Asylum in Finland: the path step by step

The path step by step

1. 1Police / border

   Apply immediately on arrival

   An application for international protection is made in person — at the border on entry, or to the police if you are already in the country. Do it as soon as possible.

   Your fingerprints and photograph are taken and your details registered. Fingerprints are checked against the EU-wide Eurodac system: if you have already applied in another EU country, that country may be responsible for your case.

   • Bring every document that proves your identity
   • Keep any documents about why you left
   • Say if you are travelling with minor children
   • Say if you need medical care
   migri.fi — asylum in Finland →
2. 2Reception centre

   Get accommodation and a client card

   While your application is processed you can live in a reception centre (vastaanottokeskus) or in private accommodation. Private accommodation must be reported to the centre.

   The reception centre is your point of contact: it explains the rules, issues your client card and tells you when to identify yourself for the first time.

   • Give the centre up-to-date contact details
   • Tell them if you are going to be away
   • Learn the centre rules — they are now the same in every centre
3. 3Reception centre

   Apply for reception allowance

   Reception allowance (vastaanottoraha) is not granted automatically — you apply for it at your own centre using an application form. It is meant for immediate basic needs if you and your family lack sufficient means.

   You must report all income and funds to the centre. Not reporting them can affect the allowance and lead to client fees being charged.

   • Get the application form from your centre
   • Report changes in income and family circumstances
   • Remember: breaching obligations cuts the allowance by 20 percent
   migri.fi — reception allowance →
4. 4Reception centre

   Meet the new obligations

   Since 12 June 2026 these are not a formality: failing them leads directly to a reduced allowance or withdrawal of reception services.

   Identification normally means visiting in person and showing your client card. It also counts when you come to the centre for something else or for a nurse appointment.

   • Asylum seekers identify themselves 2–4 times a month
   • People with temporary protection once a month
   • Minors and people who are working are exempt
   • Complete the compulsory Finnish society course
   • Keep your contact details at the centre current
5. 5Legal aid

   Get legal help before the interview

   You have the right to a legal adviser. State legal aid (oikeusapu) is free or discounted depending on your income. Arrange it in advance, not on the day of the interview.

   An adviser helps you prepare, explains which circumstances matter and checks the record.

   • Find your nearest legal aid office (oikeusaputoimisto)
   • Ask the reception centre for legal advice contacts
   • Interpretation is provided at the interview
   oikeus.fi — legal aid →
6. 6Migri

   Attend the asylum interview

   The interview is the heart of your case. You explain why you cannot return to your country of origin. Be detailed and honest: this account forms the basis of the decision.

   The interview is held in a language you understand, with an interpreter. The record is read back to you — if something is wrong, say so immediately.

   • Bring all evidence and documents
   • Describe every reason, even those you think are minor
   • Say if you would rather speak to an official of your own gender
   • Say if your health makes it hard to give an account
7. 7Migri

   Wait for the decision

   Processing time depends on the procedure. Applications lodged before and after 12 June 2026 follow different rules. You can check an estimate in the Migri processing time service.

   While you wait you may have the right to work — this depends on whether you hold an identity document and how long it is since you applied.

   • Report any change of address or contact details
   • Ask the centre when your right to work begins
   • School-age children attend school during the process too
8. 8Migri / DVV

   Positive decision: moving to a municipality

   After a positive decision you get a residence permit card and the right to apply for a municipality of residence (kotikunta). That starts the three-month clock before reception services end.

   From there the path is the same as an ordinary move: DVV registration, banking codes, tax card, Kela and integration services in your municipality.

   • Apply for a municipality of residence straight away
   • Start looking for housing before the deadline
   • Ask your municipality for an integration plan
   • Apply to Kela for social security coverage
   kotoutuminen.fi →
9. 9Court

   Negative decision: appealing

   A negative decision can be appealed to an administrative court. The appeal period is stated in the decision itself and it is short — start on the day you receive it.

   You need a legal adviser to appeal. The right to legal aid continues at this stage.

   • Contact a lawyer immediately
   • Check the exact deadline in the decision
   • Do not miss it — it is almost impossible to restore
   • Ask how the decision affects your reception services
   oikeus.fi — legal aid →

An account and a card after your decision

While you live at a reception centre you receive money through the centre itself and usually do not need a separate account. That changes after a positive decision: when you move to a municipality you need an account for salary, benefits and paying bills.

Opening an account at a Finnish bank needs a personal identity code and documents, and it can take time. For the transition a European fintech account works: it opens online and gives you a European IBAN and a card.

Some links here are partner links: if you open an account through them, Selkoraha may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect the content, and we do not give financial advice.

Calculators for this path

Frequently asked questions

When must I apply for asylum?

Immediately on arrival — in person at the border on entry, or to the police if you are already in the country. Do not delay. Your fingerprints are taken and checked against the Eurodac system.

What changed on 12 June 2026?

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum started to apply. Asylum seekers must identify themselves at their reception centre 2–4 times a month and people with temporary protection once a month. The Finnish society course became compulsory for everyone over 18. Breaching these obligations cuts the reception allowance by 20 percent.

Is reception allowance granted automatically?

No. You apply for reception allowance (vastaanottoraha) at your own centre using an application form. You must report all income and funds: if you have income, client fees can be charged, including retrospectively for three months.

How long can I stay at the reception centre after getting a permit?

From 1 September 2026 reception services end three months after you were granted a residence permit and the right to apply for a municipality of residence. If you already hold a permit, services end on 1 September 2026. The limits do not apply to unaccompanied minors.

Am I entitled to free legal help?

Yes, you have the right to a legal adviser. State legal aid (oikeusapu) is free or discounted depending on your income. Arrange it before the interview, not on the day itself.

What do I do if the decision is negative?

You can appeal to an administrative court. The appeal period is stated in the decision and it is short — act from the day you receive it. You need a legal adviser to appeal, and the right to legal aid continues.