If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take on the responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
Temporary protection may be granted:
- Citizens of Ukraine who are unable to return to Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
- Citizens of countries outside the European Union or the Schengen area and stateless persons who legally resided in Ukraine and whose safe return to the respective country of origin impossible on a permanent basis.
- Family members of citizens of Ukraine and persons granted international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine, in case of establishing family ties in Ukraine to February 24, 2022.
Finland: immigration information
What documents do I need for entry?
No documents are required from persons applying for temporary protection status.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport?
You do not need a biometric passport to enter if you are applying for temporary protection status. You can apply for temporary protection immediately upon crossing the border by notifying the border control authorities.
How long can I stay here?
The Finnish Immigration Service issues residence permits based on temporary protection for a period of one year. Residence permits can be granted on the basis of temporary protection until March 4, 2023. Extended authorizations may be granted after this date if the decision of the European Council remains in force.
Are there any Covid requirements and if so what are they?
No.
Where can I register for temporary protection?
You can register at the border, at the border control authorities or the police.
How long do you have to wait to get temporary protection status?
Currently, the estimated time for processing an application for temporary protection status is about 2 weeks. After the decision is made, the Finnish Immigration Service will order a residence permit card for you. Currently, it takes about 2 weeks to receive a residence permit card. This means that you will receive a decision and a residence permit card in approximately 2 weeks from the date of submission of the application.
What rights do I have while waiting for temporary protection?
You have the right to live in Finland (for example, in a reception center or with friends or family) while waiting for a decision. You have the right to work and study as soon as you register your application for temporary protection with the police or border control authorities. During registration, the police or border control authorities will give you a certificate confirming your right to work. Finland also supports students and researchers who left Ukraine because of the war. You can find more information on the Study in Finland website.
What documents are required to obtain temporary protection?
You do not need any documents. However, the authorities will ask you to provide the following information:
- Personal data and information about your place of residence
- Detailed data about your arrival in Finland and the route you traveled
- Information about family members
- Photograph, fingerprints and signature
What document(s) will I receive after being granted temporary protection?
You will receive a residence permit card.
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay to be eligible?
Citizenship can be granted after applying (this process is called “naturalization”). This requires a sufficient period of residence in Finland, as well as demonstration of language skills, financial resources and the fulfillment of several other conditions.
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union with temporary protection status?
Yes, you can move around the country freely. If you have been granted a residence permit on the basis of temporary protection status in Finland, you can travel without a visa only in Schengen countries. If you are traveling to other countries outside the Schengen area, you may need a visa. Check whether you need a visa at the country’s embassy or consulate.
Can I apply for asylum with temporary protection status?
You can apply, but the Finnish Immigration Service will suspend the processing of your asylum application for the duration of the residence permit issued to you on the basis of temporary protection. Also, note that this is a more complicated process that will prevent you from returning to your home country while you are considered a refugee.
How to apply for asylum?
You can apply for asylum to the authorities at any border crossing or to the police.
Asylum can be granted if you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country or country of permanent residence because of your origin, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political views. Another requirement is that you cannot rely on protection from the authorities of your home country or country of permanent residence because of persecution you fear.
If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, in what way?
Family members are entitled to temporary protection under the Directive, provided that the family relationship was established before 24 February 2022. Family members must travel to Finland and inform the Finnish police or border guard that they want to apply for temporary protection. If a family member is a citizen of a member country of the European Union or a citizen of Liechtenstein or Switzerland, he/she can apply for EU registration.
Finland: employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
No, after receiving temporary protection status, you are eligible for employment.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
If you do not have any income or funds to meet your basic needs, such as food and clothing, you are entitled to receive benefits from the reception center where you are registered.
Are there programs for the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications? How and where can I apply?
It depends on your education. You can submit an application for recognition of your foreign education to the Finnish National Education Agency via the electronic form at Studyinfo.fi. You can also contact the Finnish Immigration Service or the reception center for more detailed information.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information on employment?
You can contact the Finnish Immigration Service here . You can also contact the Finnish Office for Employment and Economic Development More for guidance on finding and applying for jobs, trainings and courses (also known as the TE Office). You can get more detailed information about work in Finland here and here .
Finland: information on housing
Can I access public/government-provided housing?
Yes, you can stay in reception centers operated by different types of operators in Finland, including the Finnish Immigration Service, Finnish municipalities, organizations and private companies. You can get more information about public housing here .
How and where can I apply for public housing?
Once you have applied for temporary protection with the police or border control authority, and you meet the criteria for public housing, you will be referred to a reception center for accommodation.
If I live with friends or family for a long time, what documents do I need to fill out to legalize this? How can I get proof of residency?
You must provide your address in writing at the reception center where you are registered. You must also show your rental agreement or other document relating to your residence. You can get more detailed information here .
If I personally want to rent a property, what documents do I need?
The person renting the property may ask for certain documents, such as proof of identification and credit information.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about housing?
You can get more detailed information from the Finnish Immigration Service here . More detailed information is also available at the Association of Ukrainians in Finland ( https://www.facebook.com/ukrainian.association.in.finland and https://ukrainians.fi/en/ ) and the Finnish Refugee Council ( https ://pakolaisapu.fi/ ).
Finland: information on education
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in an educational institution?
You need to contact an enrollment center that will help enroll you and your children in school. Schools are implementing various types of measures to facilitate education for children who have been forced to leave Ukraine. Training is offered in several languages, including Ukrainian. The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for matters related to education and preschool education and upbringing and school education in the Ukrainian language. You can find more information here .
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
You can ask about this at admission centers and schools. You can find more information here .
Do universities introduce admission schemes for Ukrainians or people who are forced to leave Ukraine? If so, can you give examples?
Yes, some universities introduce such schemes. For example, Aalto University provides the right to study and financial assistance to Ukrainian students and students who have been forced to leave Ukraine after receiving asylum there. Aalto University can be contacted at support@aalto.fi. The University of Helsinki grants the right to study without the award of an academic degree to persons who have arrived in Finland and whose graduate studies have been suspended at a Ukrainian higher education institution due to the war. The University of Helsinki can be contacted at ukraine@helsinki.fi .
Universities are accepting applications until the end of 2022 without specifying a deadline. In the application, it is necessary to indicate the language skills of the applicant, the discipline and scope of studies completed in the past, as well as other reasons for submitting the application. A copy of the passport or similar document must also be attached to the application. The right to fill will be granted until 31.07.2023, and the tuition fee will not be charged without the award of an academic degree.
In addition, until the fall of 2023, Ukrainian citizens will not be charged for studying at the Open University.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about education?
Finnish higher education institutions offer study programs to support students whose studies at Ukrainian universities have been interrupted. You can find more information here .
You can get more detailed information from the Finnish Immigration Service here . More detailed information is also available at the Association of Ukrainians in Finland ( https://www.facebook.com/ukrainian.association.in.finland and https://ukrainians.fi/en/ ) and the Finnish Refugee Council ( https:/ /pakolaisapu.fi/ ). For example, the University of Helsinki can be contacted at ukraine@helsinki.fi , and Aalto University at support@aalto.fi . A list of all Finnish universities and links to their contact details can be found here: https://okm.fi/en/universities .
Finland: information on child care
How to enroll young children in daycare centers?
You will be helped at the reception center. In general, it is necessary to submit an application for enrollment in a nursery school to the municipality at the place of residence. The crèche is not free, but the Social Welfare Institutions of Finland can provide financial assistance upon application.
If you do not have any income or funds, you are entitled to receive payments from the reception center where you are registered. In addition, the Social Security Institutions of Finland pay a benefit for all children under the age of 17 who are permanently resident in Finland. If children who live permanently in Finland are of pre-school age (5-6 years old), they can participate in pre-school education organized by the municipality. Pre-school education for four hours a day is free. Additional childcare in the morning and afternoon is not free.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
There are no special benefits, but pregnant and breastfeeding women have the right to maternity hospital services.
Which government and non-government agencies can I turn to for more information about the needs of young children?
You can contact the Finnish Immigration Service for the most up-to-date information. In addition, Save the Children Finland ( https://www.pelastakaalapset.fi ), SOS Children’s Villages (contact details in Finnish only: https://www.sos-lapsikyla.fi/yhtsytiedot/ ), Vamlas Foundation (for young of people with disabilities, https://vamlas.fi/in-english/ ) are non-governmental organizations that can help.
Finland: medical information
Can I use the public health care system?
Thus, persons who have received the status of temporary protection have the same rights to health care services as persons living in Finland. The reception center where you are registered is responsible for organizing these services. All people fleeing conflict will undergo a basic medical examination and screening for infectious diseases at reception centers and are entitled to medical services deemed necessary.
Minors have the right to the same medical services as the local population. Children under the age of 7 are examined and screened for development in children’s clinics. Also, vulnerable persons (elderly people, pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with chronic diseases, injured people) receive the medical services they need.
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how?
No, once you are registered at the Reception Center you are entitled to reception services such as medical services. You can get more detailed information here and here .
What does the public health care system cover?
The public health care system covers all medical services and necessary social services. Finnish social security institutions reimburse part of the costs of visiting a private healthcare provider after obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance? If so, are there any schemes available to low-income people?
No, you do not need additional private health insurance if you are eligible for medical services.
Which government and non-government bodies can I turn to for more information about access to health care?
You need to contact the reception center where you are registered. The reception center is responsible for organizing these services. You can also contact the Finnish Immigration Service here for the most up-to-date information.
Finland: mental health information
Can I get free mental health support services through the public health system?
So. Each drop-in center has a public health nurse, social worker or social worker who can help.
Is there any additional administrative process to access mental health support services?
No, there are no separate administrative procedures. Once you have received a residence permit based on temporary protection, you are entitled to the same health care services as permanent residents in Finland.
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
You can contact the Finnish Immigration Service for the most up-to-date information. There are also several NGOs that can help, including the Finnish Red Cross, whose contact details are available here . Once you have your municipality, you can contact your local health center for information on mental health support. Your local health center will give you information about how mental health support services are organized in your area.
Finland: access to legal aid and human rights information
If I have a legal question and need to hire a lawyer , do I qualify for legal aid ? How to find a lawyer ?
Legal aid is provided to (i) persons whose municipality of residence is Finland, (ii) persons who permanently or habitually reside in another member state of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and (iii) persons whose issues must be considered by a Finnish court, or if there are other special reasons for granting legal aid. Legal aid is not provided if the applicant has legal costs insurance that covers the above matter.
Every asylum seeker has the right to legal aid. Legal aid will be provided free of charge if the applicant has no income or means.
Contact details of the Finnish public legal aid offices can be found at https://oikeus.fi/oikeusapu/en/index/yhtestiedot.html . Legal aid offices will help you find a lawyer.
Is there an ombudsman in the country that deals with the observance of human rights ? What is the best way to contact the Ombudsman ?
So. The Parliamentary Ombudsman in Finland can help if fundamental rights and human rights are not respected. Anyone can file a complaint with the Parliamentary Ombudsman. The best way to contact the Parliamentary Ombudsman is to call them on +3589 4321. The website of the Parliamentary Ombudsman can be found at https://www.oikeusasiamies.fi/en_GB/web/selkosuomi/voiko-oikeusasiamies-auttaa- .
You can get help from the state, as well as from public organizations. For example, you can contact the Trafficking Victims Assistance System, which is a central government body and knowledge center for victim assistance. The Help System can be contacted confidentially by phone +358 29 54 63 177, by e-mail ihmiskauppa.auttamisjarjestelma@migri.fi or by using the anonymous contact form available at https://www.ihmiskauppa.fi/en/contact_us . You can also contact the police by sending an email to ihmiskauppa@poliisi.fi . There are also several NGOs that can be contacted. Contact information of these NGOs is available at
https://www.ihmiskauppa.fi/en/seek_help/find_help_from_organisations_and_the_government .
Finland : bank account and tax information
What documents do I need to open a bank account ?
You need an official ID card, such as a passport. Depending on which bank you open an account with, the bank may also require other documentation, such as an employment contract, a certificate confirming student status, a Finnish personal identification number or a certificate of income and benefits. Some banks may also require that your address in Finland be registered with the Digital and Demographic Data Agency.
When will I be taxed in the country and what do I need to do to pay taxes?
A natural person is a Finnish tax payer if that natural person resides in Finland. According to section 11 of the Income Tax Act, a person is considered to be resident in Finland if his place of residence and home are in Finland. In addition, a person who resides in Finland for more than six months is considered a natural person residing in Finland. In the case of a permanent resident taxpayer in Finland, taxes are levied both on income received in Finland and on income received abroad (chapter 9, subsection 1(1) of the Income Tax Act). The tax authorities will instruct you on how to pay taxes. You can get more detailed information here .
Finland: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
We recommend contacting the Finnish Immigration Service. A person under the age of 18 who has arrived in Finland alone will live in a group home or a supported housing unit.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
If you do not have any income or funds, you are entitled to special purpose payments for you and your family from the reception centre. Payments are not automatically made. You can apply for payments to your receiving center by filling out a form.
No
Could you please list 3-4 public organizations that conduct language classes and other integration programs for Ukrainians?
- Ukrainians in Finland ( https://ukrainians-in-finland.org/apua-ukrainalaisille-pakolaisille ) provide assistance and integration services to Ukrainians;
- Integration services are also available through immigration services ( https://migri.fi/en/temporary-protection )
Also, some schools provide Finnish language lessons to Ukrainians, for example, Helsingin aikuslukio ( https://www.hel.fi/helsinginaikuislukio/fi/suomen-kieli/in-english/ ) and Helsingin aikusopisto ( https://helao.fi/en /courses/languages/finnish-courses/ )
