Finland’s legislation for European Digital Identity Wallets takes effect on October 1, establishing national responsibilities for a wallet that citizens are expected to be able to use in 2027. The legal change supports the EU’s revised electronic identification framework without making the Finnish wallet available immediately.
The wallet will be a free, voluntary mobile application for proving identity and sharing digital information with services in Finland and elsewhere in the EU. It is intended for both online and in-person use, with users able to choose which information they disclose for a particular interaction.
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency, known as DVV, is responsible for providing at least one public wallet. Private providers can also offer wallets that meet the requirements. Initial issuance of the digital identification credential will be based on a valid passport or identity card.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, will supervise wallet providers and electronic trust services. It will also maintain a register of services accepting wallets. Those responsibilities put issuance, oversight and participation by relying services into the national implementation framework.
The Ministry of Finance says users will be able to monitor use of their wallet and disclose only the information required for a service. The application is designed to let people provide a particular attribute without routinely handing over all the other personal information available in the wallet.
DVV has already been testing wallet-based travel processes through its collaboration with Amadeus. That work explored identity and travel credentials in the European Wallet Consortium pilot, including online check-in and selective sharing of passenger information.
The Finnish timetable follows other national implementation plans, including Germany’s January 2027 launch plan for the d-you wallet. Germany’s planned application is also voluntary and intended to support identity and attribute sharing across public and private services.
Finland’s legislative package additionally amends its rules for strong electronic identification. The main changes enter into force on October 1, while requirements to verify the validity of a passport, identity card or digital identification solution used for initial identification, and to notify the provider of that identification means take effect on January 1, 2027. The wallet and its digital identification credential are expected to become available during 2027 under the new national framework.
Sources: Finnish Ministry of Finance
–
By the ID Tech Editorial Team
