The concepts described on these pages are words and expressions used in statistics with a specific, limited meaning. In everyday speech the word may have a different meaning. In connection with each definition you can find information about which sets of statistics use the concept.
If you are looking for statistical figures, go from the definition to the statistics page.
Cohabiting couple
A cohabiting couple is defined as two spouseless adults of different sex aged 18 and over and occupying the same dwelling on a permanent basis, provided their age difference is less than 16 years and they are not siblings. In case the couple has a common child these specifications do not apply. Same-sex persons living together are not considered cohabiting couples unless they have a common child in the family. As a rule, these are female couples in which one woman is the biological mother of the common child and the other is the second mother established for the child (Parenthood Act 775/2022, Section 5).
Statistics using the definition
Validity of the definition
- Valid
A cohabiting couple is defined as two spouseless adults of different sex aged 18 and over and occupying the same dwelling on a permanent basis, provided their age difference is less than 16 years and they are not siblings. In case the couple has a common child these specifications do not apply. Persons of the same sex living together are not regarded as cohabiting couples unless the household-dwelling unit consists of two women who are the biological mother of the child living in the same dwelling and the second mother confirmed for the child.
Statistics using the definition
Validity of the definition
- 1 January 2020 - 31 December 2022
Source organisation
- Tilastokeskus
Jaa