Applying for asylum

Asylum and temporary protection in Helsinki

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is the only authority in Finland that can make asylum and temporary protection decisions. It is therefore the only source of definitive answers on the process.

Migri website

People seeking asylum or temporary protection in Finland must apply for asylum in person. This can be done at a police station or Border Guard location. Applying for asylum or temporary protection is not possible outside of Finland, not even at a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate).

The Helsinki Police Department’s service point for people seeking asylum or temporary protection is located in the district of Pasila. It is located in building 1 of the Main Police Station, at street address Pasilanraitio 13. Applications are registered on weekdays from 13–21 and weekends from 9–18. Call +358 295 47 5019 between 13–21 to book an appointment or ask questions.

Also, people seeking asylum or temporary protection can call the City of Helsinki’s Social Services Helpline. It is available at tel. +358 9 310 37577 for assistance on weekdays from 8–12 and 13–16. If you haven’t applied for asylum or temporary assistance, the city’s social services professionals can help you assess your need for accommodation, food and financial support. However, for help with urgent situations in the evenings and on weekends, please contact the city’s Emergency Social Services at tel. +358 206 96006.

Are you in need of medical assistance?

For urgent health matters, call the 24/7 toll-free Medical Helpline at tel. 116 117. The people answering the phone will immediately direct you to the care you need.

If you have applied for asylum or temporary protection, you are entitled to health care services from Migri.

However, if you haven’t applied for temporary protection or asylum, you are considered to have an irregular residential status. People with an irregular residential status are eligible to receive urgent and medically necessary health services at all times in Helsinki. Indeed, urgent health services are available at the centrally-located Kalasatama Health and Well-being Centre, tel. +358 9 310 50333. The Centre is located at street address Työpajankatu 14 A and is open weekdays 8-16 . Similarly, maternity and pediatric services are available at the Itäkatu Family Centre, tel. +358 9 310 55530. The Itäkatu Family Centre is located at street address Itäkatu 11, and it is open weekdays 8–14 .

Finally, see our Health Services section for more information on how Finland’s healthcare is organised.