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...

Crime victims The Ministry of Justice is responsible for drafting the legislation related to the legal status of crime victims and for improving the position of crime victims within its mandate. The efforts to improve the position of crime victims...

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...

Act on the Openness of Government Activities Brochure Which documents are governed by the Act? Public authorities whose documents are governed by the Act on the Openness of Government Activities include, for example state administrative authoritie...

Contacting the Ministry in different matters Submission of documents to the Ministry of Justice If you would like the Ministry of Justice to consider a matter, please send your document to the registry of the Ministry by post, e-mail or fax. Howev...

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) was established in 2007 by the Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007. The purpose of the Fundamental Rights Agency is to provide independent, e...

International Legal Assistance In Criminal Matters International legal assistance in criminal matters encompasses cooperation between countries on account of crime. In a broad sense cooperation covers mutual legal assistance, extradition and trans...

Transfer of Sentenced Persons General The purpose of transferring sentenced persons to their home countries is advancing their rehabilitation into society. Accordingly, a sentenced person is offered a possibility to continue serving his sentence i...

Finnish and Swedish Linguistic rights are based on section 17 of the Constitution . The Language Act contains more detailed provisions on the linguistic rights laid down in the Constitution, and it applies to the Finnish and Swedish languages. Eve...

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...

Processing of personal data in the services of the Ministry of Justice The Ministry of Justice processes personal data in order to comply with a legal obligation or, in certain situations, to perform a task carried out in the public interest or ba...

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.

Right of initiative The Constitution lays down provisions on the right of individuals to participate in and influence the development of society and their living conditions. Pursuant to the Constitution, the public authorities shall promote the op...

Policy of the Ministry of Justice for International and EU Activities The main responsibility of the Ministry of Justice is to ensure the operation of the rule of law. The Ministry’s international and EU activities support the achievement of its i...

8.5.2024 | Elections to the European Parliament, or European elections, will be held in Finland on Sunday 9 June 2024. In the elections, 15 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will be elected in Finland for a term of five years. The candidates stand for election in the entire country.

10.1.2024 | Finland will hold its presidential election on Sunday 28 January 2024. In the election, Finnish citizens entitled to vote will elect the President of the Republic for a term of six years. The candidates stand for election in the entire country.

14.4.2019 | Linguistic rights 2 3 Linguistic rights are fundamental rights Pursuant to the Constitution of Finland, the national languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. Every person has the right to use their language, either Finnish or Swedish, when us...

25.3.2025 | County elections and municipal elections will be held simultaneously on Sunday 13 April 2025. The advance voting period is from 2 to 8 April 2025 in Finland and from 2 to 5 April 2025 abroad.

10.4.2025 | Sunday 13 April is election day for the 2025 county elections and municipal elections. Polling stations will be open on election day from 9.00 to 20.00. Preliminary results of the elections will be announced starting at 20.00.

8.2.2018 | Report of the Government on the application of language legislation 2017 Government publications 10/2017 Government publications 10/2017 Prime Minister’s Office, Helsinki 2017 Report of the Government on the Application of Language Legislation 201...