No, squatting in Finland is illegal under the Penal Code (Chapter 35, Section 1), with penalties including fines or imprisonment. The Finnish legal system prioritizes property rights, and unauthorized occupation of land or buildings constitutes trespassing or burglary, enforceable by police under the Ministry of the Interior’s directives. Recent 2026 amendments to the Land Use and Building Act (Maankäyttö- ja rakennuslaki) further criminalize squatting in abandoned properties, mandating swift evictions by local authorities.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Finland
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Criminal Liability: Occupying another’s property without consent violates the Penal Code (35:1), punishable by up to 2 years’ imprisonment or fines. The National Prosecuting Authority oversees prosecutions, with regional police forces executing evictions under the Police Act (Poliisilaki 872/2011).
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Abandoned Properties: The 2026 amendment to the Land Use and Building Act (603/2023) explicitly prohibits squatting in derelict buildings, even if unoccupied for years. Municipal building inspectors (kunta-alueiden rakennusvalvonta) must report violations to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) for enforcement.
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Civil Remedies: Property owners may seek immediate eviction via district courts (käräjäoikeus) under the Enforcement Code (Ulosottolaki 705/2007). Courts prioritize these cases, with eviction orders enforceable within 14 days under the Ministry of Justice’s expedited procedures.