Circular Note, 28 February: Updated version of the handbook Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities in Finland

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs present their compliments to the Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts and International Organizations accredited to Finland and have the honour to inform them that an updated version of the handbook Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities in Finland is available on the website of the Ministry at http://um.fi/diplomatic (Diplomatic Portal).

The Ministry wish to remind the Missions specifically of the following:

• Chapter 1.6. Honorary Consuls: The addition of a standard security clearance vetting for Honorary Consuls. The validity of the security vetting is five years after which it has to be renewed.  
   
• Chapter 1.10. Diplomatic ID cards: Please notice that a diplomatic ID card and temporary residence permit may be issued upon request for the staff member’s estimated term of office in Finland, depending on the validity of the passport. According to the practice of the Protocol Services the renewal of ID card is possible at the earliest two months before the expiry date. The ID cards can be issued for a maximum of five years  at a time.
  
  The above mentioned concerns also the ID cards and residence permits for family members and 18 - 19 years old descendants of the staff members and their spouses, living in the same household.
   
• Missions are asked to pay special attention to the fact that the staff member holds a valid diplomatic ID card at all times, in order to certify their position and status but also for enjoying diplomatic privileges in Finland (for instance VAT refund and other tax benefits).
   
• Chapter 1.13. Locally employed Staff, conditions of employment: Under the Finnish legislation, locally employed staff members of foreign missions are subject to mandatory and absolute provisions of the Finnish labor and social laws. In Finland, both employers and employees contribute to the statutory insurance through statutory insurance contributions. More detailed information will be addressed to Missions in a separate Circular Note.
   
• Chapter 1.14. Private Servants: The Ministry will check the principal terms of employment before issuing a residence permit to private servant. The Missions will be asked to send a copy of the employment contract between a member of mission and a private servant when they notify the employment of a new private servant.
   
• Chapter 3 Taxation:  Applications for VAT refund and tax and duty exempt import and purchase are submitted using the e-service. However, the European Union VAT and/or excise duty exemption applications are still processed in paper form.
   
• Chapter 9: Helsinki-Vantaa airport: Finavia issues airport badges to members of missions upon request. Each mission can obtain a limited number of personal badges for official reception or escorting duties and delivering or picking up diplomatic pouches in the security controlled areas at the airport. These airport badges are strictly for official use.
  
  There are two lounges in the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The Helsinki Airport VIP & Meetings may be used when visitors are arriving or departing on regular flights. VIP President is primarily for visitors arriving on private airplanes. Finavia’s updated contact information is included in the handbook.
   
• Chapter 10.4. Diplomatic parking places in Helsinki: Missions can obtain a diplomatic parking place for two cars with CD plates in one location on request. Missions are kindly reminded that these diplomatic parking places are for the use of particular mission even though the embassy is not specified on the sign. There is a limited number of parking places for official use for all missions in front of the Government Palace beside the Senate Square.
   
• Chapter 10.10.2 Strong electronic means of identification: The Helsinki Police Department offers assistance and instructions on how to apply for verification (email: relations.helsinki(a)poliisi.fi)
   
• The contact information for the Protocol Services by email is pro(a)gov.fi.

The Missions and their members are requested to acquaint themselves with the contents of the handbook.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs avail themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts and International Organizations accredited to Finland the assurances of their highest consideration.

Helsinki, 28 February 2025

To
the Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts and
International Organizations accredited to Finland