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Money collection licences



Rahankeräyslaki (255/2006) and Valtioneuvoston asetus rahankeräyksistä 503/2006 came into force on 1.7.2006.

Collecting money is an activity in which money is collected by appealing to the public without providing a consideration. The only thing that can be given to a participant in a collection is a badge from the holder of the money collection permit or the collection which in itself has no economic value (collection badge).

Money collection may only be carried out by those with an official permit (money collection permit).

Money collection permits may be issued by:

  • local police department, when the money collection is carried out in one poliisilaitoksen district or part of a district (e.g. within a single community), or
  • The National Police Board, when money collection is carried out over a wider area than a single police department (Poliisihallitus, Arpajaishallinto, PL 50, 11101 Riihimäki)

    The processing time of applications for money collection permits in the National Police Board is some 3-4 months. The applicants should note this when submitting their applications.

Permits must be applied for in writing.
  • Rahankeräyslupahakemus
  • Liite rahankeräyslupahakemukseen plan for collection and use of the money
  • Rahankeräystilitys (to be submitted to the authorities within 6 months of the expiry of the permit)

The application for the permit must be supported by:
  • plan for collection and use of the money rahankeräyslupahakemukseen
  • Up to date extract from the register of associations, foundations or companies / extract from the register of public bodies (maximum of 3 months old from the date of the permit application)
  • Copy of the rules of the association or foundation
  • Report on activities or other account showing that the body applying for the permit has acted in accordance with it aims
  • Copy of the last approved set of accounts
  • Copy of the minutes regarding money collecting activities
If necessary the body issuing the permit may demand additional documentation. Note that a the accounts from any possible previous collection must have been submitted (within 6 months of the end of the activity) before a new permit can be granted.

Money can be collected to acquire funds that will be used for the common good. As an exception to the requirement for the common good, money collection may also be carried out to acquire funds to support an individual person or family in financial difficulties.

A money collection permit may be issued to associations or foundations registered in Finland whose exclusive purpose is the common good. Permits can also be issued under certain conditions stipulated in the legislation to associations that are not registered in Finland, but their exclusive purpose must also be the common good. Money collection permits cannot be granted to the State, a municipality or federation of municipalities, nor to an Evangelical Lutheran church nor Orthodox church society, parish or parish unions.

Permits can be granted for a maximum of two years at a time. Money collection permits to help an individual person or family are issued by the police department where the collection will take place. Permits for a collection of money to help an individual person or family can be given for a maximum of six months. The time specified in the permit for carrying out the collection of money cannot be extended.

A separate bank account (money collection account) has to be opened for each collection.

A money collection permit is not required by play school groups, school classes or established study or hobby group in order to collect money if a legally competent person is responsible for the collection of money. Money can be collected at events of the parties mentioned, if the funds collected are to be used for promoting studies or the activity of the hobby. A money collection permit is also not required when a collection is taken among the participants by the organiser of a public meeting when the public meeting is held indoors.

The following do not fall under the aegis of the Money Collection Act:

1) assistance to neighbours;

2) collecting goods;

3) appealing to the public in order to receive property through a legacy;

4) auctions, concerts and support events for charities;

5) requests for donations in conjunction with invitation to mark an individual’s special day and interview as well as in connection with obituaries and remembrances;

6) collections taken among people participating in a public religious service of a religious community under the Freedom of Religion Act (453/2003).

» Service prices 1.1.2013





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