Your rights in Finland
An overview of the protections that apply to everyone living in Finland.
In immediate danger?
Call 112 for police or an ambulance. It is free and works even without a SIM card or credit. The 112 Suomi app shares your location.
Finland protects the safety and equal treatment of everyone who lives here. These rights do not depend on your citizenship or residence status, and using support services is your right.
You have the right to safety, including safety at home. All violence in close relationships is a crime, including within marriage. You have the right to be treated equally and free from discrimination based on origin, nationality, language, religion or gender.
You have the same rights at work as everyone else, and you can seek help against exploitation without automatically losing your residence permit. Support services are confidential, many are free, and many can be used anonymously. Using a shelter or a helpline does not by itself affect your immigration status.
If you are not sure where to start, the pages in this section point you to the right service for your situation. When in doubt, Nollalinja (116 016) can help you find the right support, day or night.
Your rights in short
- These rights and services apply to everyone in Finland, regardless of citizenship or residence status.
- Using a shelter or a helpline does not by itself affect your immigration status.
- Services are confidential, and many allow you to stay anonymous.
- Psychological, financial and digital abuse count as violence too — you do not need visible injuries to get help.
- All violence in close relationships is a crime in Finland, including within marriage.
Who to contact
Nollalinja
If you are unsure where to turn, this 24/7 helpline can guide you to the right support.
- Phone
- 116 016
- Opening hours
- 24/7, every day of the year. Free of charge.
- Languages
- Finnish, Swedish, English, with interpretation in several more languages.
- Website
- nollalinja.fi/en