In Finland without a residence permit
If you are an asylum seeker, you have the right to stay in Finland without a visa or residence permit for as long as your asylum application is being processed.
Even if you have arrived in Finland legally, your stay may become illegal if, for example, you remain in the country even though you have not received a residence permit or the validity of your visa or residence permit has expired.
Information about how to obtain a residence permit for Finland is available on the InfoFinland page Moving to Finland.
Help and advice
Food assistance and accommodation
If you have no money for food or no place to stay the night, you are entitled to emergency accommodation and food assistance. Emergency accommodation is organised by municipalities, parishes and some organisations.
Legal advice
The Refugee Advice Centre provides free legal advice to undocumented immigrants. Advice is available at the number 045 237 7104 (Mondays 2 pm–4 pm). The advice is provided by a lawyer. You can also contact the centre by e-mail: paperittomat@pakolaisneuvonta.fi (Link opens default mail program). More information is available on the website of the Refugee Advice Centre.
Advisory services for persons who have received a negative residence permit decision
If you have received a negative residence permit decision, you can get support and advice from the experts of the Return (Paluu) project for voluntary return of the Finnish Refugee Council (Suomen Pakolaisapu). You can find the contact information on the website of the Finnish Refugee Council (Suomen Pakolaisapu).
Medical care
If you fall ill or get injured, you are entitled to urgent and necessary medical care in public health care, for example at a health centre or hospital.
Public health care in Finland is organised by the wellbeing services counties (hyvinvointialue). If you need health services, please contact the nearest health and social services centre (sosiaali- ja terveyskeskus) in your residential area.
If you are in Finland without a residence permit, you can access health-related advice, guidance to treatment and multi-professional help through Global Clinic. You can find the contact information on the Global Clinic website.
Read more on the health services of undocumented migrants on the InfoFinland page Health services in Finland.