Legal

Legal Assistance in Finland — Guidance for Nepalis

Living in a foreign country may sometimes require legal help, whether for employment, housing, immigration, or civil matters. This section provides official resources and guidance for accessing legal support in Finland.

1. Legal Aid (Oikeusaputoimisto / Legal Aid Office)

What It Is

• The Finnish legal aid system provides free or subsidized legal assistance for those who qualify, especially in civil, family, criminal, or administrative matters.

• Services include:

  ✔ Legal advice

  ✔ Representation in court

  ✔ Assistance with legal documents

Eligibility

• Financial need is the main criterion.

• Residence in Finland is required.

• Some services are available for non-EU/EEA citizens with a valid residence permit.

Official Resources

• Finnish Legal Aid Information: https://www.oikeus.fi/en/index/venaja/ (Oikeus.fi English portal)

• Find Local Legal Aid Offices: https://oikeus.fi/en/index/services/legal-aid.html

2. Lawyers / Attorneys (Asianajajat)

• Private attorneys can provide services for:

  ✔ Employment disputes

  ✔ Housing problems

  ✔ Contract issues

  ✔ Immigration and permit-related legal advice

• Search for licensed lawyers in Finland:

  Finnish Bar Association (Suomen Asianajajaliitto): https://www.asianajajaliitto.fi/en/

Tip: Always check if the lawyer is licensed and registered with the Finnish Bar Association.

3. Free Legal Advice Services for Minorities and Foreigners

Some NGOs and organizations provide free or low-cost legal advice for immigrants and foreign residents:

✔ Moniheli (Helsinki) – Multicultural legal guidance

Website: https://www.moniheli.fi/

✔ Red Cross Finland (Maahanmuuttajien neuvontapalvelut / Immigration advice)

Website: https://www.redcross.fi/en/

✔ Finnish Refugee Advice Centre (Pakolaisneuvonta) – Assistance for asylum seekers and residence permit issues

Website: https://www.pakolaisneuvonta.fi/english/

4. Dispute Resolution and Courts

• Minor disputes may be resolved through:

  ✔ Municipal mediation services

  ✔ Local District Court (Käräjäoikeus)

  ✔ Small Claims procedures for minor financial disputes

• Court Information & Services: https://oikeus.fi/en/index/courts.html

5. Employment and Housing Legal Issues

• Employment Contracts: Check your rights under Finnish labor laws

• Employment Disputes: Contact Labour Inspectorate (Työsuojelu) for guidance: https://www.tyosuojelu.fi/en/

• Housing Disputes: Contact the Local Tenants’ Association (Vuokralaiset.fi): https://www.vuokralaiset.fi/

6. Reporting Crimes and Legal Protection

• Police Emergency: 112

• Non-emergency Police: +358 295 414 000 (poliisi.fi)

• For legal advice before or after reporting a crime, consult Legal Aid offices or a licensed lawyer.

7. Tips & Recommendations

✔ Keep all contracts, receipts, and documentation in writing.

✔ Seek legal advice early, before disputes escalate.

✔ Only use licensed lawyers or official legal aid services.

✔ Keep a record of all communication with authorities or landlords/employers.

Official Resources

⚠️ Important Reminder

Legal systems, procedures, and eligibility criteria may change. Always verify all information with official sources or licensed legal professionals before taking action. If you see outdated information on our page, report it for prompt correction.