Finland to end paper authorisations for passport and ID pickup

From 1 January 2026, it will no longer be possible to use a paper power of attorney to collect a passport or national ID card on someone else's behalf in Finland.

The Finnish police confirmed the change in a statement issued on Thursday, citing forgery risks and compliance with updated European Union identification standards as key reasons for the policy shift.

Under the new rules, passports and identity cards will only be handed over to the person named in the application, their legal guardian, or an individual authorised during the application process.