Establishment of paternity

A decision of paternity issued and valid in a foreign country is, as a rule, recognised in Finland without a separate legal establishment. The competent authority is the Local Register Office.

As a rule, paternity should be confirmed in the child's country of residence in accordance with the legislation in the country in question. When a decision of paternity issued in a foreign country is valid in that country it can be recognised in Finland without a separate legal establishment.

A decision on paternity refers to a decision by a court of law or other authority and the confirmation or registration of a legal act that establishes the relation between the child and man as one of paternity in the country in which the registration or other act took place.

Where necessary, the Helsinki District Court may confirm, by application, whether a decision on paternity issued in a foreign country is recognised in Finland.

Establishment of paternity in Hong Kong

According to Hong Kong legislation, a man is deemed to be the father of the child if he is married to the mother of the child at the time of birth (Hong Kong Parent and Child Ordinance, Cap. 429). If the child is born out of wedlock, the man who registers himself as the father of the child is deemed to be the father of the child. In Hong Kong, birth registration is administered by Hong Kong Immigration, Births and Deaths Registration(Link to another website.). When the father’s name is registered on the birth certificate of the child, this suffices as establishment of paternity. For the Finnish authorities, the original document should be legalized with an Apostille certificate.

Apostille Service in Hong Kong

If you need an Apostille in Hong Kong for a document issued by a Hong Kong authority, you should contact the Apostille Service Office. Contact information and instructions on Apostille can be found here: Apostille Service Office, High Court Registry.(Link to another website.)