International cooperation The Ministry of Justice aims to promote a stable rule of law in Finland and especially in its neighbouring areas. International cooperation seeks to reinforce cross-border legal protection, and it also brings new angles t...

Contact information Postal address Ministry of Justice PO BOX 25, FI-00023 Government Visiting address Meritullinkatu 10, Helsinki Accessibility The building has an accessible main entrance. There is lift access to the conference room floor. There...

Other Legal Assistance in Civil Matters Information on foreign law It is sometimes necessary to acquire information on the legislation of a foreign country in a matter pending in a court or before another judicial authority. In such a case, the au...

The Ministry of Justice The Ministry of Justice maintains and develops legal order and legal protection, reinforces the structures of democracy, and safeguards citizens’ fundamental rights. The Ministry is responsible for drafting the key legislat...

International Legal Assistance These pages contain information on international legal assistance in all its aspects, the relevant legislation and treaties and their ratification as well as links, addresses and instructions. This is only a general ...

International Recovery Of Maintenance The EU legislation and several international treaties binding on Finland contain provisions on the international aspects of maintenance obligations and payments. Within the framework of these arrangements, it ...

Civil Matters - General Information International legal assistance may be divided in to legal assistance in civil matters and in criminal matters. This section contains information on legal assistance in civil matters. Petitionary matters and disp...

Taking of evidence Taking of evidence through international legal assistance is required when a witness to be heard or a document to be used as evidence in judicial proceedings is located abroad. As a rule, courts have three options if they wish t...

Justice affairs in the EU EU affairs at the Ministry of Justice The Ministry of Justice is responsible for EU projects within its mandate and seeks to influence EU legislation proactively. The objective is to ensure that Finland’s interests are se...

Child Welfare In Cross-Border Situations This section contains information on the procedures, legislation and agreements related to cross-border situations concerning child welfare. Child welfare falls within the mandate of the Ministry of Social ...

International child abduction A case usually concerns international child abduction if the following criteria are met: A child is taken to or retained in a foreign country without the consent of the person who has custody of the child , the child ...

Service of Documents In connection with judicial proceedings, courts sometimes need to serve documents, such as summonses and invitations to appear in court, on persons residing or companies located in another country. When the service of document...

Recognition And Enforcement Of Decisions On Child Custody And Right Of Access The enforcement of a decision on child custody and/or right of access in a foreign country requires usually the existence of an international treaty. If a decision canno...

Enforcement of Civil Judgments This page contains general information on the enforcement of judgments in civil matters (such as judgments establishing a payment liability) in Finland. There are international treaties, EU legislation and national l...

Finland – a state governed by the rule of law Finnish democracy is built on the rule of law. The rule of law and respect for fundamental rights are key principles enshrined in the Constitution of Finland. Finland is also committed to these princip...

8.10.2025 | Oikeusministeriö järjestää Helsingissä 26. marraskuuta 2025 pohjoismaisen konferenssin ihmiskaupasta osana Suomen puheenjohtajuutta Pohjoismaiden ministerineuvostossa. Tilaisuutta voi seurata myös verkossa.

8.10.2025 | Justitieministeriet ordnar en nordisk konferens om människohandel i Helsingfors den 26 november 2025 som en del av Finlands ordförandeskap i Nordiska ministerrådet. Evenemanget sänds också på nätet.

19.9.2025 | Eurooppalaiset oikeusministerit tapaavat Euroopan neuvoston epävirallisessa kokouksessa, Vallettassa, Maltalla 18.–19. syyskuuta 2025. Suomea edustaa oikeusministeriön kansliapäällikkö Antti Leinonen.

19.9.2025 | De europeiska justitieministrarna träffas vid Europarådets informella möte i Maltas huvudstad Valletta den 18–19 september 2025. Finland representeras av justitieministeriets kanslichef Antti Leinonen.

2.9.2025 | The Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has reached a decision on its budget proposal for 2026. The Government’s decisions aim to support economic growth, which is picking up. Supporting economic growth and continuing responsible fiscal management is necessary to ensure the security of people in Finland and safeguard their access to important services going forward.