Finland for Ukrainians: refugees, protection, and living conditions

Finland is a great option for many Ukrainians, as it is a well-socially protected country that will definitely suit further employment, education, and life in general. Therefore, this country is worth considering for different relocation options.

Finland for Ukrainian refugees: temporary protection and conditions for obtaining it

Finland remains one of the European countries where Ukrainian citizens who left due to the war can apply for temporary protection and obtain the right to live, work, and study legally. At the same time, the conditions of residence depend on whether a person has come for a short period or plans to stay long-term and apply for the status of a displaced person.

In 2026, the rules have several important features. Temporary protection for Ukrainians has been extended at the level of the European Union until March 4, 2028. In Finland, permits issued based on such protection are currently valid until March 4, 2027, and further extension is carried out by the migration service automatically without the need to submit a new application each time. For new applicants after August 5, 2026, an additional requirement has been set regarding the confirmation of the right to leave Ukraine.

Temporary protection in Finland is primarily intended for Ukrainian citizens who cannot safely return due to the war. The right to this status also extends to certain categories of family members and other persons specified by Finnish regulations. The application is submitted already on the territory of Finland.

After arrival, people should notify the police or border service of their intention to obtain temporary protection. Registration includes identity verification, personal data recording, address information, family details, a photograph, fingerprinting, and a signature. It is advisable to have a passport or another document confirming identity for the procedure. For children, it is advisable to prepare birth certificates and other documents that confirm family ties.

Submitting an application for temporary protection is free of charge. After registration, the application is reviewed by the Finnish Migration Service. If no additional information is needed, a decision is usually made quite quickly. After a positive decision, a residence permit card is issued, and a Finnish personal identification code is assigned.

It is important to consider the changes that have been in effect since August 5, 2026. For new temporary protection for a Ukrainian citizen, it is necessary to confirm that they have the legal right to leave Ukraine. Confirmation can be a corresponding stamp in the passport or an official document confirming the fulfillment of military duty or having a legal basis for leaving. Official electronic documents can also be used for documentary confirmation if they contain the necessary information.

This change does not mean automatic termination of already granted temporary protection. Permits issued before August 5, 2026, do not lose validity due to the new rule. For individuals already residing in Finland under temporary protection, it is important to keep track of communications from the migration service and keep their address and contact number up to date.

Temporary protection is not citizenship and does not mean automatic obtaining of permanent residence. If there later appears another basis for long-term residence, such as work, education, or family ties, it is possible to consider the appropriate type of residence permit.

How Ukrainians can enter Finland

Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports can enter Finland without a short-term visa. The general visa-free regime allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area. If a person has already spent time in other Schengen countries, those days are also counted.

For a regular short trip, it is necessary to have a valid travel document. At the border, they may check the purpose of the trip, accommodation conditions, availability of funds, and other circumstances provided by the entry rules. For a person heading to Finland due to the war and planning to apply for temporary protection, it is advisable to have all available documents related to themselves and their family.

The main set of documents may include:

• biometric foreign passport;
• internal passport or ID card if there is no foreign passport;
• children's birth certificates;
• documents confirming marriage or family ties;
• guardianship documents if the child is traveling without both parents;
• medical documents and prescriptions for regular medications;
• documents confirming the right to leave Ukraine if they are required under the rules of 2026.

After arrival, a person can contact the police or border service to apply for temporary protection. There is no need to obtain a separate visa or go to the consulate first. If the application is registered, the applicant receives confirmation, and the right to work arises already at the stage of application registration.

Visa-free travel and temporary protection have different legal meanings. Visa-free travel is designed for short-term stays, while temporary protection establishes the basis for long-term residence and access to designated state services.

Temporary protection in Finland for Ukrainians

The European Union has extended temporary protection for those displaced from Ukraine until March 4, 2028. In Finland, residence permits based on this protection are currently extended until March 4, 2027. In the future, the Finnish migration service is to carry out extensions according to the general decision on the validity of protection.

For those who have already received a Finnish residence permit based on temporary protection, it is important to know that the date printed on the old card does not always indicate the actual termination of the right to stay. If the permit has been automatically extended, the card may contain an earlier date, but the right to remain valid continues within the extended permit. A new card does not need to be ordered solely due to a change in the term if personal data on the previous card remains accurate.

After obtaining status, a person has the right to live legally in Finland, work, and study. Reception system services are also available, and under certain conditions, financial support may be provided. A person can reside in a reception center or in private housing if they have that possibility.

Separately, attention should be paid to the rule regarding other residence permits. After changes to Finnish legislation that came into effect in 2026, a person receiving a residence permit on another basis cannot simultaneously retain two valid residence rights in cases provided for by law. Therefore, after obtaining a work permit, the permit based on temporary protection may cease to be valid.

If the goal is long-term living in Finland, it is advisable to assess other grounds for residence in advance. This may include work, education, family ties, or another basis provided for by legislation.

Housing for Ukrainians in Finland

After submitting an application for temporary protection, a person can use the reception system. The reception center not only provides accommodation but also information regarding documents, social issues, healthcare, and other practical problems. Even if a Ukrainian lives with relatives or friends, they can remain a client of their reception center and use the services provided.

The reception center can organize accommodation according to family situations. Families have the possibility to live together, and there are separate forms of accommodation for unaccompanied minors.

Another option is private rental. In this case, the person usually pays for housing themselves, unless otherwise provided by social support. When concluding a lease agreement, it is essential to check the amount of monthly payment, deposit, term of the contract, utility costs, termination rules, and housing insurance requirements.

For many landlords, proof of income, stability of financial condition, and the ability to pay rent on time are important. A person with temporary protection may have fewer documents about their financial history in Finland, so searching for an apartment sometimes requires additional proof of solvency.

In Finland, there is also municipal housing, but obtaining an apartment depends on the rules of the specific city and availability of housing stock. The fact of Ukrainian citizenship does not automatically mean receiving a separate apartment. Important factors can include income, family composition, housing needs, and other criteria.

Social support for Ukrainians in Finland

After arrival, a person with temporary protection initially uses the reception system. If their own income and assets are insufficient for necessary expenses, assistance for basic needs and other services related to reception may be provided.

The right to Kela payments depends on the duration of residence, work, and the specific type of help. The general rule is that a person with temporary protection can access most Kela payments after a year of residence in Finland or earlier if they work in the country and meet the conditions of the relevant program.

In 2026, the social security system underwent significant changes. From May 1, 2026, instead of previous unemployment payments, Kela introduced a general social assistance for the unemployed - yleistuki. For persons with residence permits based on temporary protection, the right to it in 2026 is related, in particular, to meeting the requirement for work experience. The maximum duration of the payment under the relevant conditions is 400 days.

In 2026, the Finnish government proposed to change the rules from April 1, 2027, to expand the right of persons with temporary protection to general social assistance. However, the proposal should not be perceived as an already enacted rule of 2026, as its implementation depends on the legislative process.

Possible types of support depending on the situation can include:

• assistance for basic expenses;
• housing assistance;
• child benefits if there is a corresponding right;
• compensations related to medical expenses;
• unemployment assistance upon meeting established conditions;
• reception center services for those still in the reception system.

From February 1, 2026, when calculating basic social assistance, the earnings of an adult are fully taken into account as the monthly allowance for the first 150 euros of labor income has been abolished. This means that the official salary directly affects the amount of social assistance.

At the same time, receiving social support does not mean an automatic right to all possible payments. Each program has its own requirements regarding income, assets, residence, family composition, and other circumstances.

Employment in Finland for Ukrainians

One of the significant advantages of temporary protection is quick access to the labor market. A Ukrainian can start working immediately after registering the application for temporary protection. The police or border service issues a document confirming the right to work until they receive a residence permit card.

The right to work under temporary protection is broad. It is not limited to one specific profession, so a person can search for work in various fields if they meet the professional requirements of the employer.

Job search is conducted through Finnish employment services, online platforms, staffing agencies, municipal employment centers, and directly through employers. For the first employment, proficiency in English and professional experience can be important, but in many fields, knowledge of Finnish or Swedish significantly expands the number of vacancies.

Language requirements depend on the profession. In international companies, the technology sector, and part of the service professions, English may be sufficient. For medicine, education, social work, work with children, and several other fields, a high level of Finnish or Swedish may be required.

For regulated professions, official recognition of Ukrainian education or qualifications may be necessary. For example, a medical doctor or nurse's diploma does not automatically grant the right to work in the Finnish healthcare system. One must fulfill the professional and language requirements set by Finnish authorities.

Employment entails not only receiving a salary. Official work is associated with taxes, social contributions, and insurance coverage. Therefore, before starting work, it is vital to have an employment contract and check its main conditions: pay, working hours, vacation, probation period, and the procedure for terminating employment relations.

Education for Ukrainians in Finland

Children who come from Ukraine can study in the Finnish education system. General education is free of charge, and school-aged children have the right to education regardless of which language they studied earlier.

A child who has recently arrived in Finland and does not yet sufficiently know Finnish or Swedish can receive preparatory training. It helps them master the language and basic subjects before transitioning to a regular class.

Preschool education and kindergartens are organized by municipalities. The cost of municipal early education depends on the family's income, size, and the duration of the child's stay in the institution. For low-income families, the service may be free of charge.

In schools, a child can learn Finnish or Swedish as a second language. In some municipalities, instruction in the native language is also organized. For Ukrainian children, this can be important during the adaptation period as it helps to retain a connection with prior education while gradually transitioning to the Finnish system.

Secondary education includes a general secondary school and vocational training. For adults, professional programs, language courses, integration training, and various forms of retraining are available.

Ukrainians can also enroll in universities and universities of applied sciences. The conditions depend on the specific program. For studies in English, separate rules regarding tuition for citizens from non-EU countries may apply, but status and basis of residence may affect specific conditions.

Learning Finnish is practically significant not only for everyday life. The language helps in employment, interaction with government institutions, education, and further integration. Swedish is also an official language in Finland, although its practical necessity depends on the region and field of work.

Medical care for Ukrainians in Finland

Individuals who are in the reception system after applying for temporary protection receive medical services through the reception center. This means that for many issues, the first point of contact is the center's staff, who help to organize the necessary assistance.

After obtaining a residence permit based on temporary protection, access to medical care depends on status and specific circumstances. If a person receives municipal accommodation, they can utilize the services of the public healthcare system of the respective area under the same conditions as residents.

The right to medical services may also be related to employment. Employed Ukrainians may gain access to health insurance and Kela compensations under general terms.

Special attention should be given to children. They are provided with medical and preventive services related to education and residence in the municipality. The school system also has mechanisms for supporting children's health, including school medical assistance.

In case of an acute or life-threatening condition, one should seek emergency assistance. For planned treatments, local medical centers and other healthcare institutions are used.

Ukrainians who take medications regularly are advised to bring documents regarding diagnosis, prescriptions, and names of medications. The names of medicines in Finland may differ, so medical documentation helps the doctor properly determine the necessary treatment.

Cost of living in Finland for Ukrainians

Finland has a fairly high price level, especially in large cities. The largest item of expenditure for a family usually becomes housing. The average rental price for new housing in the country is approximately 16 euros per square meter, but actual prices can range from about 10 to 30 euros per square meter depending on the city, area, size, and characteristics of the apartment.

In Helsinki and other large cities, rents are usually higher than in smaller communities. At the same time, a small town may have fewer vacancies, so the choice of residence often depends on the correlation between housing and employment opportunities.

Monthly budget factors include:

• rent and deposit;
• electricity and other utility costs;
• food;
• public transportation;
• mobile communication and internet;
• housing insurance;
• clothing and footwear;
• expenses for children;
• medications and services that are not compensated;
• household and unforeseen expenses.

Food in Finland can be more expensive than in Ukraine, especially meat, fish, some dairy products, and ready-made meals. To save, families often take advantage of supermarket promotions, store own-brands, and second-hand stores.

Public transport is well-developed in large cities. In Helsinki and its agglomeration, buses, trams, metro, and suburban trains operate. In smaller towns, there are fewer routes, so a car may be needed for work outside the center.

When planning expenses, it is essential to consider seasonality. In winter, heating, electricity, and transport costs may rise, and there is a need for warm clothing and appropriate footwear. Therefore, the budget of a Ukrainian family in Finland should be calculated not only based on average prices but also considering the specific city and living conditions.

How to process documents after arriving in Finland

After arrival, it is important to sequentially process the documents necessary for legal residence and access to state services. If a person plans to obtain temporary protection, the first step is to contact the police or border service and register the application.

During registration, personal data, address, family information, photograph, fingerprints, and signature are recorded. After this, the Finnish Migration Service makes a decision. If the result is positive, a residence permit card based on temporary protection is issued.

The applicant receives a Finnish personal identification code. This is needed for interaction with many state and private institutions, including employers, banks, healthcare facilities, and social security agencies.

After a year of residence and under established conditions, a person with temporary protection can apply to the Agency for Digital and Demographic Data for a municipality of residence. Specifically, a current residence permit based on temporary protection and a Finnish personal identification code are required.

The municipality of residence has practical significance, as it is associated with access to local services, including the healthcare system, education, social services, and other community opportunities.

In everyday life, a Ukrainian will have to interact with several main institutions. The Migration Service is responsible for residence permit issues, the police and border authorities participate in application registration, Kela handles a significant portion of social payments, and municipal and regional authorities provide local services.

After moving, it is important to inform the relevant authorities about any changes in address and contact information. An incorrect address can lead to important decisions or requests for additional information not being received in a timely manner. For a person with temporary protection, this is especially important, as failure to respond to a request from the Migration Service within the established timeframe may affect the further processing of the application and the right to work.

If another basis for long-term residence arises after temporary protection, such as permanent work or study, documents must be processed in advance. In 2026, legislation provides significant rules regarding the simultaneous presence of different permits, so transitioning from temporary protection to another basis must be done considering the specific situation.

Overall, Finland remains one of the best possible options. In this country, one can find work, social payments, and build a future life.