Adoption

Confirmation of the adoption of a Finnish child is applied for by a written application to the district court determined by the municipality of residence of the adoption applicant.

The adoption of a minor child can be confirmed if it is considered to be in the child’s best interests and it has been established that the child will receive good care and upbringing. When deciding on the matter, the child’s wishes and opinion must be taken into account as required by the child’s age and level of development. The adoption of an adult can be confirmed if it has been established that the adoptee has been in the care and upbringing of the adoption applicant as a minor, or that an established relationship comparable to the relationship between the child and the parent has otherwise been established between the adoptee and the applicant while he or she was a minor.

In most cases, adoption requires an adoption permit, which requires not only meeting the requirements laid down in the law, but also proof of receiving adoption counselling. In the case of international adoption, obtaining permission also requires obtaining an international adoption service.

A parent of a child who intends to give his or her minor child for adoption and a person who intends to adopt a minor child must request adoption advice from the wellbeing services county determined by their municipality of residence or from an approved adoption agency.

More detailed information on adoption is available from the wellbeing services county determined by your municipality of residence.