The individual’s rights and obligations

The Finnish Constitution defines the fundamental rights of all people living in Finland. In addition to these, individuals also have obligations – the most important of these is that every person living in Finland must obey Finnish laws.

In addition to the rights and obligations belonging to all, there are some rights and obligations which only apply to Finnish citizens. These include the obligation to participate in national defence.

Society is formed of individuals. All people are different, but in an equal and free society, all people have the same rights. There are also obligations in society which everyone must follow. When people’s rights and obligations are in balance, society functions and those in it can thrive.

The Finnish Constitution defines people’s fundamental rights

• Everyone can choose their own place of residence and move freely in Finland.
• Everyone has the right to privacy. No one can enter another’s home without permission. It is forbidden to read other people’s letters and other people’s calls cannot be listened to without permission.
• Finland has freedom of religion. Everyone has the right to believe what they wish and practice their faith. No one is forced to belong to any religious community or participate in practicing a religion.
• Finland has freedom of speech. Everyone can state their own opinion freely.
• Everyone has the right to receive information about public documents. Documents held by the authorities are primarily public, unless limiting their publicity is necessary.
• Everyone has the right to arrange meetings and demonstrations, as well as participate in them. No permission is needed for meetings and demonstrations. Everyone has the right to found and belong to associations.
• Everyone who is legally eligible to vote has the right to vote in elections. Public authority must promote people’s opportunities to participate in societal activities and impact decisions which regard themselves.
• Everyone’s property is secured, meaning that the state protects people’s right to own assets.
• Everyone has the right to free comprehensive education. Everyone has the right to receive education after comprehensive education according to one’s own skills and needs. The freedom of scientific, artistic and higher education is secured.
• Finland’s national or official languages are Finnish and Swedish. In official matters, everyone has the right to use Swedish or Finnish throughout the whole country. Sámi languages also have an official status in Sápmi in northern Finland.
• Everyone has the right to livelihood through their chosen work or occupation.
• Everyone who is not able to secure what is necessary for dignified life has the right to necessary income and care. Everyone has the right to sufficient health and social services.
• Everyone has the right to live in a healthy environment and to influence decisions that concern their own living environment.
• Everyone has the right to have their matter processed in court or with other authorities appropriately and without undue delay.
• Public administration must secure fundamental rights and human rights.

The most important obligation of each person living in Finland is to obey the law

All people living in Finland also have legal obligations.

• The most important obligation of each person living in Finland is to obey Finnish law.
• Everyone must pay taxes to the state on their income, property and inheritance. People also pay taxes for services, products and many benefits.
• Every child aged 7–18 must participate in compulsory education.
• Parents have the obligation to take care of their underaged children.
• Everyone has the obligation to help if someone needs help, for example, in an accident.
• Everyone has the obligation to testify in court if the court calls them as a witness.
• Everyone bears responsibility for nature, biodiversity, the environment and cultural heritage.

Many fundamental rights apply to all people regardless of age. Some rights and obligations, such as the right to vote, belong only to those of age, meaning over 18 years old. Some rights and obligations already apply to younger people. For example, a 15-year-old can independently decide how to use money they have earned through work.

More information about the rights of children and youths: Children’s and youths’ rights and obligations (infofinland.fi) 

Finnish citizenship entails certain rights and obligations

When a person has Finnish citizenship, they have some rights and obligations which foreign nationals living in Finland do not have.

Rights connected to Finnish citizenship:

• Finnish citizens have the right to a Finnish passport
• Finnish citizens have the right to vote in parliamentary elections, presidential elections and European elections
• Finnish citizens also have the rights of EU citizens. They can move freely and work within the EU.
• A Finnish citizen cannot be prevented from entering Finland, they cannot be deported from Finland and they cannot be extradited to another country if they do not wish to leave.
• Finnish citizens receive help from Finnish embassies and consulates abroad.
• Some public offices are only for Finnish citizens, for example police and judges.

Obligations connected to Finnish citizenship:

• Finnish citizens have the obligation to adhere to Finnish laws even outside of Finland.
• Finnish citizens have the obligation to participate in national defence or assisting national defence.

Finnish men have an obligation for military service

Conscription (asevelvollisuus) applies to all 18–60-year-old male citizens. A person liable for military service must complete either armed or unarmed military service or a non-military, civilian service (siviilipalvelus). Non-military service is an option for those who do not want to undergo military training.
Military service lasts around 6 months to one year. After completing military service, the conscripts are part of the reserves and they are regularly called for refresher training (kertausharjoitus). Non-military service contains a one-month training period and a service position lasting a bit under a year.

In 2023, 75% of called-up men chose the military service and 1.6% chose non-military service. The rest were either exempted from service for health reasons or other reasons, or their service was moved up to a later period.

If a conscript refuses to go through military service or non-military service or refuses to complete the service they have begun, they can be prosecuted for refusing military service or non-military service. The length of the sentence is half of the remaining service period. Nowadays, punishments for objecting are usually monitoring sentences, meaning house arrest, instead of a prison sentence.

If a man receives Finnish citizenship under the age of 30, they must carry out either military service or non-military service. Women are not liable for military service, but women can carry out voluntary military service if they so wish. There were 1,555 women who applied for voluntary military service in 2024.

Finland’s defence is based on conscription and a large reserve of people who have completed military service and training. The reservists have mandatory military refresher exercises. There is no volunteer army (ammattiarmeija) in Finland.