. If applying from the
UK, payment can be made
by UK postal orders or eurocheque.
Content of records
A visa extract contains all information that is recorded about
the person.
The data on a person is deleted from the register at different
times according to the severity of the punishment.
Turnaround times
If an applicant applies in person to the Legal Register Centre
at Hameenlinna, the extract can be issued whilst the applicant
waits.
A ‘visa extract’ applied for by post takes 1-3 working days to
process. Additional time taken to send and receive applications by
post should be taken into account.
The CRB has taken all reasonable
steps to ensure that the information contained herein is as
accurate and comprehensive as possible. In order to maintain the
accuracy of the information, the CRB will update the information
periodically.
However, the CRB cannot be held responsible for the
level of service provided by overseas authorities. As such, please
do not contact the CRB regarding applications submitted to overseas
authorities.
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