Citizen Certificate
The Citizen Certificate is standardized personal data, an electronic identity based on Public Key Infrastructure. It contains, among other information, a citizen’s first name, family name and an electronic client identifier.
We are accustomed to using the personal identity number in traditional client situations where there has been a need to verify our identity. In an electronic context, identity verification takes place with the help of an electronic client identifier, which is a set of information consisting of numbers and a check digit. An electronic client identifier is created automatically in the Population Information System for every Finnish citizen and according to the Municipality of Residence Act for aliens residing permanently in Finland.
The electronic client identifier is activated as a Citizen Certificate when you receive an ID card issued by the police, for instance. Then the Citizen Certificate is embedded in the ID card's chip.
The Citizen Certificate is a network key for e-services requiring strong identification. Two codes are needed to use online services with the Citizen Certificate. You need an identification code (PIN1) to register for online services. A signature code (PIN2) is required for an electronic signature. Legally, it is as binding and undisputed as a traditional signature.
Uses
The most common situations for using the Citizen Certificate include:
The number of public as well as private online services is increasing daily. This improves the availability of the services, as they may be used by citizens regardless of time and place.
Citizen Certificate on Different Platforms
The Citizen Certificate may be attached to:
An ID card is issued by the police, and health insurance information may also be attached to it. In addition, the card replaces a passport as an official travel document both in the Nordic countries and in EU Member States, Switzerland, San Marino and Liechtenstein. For more information regarding the application process: http://www.police.fi