Arkikahvila — Ready-made letter templates
Printed collection · arkikahvila.fi · Checked 7/2026 — templates, not legal advice.
Ready-made letter templates — copy, fill in and send
Many rights only become real once you ask for them in writing — but few people know what to put in the letter. This page has ready-made templates for the most common situations: copy the text, fill in the parts in square brackets with your own details and send it. The templates are models, not legal advice — if your situation is complicated, financial and debt counselling helps free of charge. Note: authorities in Finland generally expect Finnish or Swedish, so the letters themselves are provided in those languages on the Finnish and Swedish versions of this page — this page explains in English what each template does and when to use it, and the templates below are English working versions you can adapt.
How to use the templates
Under each template there is a Copy text button (the text goes to your clipboard — paste it into an email or an e-service message field) and a Download .txt link that saves the template as a file on your device. Fill in the parts in [SQUARE BRACKETS] with your own details and delete the instructions you do not need. If you can, send the final letter in Finnish or Swedish — the same templates are available on the Finnish and Swedish versions of this page, and the paragraph structure is identical, so you can match them line by line.
Enforcement
Application for payment-free months
When the garnishment of your pay or pension has continued for about a year and you need a break for a necessary purchase, healthcare costs or because of high living costs. Send it in the enforcement e-service (Messages) or directly to your enforcement officer. The grounds and amounts are covered in section 2 of the enforcement guide. Attachments: a cost estimate or offer (e.g. optician, dentist), a medical statement if relevant, an account of your housing costs.
Subject: Application for payment-free months Debtor: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME], [DATE OF BIRTH] I request a payment-free month / payment-free months for [MONTH(S) YEAR]. The garnishment of my pay/pension has continued without interruption since [MONTH/YEAR]. The grounds for my request are: [CHOOSE AND COMPLETE: a necessary purchase (what it is and a cost estimate) / healthcare costs / my housing and living costs are high relative to what is left after garnishment / another special reason]. Attached: [LIST THE ATTACHMENTS]. I request a written decision on the matter. [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER]
Request for self-correction (example: scheduled fees)
When you believe there is an error in an enforcement decision or in the collection — a typical example: scheduled fees are still being charged although, in the garnishment of recurring income, they have been collected for at least 18 months within two years (see the FAQ). Self-correction is the fastest and free route; an enforcement appeal (3 weeks, district court) is available if no correction is made. Attachments: enforcement receipts or a breakdown showing the error.
Subject: Request for self-correction Debtor: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME], [DATE OF BIRTH] Case/case number: [CASE NUMBER, IF KNOWN] I request self-correction under the Enforcement Code of the following error: [DESCRIBE THE ERROR. EXAMPLE CONCERNING SCHEDULED FEES: Scheduled fees have been collected from my recurring income without interruption since [MONTH/YEAR], i.e. for a total of at least 18 months within the preceding two years. Under section 5 of the Act on Enforcement Fees (34/1995), the collection of the scheduled fee is not continued after this. Fees have nevertheless still been collected.] I request that the error be corrected and the excess amount refunded or applied towards my debts. I request a written reply. If no correction is made, I request instructions for seeking a change to the decision. [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER]
Debt collection and debts
Request for more time to pay a bill (electricity, phone, rent, any bill)
For when you already know before the due date that the money will not stretch. The fastest way is to call the biller and ask for the due date to be moved — companies grant 2–4 weeks of extra time almost without exception when you ask before the due date. The bill then never goes to collection and no collection costs arise (late-payment interest may accrue, but it is small money compared to the costs). This template works as support for the call or for written contact by email, chat or the company's own site — and always ask for written confirmation of the new date. Worth knowing: by law, electricity may not be cut off because of an unpaid bill until at least five weeks have passed from the due date, and a written warning must be given in advance — so there is time to react.
Subject: Request for more time to pay — invoice [NUMBER], due date [DATE] Customer number: [NUMBER] I request more time to pay the invoice so that the new due date is [DATE — CHOOSE A REALISTIC ONE, FOR EXAMPLE YOUR NEXT PAY OR BENEFIT DAY]. The reason for the request is temporary: [BRIEFLY — for example a delayed benefit decision, a lay-off, sick leave]. I will pay the invoice in full on the new due date. [OR: I propose splitting the invoice into two instalments: DATES AND AMOUNTS.] I request written confirmation of the new due date (for example by email or text message) and information on any charges. [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER]
Disputing a claim
When a bill being collected is, in your view, wholly or partly unfounded. Voluntary collection of a claim disputed with grounds may not continue (Debt Collection Act, section 4 b) — the creditor must take the matter to the district court if they disagree. Send it to both the collection agency and the original creditor. A bare objection without grounds is not enough — state the reason. Attachments: payment receipt, order confirmation, complaint or other evidence.
Subject: Disputing a claim — [CREDITOR NAME], reference/invoice number [NUMBER] I dispute the claim [IN FULL / IN THE FOLLOWING PARTS: WHICH PARTS]. Grounds: [CHOOSE AND COMPLETE: the claim was paid on [DATE] (receipt attached) / I have not ordered the product or service in question / the invoice amount is incorrect, the correct amount is [SUM] / the claim is time-barred / other grounds]. As the claim has been disputed, I demand that its voluntary collection be suspended in accordance with section 4 b of the Debt Collection Act (513/1999). A disputed claim may not be reported as a payment default entry either. I request a written, reasoned reply within 14 days. [DATE] [NAME, ADDRESS]
Request for an itemisation of debts and collection costs
When you want to know what the debt consists of — principal, interest and costs with their grounds. The right is based on section 4 a of the Debt Collection Act, and the itemisation is free of charge once a year. You can check whether the costs are lawful in the Collection costs section of the FAQ.
Subject: Request for an itemisation of debt information (Debt Collection Act, section 4 a) In accordance with section 4 a of the Debt Collection Act (513/1999), I request, free of charge, up-to-date information on my debts: 1. the total amount of the debts and their grounds, itemised, 2. an itemisation of unpaid debts and the payments made on them, and 3. an account of how the interest and costs on the principal are determined. References/case numbers, if known: [NUMBERS] Please deliver the itemisation in writing to [POSTAL OR EMAIL ADDRESS]. [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, DATE OF BIRTH]
Objection on grounds of final time-barring
When a debt is being collected from you and you suspect it is finally time-barred. Rules of thumb: after an enforcement order (judgment), a debt is enforceable for 15 years (20 years if the creditor is a private person or the debt is based on a crime that led to a prison sentence). A contractual debt of a natural person always lapses at the latest 20 years from its due date — or 25 years if the creditor is also a private person — and this period cannot be interrupted. Public-law charges, such as health centre fees, become finally time-barred after only 5 years. If the dates are uncertain, first request an itemisation (previous template) — the due date and the date of the judgment appear in it.
Subject: Objection on grounds of time-barring — [CREDITOR NAME], reference [NUMBER] I consider that the claim being collected is finally time-barred and that I no longer have any payment obligation. Grounds: [CHOOSE AND COMPLETE: The judgment/enforcement order concerning the claim was issued on [DATE YEAR], so the 15/20-year time limit under chapter 2, section 24 of the Enforcement Code expired in [YEAR]. / The claim fell due on [DATE YEAR], so it is finally time-barred under section 13 a of the Act on the Time-barring of Debts (728/2003) (20 years from the due date; 25 years if the creditor is a private person). / The claim is a public-law charge, which became finally time-barred five years after it was imposed.] I demand that collection cease immediately. If you consider the claim still valid, I request a written account of how the limitation period has been calculated, including any interruptions. [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, DATE OF BIRTH]
Request to suspend collection (transfer to legal collection)
When the debt is genuine but collection letters only add costs and you cannot pay. Under section 4 c of the Debt Collection Act, the debtor of a consumer claim may request that collection be suspended and the matter transferred to legal collection — the conditions are that the claim has fallen due in full and the request is made in writing. After the suspension, no further collection costs may be demanded from you. Note: the creditor can then seek a judgment (payment default entry) and take the matter to enforcement — this template suits a situation where that is coming anyway and you want to stop the costs from growing.
Subject: Request to suspend collection (Debt Collection Act, section 4 c) Debtor: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, DATE OF BIRTH] Claim/reference: [CREDITOR AND NUMBER] Under section 4 c of the Debt Collection Act (513/1999), I request that the voluntary collection of the claim specified above be suspended and that the matter, if you so wish, be transferred to legal collection. I note that, under the law, no costs may be demanded from me for collection measures taken after this request for suspension. [DATE] [NAME, ADDRESS]
Composition proposal to a creditor
When you can pay a lump sum (e.g. with the help of someone close to you or from savings) and want to propose that the creditor forgive the rest of the debt. A realistic proposal is typically clearly below the full debt but more than the creditor would get from enforcement in the next few years. What a composition is and why a creditor may agree — see the section Debt restructuring, composition and pardons in the FAQ.
Subject: Settlement proposal (composition) — debt [REFERENCE/NUMBER] My debt to you currently totals [SUM] euros. My financial situation is as follows: [SHORT DESCRIPTION: income, enforcement/other debts — e.g. my income is [SUM]/month and I am in enforcement, where the debt accrues an estimated [SUM]/month]. I propose as a settlement that I pay [SUM] euros as a lump sum by [DATE], and that you accept this as final settlement of the claim, so that the remainder of the claim is forgiven and no further demands are made. I request a written reply within 21 days. If you accept the proposal, I request written confirmation before payment as well as an undertaking that you will withdraw your enforcement application in the matter and notify the credit information companies of the payment. [DATE] [NAME, CONTACT DETAILS]
Kela — how to appeal, by benefit
A negative Kela decision is not final — it can be challenged free of charge, without formalities and without a lawyer. The route depends on which benefit the decision concerns. Basic social assistance follows a completely different route from all other Kela benefits, and the deadlines and addresses differ too. First check which route is yours, and follow only its instructions.
Route A: Basic social assistance
Try a quick shortcut first. If the decision contains an obvious error (for example, income calculated incorrectly or an attachment overlooked), ask for the decision to be corrected directly: call Kela's service number, send a message in OmaKela, or visit a service point. The correction is aimed to be done within about 7 working days, whereas a formal request for review can take months. So try the shortcut first — you still have time to make a formal request for review as long as you stay within the deadline.
If the correction does not help, make a request for review to Kela's review centre (oikaisuvaatimuskeskus). The deadline is 37 days from the posting date of the decision (the day is stated in the decision). Make it in OmaKela, with form TO 5, or free of form. By post: Kela, Oikaisuvaatimuskeskus, PL 10, 00056 KELA. Only about one in five requests for review leads to a change, so focus on the reasoning and the evidence — a bank statement, payslip, invoices, rental agreement or medical statement matter more than the wording.
If the request for review is rejected, you can appeal to the administrative court of your region. The deadline is 37 days from the posting date of the review decision. In social assistance matters the administrative court is the appeals body that corresponds to SAMU for other benefits — basic social assistance matters do not go to SAMU. Use template 4.
Route B: Other benefits (general benefit, housing allowance, sickness allowance, rehabilitation, disability benefits, pensions)
For other benefits there is no separate review stage; instead you make a single appeal, which is submitted to Kela — not directly to the appeal board. The deadline is 30 days from notification. Kela first checks itself whether the decision can be corrected (self-correction): if it accepts all your claims, you get a new decision and the matter ends here. If Kela does not correct it, it forwards your appeal on your behalf to the Social Security Appeal Board (SAMU). Use template 3.
SAMU is a board independent of Kela. The process is free of charge and written, and typically takes 6–18 months. Roughly a third of appeals are changed in the applicant's favour, so appealing is worthwhile. If SAMU rejects the appeal, you can appeal further to the Insurance Court (30 days from notification), which is the highest instance in social insurance matters. The Insurance Court's processing is also free of charge.
Common to both routes
Kela cannot write the appeal on your behalf — an authority does not draw up a document that challenges its own decision. Customer service will, however, explain the content of the decision and advise on what is worth writing. The text does not need to be legally worded. Just state four things: which decision it concerns (decision number and date), what you believe is wrong, what you concretely demand and on what grounds — and attach the evidence.
Where to get help with the appeal
A legal aid office provides a free initial consultation also in Kela matters, and if the matter is complicated (for example, recovery of overpayment, several decisions, or a dispute over incapacity for work), a legal aid office can also assign an attorney for someone on a low income. A social ombudsman (via your own wellbeing services county) advises especially on appeals against social assistance decisions. The Finnish Disability Forum and other disability organisations help with appeals concerning disability benefits.
Template 1: Request for review of basic social assistance (Route A)
The first formal step for basic social assistance, when a quick request for correction did not help. Deadline: 37 days from the posting date. Submit in OmaKela, with form TO 5, or by post: Kela, Oikaisuvaatimuskeskus, PL 10, 00056 KELA. Attachments: evidence for your grounds (bank statement, payslip, invoices, rental agreement, medical statement or other document showing the real situation).
REQUEST FOR REVIEW (basic social assistance) Recipient: Kela, Oikaisuvaatimuskeskus, PL 10, 00056 KELA Decision concerned: Benefit: basic social assistance Decision number: [NUMBER from the decision letter] Date of the decision: [DATE] Posting date: [DATE — stated in the decision] My claim: I request that the decision be [corrected / amended / revoked] so that [WHAT YOU CONCRETELY DEMAND — e.g. social assistance is granted as applied for the period X / the expense Y is accepted as an expense / income is recalculated according to my actual income]. Grounds: [EXPLAIN CONCRETELY WHAT IS WRONG IN THE DECISION AND WHY. E.g.: The decision calculated my income as [AMOUNT], but my actual net income was [AMOUNT], as shown by the attached bank statement. OR: The expense [WHICH] that I applied for is necessary, because [GROUND], and it has not been taken into account in the decision. OR: The decision did not take into account the following fact: [EXPLAIN].] Attachments: [LIST ALL ATTACHMENTS — e.g. bank statement 06/2026, rental agreement, invoice, medical statement] [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME] [PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE] [ADDRESS] [PHONE NUMBER]
Template 2: Supplementary information for a review request or appeal (both routes)
If you realise after sending your appeal that you have new evidence or want to elaborate on your grounds. You can supplement at any time before the matter is decided — no deadline. Submit the supplement to the same place where you sent the original appeal. If the matter has already been transferred to SAMU or the administrative court, send the supplement there.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FOR A REVIEW REQUEST / APPEAL I refer to my [request for review / appeal] concerning the decision: Benefit: [NAME OF THE BENEFIT] Decision number: [NUMBER] [Request for review / appeal] submitted: [DATE] I submit the following supplementary information: [EXPLAIN WHAT NEW INFORMATION OR EVIDENCE YOU WISH TO PRESENT AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR CASE. E.g.: I attach a new medical statement, which states that [WHAT]. OR: My situation has changed in that [EXPLAIN THE CHANGE].] Attachments: [LIST NEW ATTACHMENTS] I request that this supplementary information be taken into account when deciding the matter. [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE]
Template 3: Appeal against another benefit (Route B)
Appeal for benefits other than basic social assistance. Deadline: 30 days from notification. The appeal is submitted to Kela (Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA) or in OmaKela — Kela examines the self-correction and forwards the appeal to SAMU if necessary. The same structure also works for an appeal to the Insurance Court if SAMU rejects your appeal: change the recipient and title and refer to SAMU's decision (the correct address is stated in the appeal instructions of SAMU's decision). Attachments: the Kela decision and all evidence supporting your claim.
APPEAL (submitted to Kela, which forwards it to the Social Security Appeal Board) Appellant: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME] [PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE] [ADDRESS] [PHONE NUMBER] Decision appealed: Kela decision, benefit: [NAME OF THE BENEFIT, e.g. general benefit, housing allowance, sickness allowance] Decision number: [NUMBER] Date of the decision: [DATE] Date of notification: [DATE] My claim: I request that the Kela decision be [revoked / amended] so that [WHAT YOU CONCRETELY DEMAND]. Grounds: [EXPLAIN CONCRETELY WHAT IS WRONG IN THE DECISION AND WHY. E.g.: In the decision, [WHICH CIRCUMSTANCE] has been assessed incorrectly, because [GROUND AND REFERENCE TO ATTACHMENT]. OR: The decision did not take [WHAT] into account, although [GROUND].] Attachments: 1. Kela decision [DATE] [2. OTHER ATTACHMENTS — e.g. medical statement, bank statement, payslip] [DATE] [SIGNATURE AND NAME IN PRINT]
Template 4: Appeal to the administrative court (Route A)
The second step for basic social assistance, when the review centre has rejected your request for review. The appeal is made to the administrative court of your region — the correct administrative court and its address are stated in the appeal instructions of the review decision. Deadline: 37 days from the posting date of the review decision. Attachments: the review centre's decision, the original social assistance decision, and all evidence — including new evidence not included in the request for review.
APPEAL TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE COURT (basic social assistance) Recipient: [THE ADMINISTRATIVE COURT OF YOUR REGION — the name and address are stated in the appeal instructions of the review decision] Appellant: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME] [PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE] [ADDRESS] [PHONE NUMBER] Decision appealed: Decision of Kela review centre concerning basic social assistance Review decision number: [NUMBER] Date of the review decision: [DATE] Original decision: [NUMBER, DATE] My claim: I request that the review centre decision be [revoked / amended] so that [WHAT YOU CONCRETELY DEMAND]. Grounds: [STATE THE SAME GROUNDS AS IN THE REQUEST FOR REVIEW AND IN ADDITION: The review centre decision stated that [BRIEFLY SUMMARISE THE GROUND FOR THE REJECTION]. This is incorrect, because [EXPLAIN WHY — new evidence, incorrect interpretation or changed situation].] Attachments: 1. Review centre decision [DATE] 2. The original social assistance decision [DATE] [3. OTHER ATTACHMENTS — e.g. new medical statement, bank statement, invoices] [DATE] [SIGNATURE AND NAME IN PRINT]
Healthcare fees
Notification that the payment cap has been reached and request for a free card
When your public healthcare client fees during the calendar year have exceeded the annual payment cap — in 2026 the cap is 815 euros (the amount is index-adjusted every two years, so check the current limit at stm.fi or from your wellbeing services county). The cap is NOT tracked automatically: you must follow your fees from receipts yourself and notify the wellbeing services county when the cap is reached. A refund of the excess must be claimed at the latest during the calendar year following the year the cap was exceeded. A small maintenance fee is charged for short-term institutional care even after the cap is reached. Attachments: receipts or a fee statement for the calendar year's client fees.
Subject: Notification that the payment cap has been reached and request for a free card I hereby notify you that the payment cap under section 6 a of the Act on Client Charges in Healthcare and Social Welfare (734/1992) has been reached in my case during the calendar year [YEAR]. Client fees counting towards the cap that I have paid: a total of [SUM] euros; an itemisation and receipts are attached. The annual payment cap has therefore been exceeded. I request a certificate that the payment cap has been reached (a free card) and a refund of the fees charged in excess of the cap. [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE, ADDRESS]
Application for the reduction or waiver of a client fee
When a healthcare or social welfare client fee endangers your ability to support yourself. This is a statutory right, not charity: under section 11 of the Act on Client Charges, the fee must be waived or reduced if collecting it would endanger the person's or family's means of support. Apply before the fee goes to collection — reducing the fee takes priority over social assistance. Attachments: an account of income and expenses (bank statement, lease, benefit decisions), the invoices the application concerns.
Subject: Application for the reduction or waiver of a client fee (Act on Client Charges, section 11) I apply for the reduction or waiver of the following client fees: [INVOICE NUMBERS, DATES AND AMOUNTS]. Collecting these fees endangers my means of support. My financial situation: income [SUM]/month ([WHAT IT CONSISTS OF]), essential expenses [SUM]/month (rent [SUM], other [BREAKDOWN]). [ALSO MENTION: enforcement, debt restructuring, social assistance, if applicable.] Supporting documents are attached. I request a written, reasoned decision with appeal instructions. I also request that the collection of the fees be suspended while the application is processed. [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE, ADDRESS]
Housing
Payment plan proposal to a landlord
As soon as the rent is, or is about to be, in arrears — the earlier, the better the chances of avoiding an eviction process. An honest proposal you can actually keep is better for the landlord too than an expensive, slow eviction. If eviction already threatens, see the Eviction section of the FAQ and contact your wellbeing services county's housing advice service.
Subject: Rent arrears and payment plan proposal — [ADDRESS, APARTMENT] My rent payments have been delayed. The arrears currently total [SUM] euros (months: [WHICH]). Reason for the delay: [BRIEFLY — e.g. lay-off, illness, delay in benefit processing]. I propose the following: I will pay the current rent normally on its due dates, and in addition [SUM] euros of the arrears per month starting [MONTH/YEAR], so that the arrears are fully paid by [MONTH/YEAR]. [IF YOU HAVE APPLIED FOR HELP, SAY SO: I have applied for a review of my housing allowance / social assistance / been in contact with housing advice, and a decision is expected [ESTIMATE].] I hope we can settle the matter with this plan. I am happy to answer questions and request written confirmation. [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER]
Credit records
Notifying the credit information companies of a payment
When you have paid in full the debt that caused a payment default entry and the creditor has not reported the payment to the credit information company. Send it to both companies: Asiakastieto (maksutiedot@asiakastieto.fi, preferably encrypted: mail.asiakastieto.fi) and Dun & Bradstreet Finland. If you paid the debt through enforcement, the request can be made directly in the enforcement e-service under Messages with the subject Luottotiedot. The full path is described in section 4 of the enforcement guide. Attachments: the creditor's written certificate of payment (balance certificate or receipt); for a debt paid via enforcement, an enforcement certificate.
Subject: Recording of payment information and removal of a payment default entry I request that the payment of the following claim be recorded in the credit information register and that the entry be removed in accordance with the Credit Information Act: Creditor: [NAME] Claim/reference: [NUMBER] Paid in full: [DATE] A certificate of payment is attached. [DATE] [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE, ADDRESS]
Your data held by companies (GDPR)
Access request to a company
When you want to know what data a company has stored about you and what it is used for — for example a collection agency, a credit information company, an online store or a telecom operator. The right is based on Article 15 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): the request is free of charge, and the company must reply within one month (in complex cases within three months at most, of which you must be informed within a month). The company may verify your identity before releasing the data. Send it to the address given in the company's privacy policy. If the company does not respond, you can notify the Data Protection Ombudsman (tietosuoja.fi).
Subject: Access request concerning personal data (EU General Data Protection Regulation, Article 15) I request confirmation of whether you process my personal data and, if you do, a copy of all personal data concerning me together with the following information: 1. the purposes of the processing, 2. the categories of personal data you process, 3. the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the data has been disclosed, 4. the envisaged storage period of the data or the criteria used to determine it, 5. where the data was obtained, if it was not collected from me, and 6. information on any automated decision-making or profiling. Identification details: [NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, CUSTOMER NUMBER OR THE EMAIL YOU ARE REGISTERED WITH]. I will provide further verification of my identity if needed. Please deliver the information [ELECTRONICALLY TO ADDRESS X / BY POST TO ADDRESS X] within one month of this request. [DATE] [NAME]
Erasure request and a ban on direct marketing
When the customer relationship has ended and you want the company to delete your data — for example an old online store account, an app or a marketing register. The right is based on Article 17 of the GDPR (the right to be forgotten). Note the limits: the company may keep data it has a statutory obligation to retain (e.g. accounting records) or another basis under the Regulation (e.g. an open invoice). The right to erasure does not apply to authorities' registers (Kela, the Enforcement Authority, the Tax Administration). The template also includes a ban on direct marketing — an unconditional right the company cannot refuse.
Subject: Erasure request concerning personal data (EU General Data Protection Regulation, Article 17) and a ban on direct marketing I request that you erase all personal data concerning me from your registers to the extent that you have no statutory obligation or other basis under the GDPR to retain it. My customer relationship with you ended [WHEN / THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP]. At the same time, I object to the processing of my personal data for direct marketing purposes (GDPR Article 21). Identification details: [NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, CUSTOMER NUMBER OR EMAIL]. I request confirmation of the measures taken within one month. If you do not erase certain data, I request a justification for each category of data. [DATE] [NAME]
Advance planning: living will, continuing power of attorney and will
These three documents typically cost 200–500 € each at a law firm — which is exactly why many people never make them, even though every adult should have them. All three can be made yourself, as long as the formal requirements are followed to the letter. Use a professional if the picture includes a blended family, a business, several properties, a quarrelling family or wishes that depart from the usual. Note that these documents will be used with Finnish authorities and courts, so the final version should be in Finnish or Swedish — the templates below are working versions with the same structure as on the Finnish and Swedish pages.
Living will (hoitotahto)
With a living will you state in advance how you are to be treated if you cannot take a position yourself — for example due to unconsciousness, a severe brain injury or advanced memory disease. It binds healthcare staff (Act on the Status and Rights of Patients 785/1992). Make it while healthy and unhurried, discuss the content with those close to you — and save it in OmaKanta (omakanta.fi): that is the surest way for the treating doctor to find your wishes. You can change or cancel a living will at any time.
LIVING WILL I, [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE], express with this living will my wishes in case I am unable to take part in decisions concerning my care. 1. If, according to medical assessment, there is no hope of my recovery from an incurable illness or injury, I refuse treatment that artificially maintains life [FOR EXAMPLE: resuscitation, ventilator treatment, artificial nutrition and hydration — EDIT ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN WISHES]. 2. I always want sufficient pain relief and good symptomatic care, even if it shortens my life. 3. My other wishes: [FOR EXAMPLE: place of care, spiritual support, who I wish to be kept informed — OR DELETE THIS POINT]. 4. [OPTIONAL: I wish my care to be discussed with the following person: NAME, PHONE NUMBER, RELATIONSHIP TO ME.] This living will is valid until further notice. I can change or cancel it at any time. [PLACE AND DATE] [SIGNATURE AND NAME IN PRINT] Witnesses (recommended, not required): We certify that [NAME] has signed this living will in person and stated that it corresponds to their wishes. Witness 1: [SIGNATURE, NAME IN PRINT, DATE] Witness 2: [SIGNATURE, NAME IN PRINT, DATE]
Continuing power of attorney (edunvalvontavaltuutus)
With a continuing power of attorney you decide yourself who manages your finances and other affairs if illness or an accident leaves you unable to. Without one, a guardian is appointed for you in an official process that is slow and whose continuous supervision is burdensome even for a spouse or child. The power of attorney only enters into force once the Digital and Population Data Services Agency confirms it on the basis of a medical statement — until then it does not affect your rights in any way. Do not send it to the agency in advance: keep the original where your attorney can find it, and they apply for confirmation only when needed (the agency charges a fee for confirmation — check the current price at dvv.fi). The entry-into-force condition is mandatory: without it the agency will not confirm the authorisation. Note the change effective 1 May 2026: in powers of attorney signed from that date onwards, the right to sell and mortgage real property is included without a separate mention — if you do not want to grant that right, exclude it expressly. Giving gifts, by contrast, must always be provided for separately.
CONTINUING POWER OF ATTORNEY Granter: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE, ADDRESS] Attorney: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE, ADDRESS] Substitute attorney (when the attorney is temporarily prevented): [NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE — OR DELETE] Secondary attorney (if the attorney does not accept the task or gives it up permanently): [NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE — OR DELETE] I authorise the attorney named above to represent me 1. in matters concerning my property and in other financial affairs, and 2. in such matters concerning my person whose significance I am unable to understand at the time the authorisation is to be used. [OPTIONAL PROVISIONS — DELETE THE ONES YOU DO NOT NEED: The attorney may not sell or mortgage my real property or housing company shares. The attorney may give customary gifts on my behalf, the basis of which is the anniversaries of my close ones or similar, with a value of at most [SUM] euros at a time. The attorney is entitled to a reasonable fee and compensation for expenses.] This authorisation enters into force in the event that I become incapable of managing my affairs because of illness, disturbance of mental faculties, weakened state of health or another comparable reason. [PLACE AND DATE] [SIGNATURE AND NAME OF THE GRANTER IN PRINT] Attestation: As impartial witnesses present at the same time, we certify that [NAME OF THE GRANTER] has signed this continuing power of attorney in person and that they have done so of their own free will and understanding its significance. Witness 1: [SIGNATURE, NAME IN PRINT, DATE OF BIRTH, ADDRESS, DATE] Witness 2: [SIGNATURE, NAME IN PRINT, DATE OF BIRTH, ADDRESS, DATE]
Will (testamentti)
A simple will can be made yourself — what matters most is the form of witnessing (two impartial witnesses present at the same time; the witnesses must know the document is a will, but its contents need not be shown to them). Two things are worth knowing: the forced share of direct heirs — despite a will, children are entitled to half of their statutory inheritance share if they claim it — and storage: Finland has no register of wills, so keep the will where it can be found (for example a bank safe deposit box) and tell someone close where it is. The most common arrangement for spouses is a mutual will with right of possession: the surviving spouse gets the right of possession to the property, which secures their housing, and no inheritance tax is paid on a right of possession. Use a professional if you want to depart from the usual — for example a blended family, business assets or disinheritance.
WILL Testator: [FIRST NAME LAST NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE, ADDRESS] As my last will, I direct the following concerning my property: [OPTION A — WILL WITH FULL OWNERSHIP: All my property passes with full ownership to [NAME AND PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE — OR NAMES AND SHARES].] [OPTION B — MUTUAL WILL OF SPOUSES WITH RIGHT OF POSSESSION: We direct that upon the death of one of us, the surviving spouse receives the right of possession to all property of the estate. After the death of both, the property passes to our statutory heirs [OR OTHER PROVISION]. Note: a mutual will is signed by both spouses, and both signatures are witnessed.] [OPTIONAL SPECIFIC BEQUEST: The following property passes to [WHOM]: [WHICH ITEM OR SUM OF MONEY].] [OPTIONAL: I direct that the spouse of a beneficiary shall have no marital right to property received under this will or to its yield.] [PLACE AND DATE] [SIGNATURE AND NAME IN PRINT] Attestation: As specially invited and impartial witnesses present at the same time, we certify that [NAME OF THE TESTATOR], whose identity we have verified, has signed this document in person and declared it to be their will, and that they have done so of sound mind and full understanding and of their own free will. Witness 1: [SIGNATURE, NAME IN PRINT, OCCUPATION, PLACE OF RESIDENCE, DATE] Witness 2: [SIGNATURE, NAME IN PRINT, OCCUPATION, PLACE OF RESIDENCE, DATE]
End of employment
These two templates belong together with our guide Losing your job, which walks the whole path with a timeline: the difference between a lay-off and dismissal, registering, the earnings-related allowance and the general benefit, suspension periods and final pay.
Request for a certificate of employment
The employer does not have to issue a certificate of employment on their own initiative — it must be requested separately. A brief certificate (duration of employment and duties) can be requested within 10 years of the employment ending; if you also want the reason it ended and an assessment of your skills and conduct included, request it within 5 years. The employer must provide the certificate without delay, preferably within a week. Attachments: none needed.
Subject: Request for a certificate of employment My employment: [EMPLOYER'S NAME], [JOB TITLE] Duration of employment: [START DATE] – [END DATE] I request a certificate of employment under chapter 6, section 7 of the Employment Contracts Act for my employment. Please include the following in the certificate: [CHOOSE AND COMPLETE: — the duration of employment and my duties (brief certificate) — in addition, the reason my employment ended — in addition, an assessment of my skills and conduct]. Please send the certificate to [EMAIL ADDRESS X / BY POST TO ADDRESS X] as soon as possible, preferably within a week. [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER]
Holiday compensation claim
When your final pay is missing compensation for unused holiday days, or the calculation looks wrong. Holiday compensation is a statutory right (Annual Holidays Act), and it is paid along with your final pay regardless of how the employment ended — including holiday days accrued during the notice period. If the employer is insolvent, compensation can be claimed from the wage guarantee scheme. Attachments: a pay statement or other evidence showing the missing compensation, if you have one.
Subject: Holiday compensation claim My employment: [EMPLOYER'S NAME], [JOB TITLE] Employment ended: [DATE] The holiday compensation paid with my final pay does not cover all my earned, unused holiday days / no holiday compensation has been paid at all / the calculation appears incorrect [CHOOSE WHAT APPLIES]. By my estimate there are [NUMBER] unused, uncompensated holiday days for the period [TIME PERIOD]. I request a written calculation of the grounds and amount of the holiday compensation, and that the missing compensation be paid without delay. If it is not paid, I will consider taking the matter further through my trade union or a legal aid office. [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER, ACCOUNT NUMBER]
Estate of a deceased person
These three templates belong together with our guide When a loved one dies, which walks the whole path with a timeline: the funeral and its costs, funeral assistance, the estate inventory, an over-indebted estate and the family's income.
Notice to creditors that the estate has no funds
When the deceased had debts and the assets of the estate do not stretch beyond the funeral and estate inventory costs. Debts are not inherited by relatives — this letter tells the creditors and collection agencies exactly that and asks them to stop collection. Send it separately to each creditor. Attachments: none required; a copy of the estate inventory deed is provided on request once completed.
Subject: Notice that the estate of a deceased person has no funds Debtor: [NAME OF THE DECEASED, DATE OF BIRTH], died [DATE] Claim/reference: [NUMBER] As a shareholder of the estate, I hereby inform you that the debtor has died and that the estate has no funds: the assets of the estate do not stretch beyond the funeral and estate inventory costs. Under chapter 21 of the Code of Inheritance, funeral costs take priority in the order of payment of the debts of the estate. The shareholders of the estate are not personally liable for the debts of the deceased. I ask you to stop collection and to direct any claims at the estate. A copy of the estate inventory deed will be provided on request once the estate inventory has been completed. [DATE] [NAME, shareholder of the estate, CONTACT DETAILS]
Terminating a contract on behalf of the estate
A general template for ending the contracts of the deceased: phone subscription, internet, electricity, newspaper, streaming service, membership. The estate generally has the right to terminate the contracts of the deceased at short notice, including fixed-term contracts. Attachments: none at first — an extract from the population register is provided if the company asks for it.
Subject: Termination of a contract on behalf of the estate of a deceased person Contract holder: [NAME OF THE DECEASED, DATE OF BIRTH], died [DATE] Contract/customer number: [NUMBER AND WHICH CONTRACT THIS CONCERNS] As a shareholder of the estate, I hereby inform you that the contract holder has died. We terminate the contract with effect [IMMEDIATELY / FROM DATE X / at the end of the shortest possible notice period]. Please send a final invoice to the estate and refund any overcharged amount to the account of the estate [ACCOUNT NUMBER, IF KNOWN]. Billing address from now on: [NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PERSON MANAGING THE ESTATE]. A certificate from the population register will be provided on request. [DATE] [NAME, shareholder of the estate, CONTACT DETAILS]
Request to the bank to pay an invoice from the account of the deceased
The bank pays funeral costs and reasonable estate administration costs (e.g. an electricity bill, rent) from the account of the deceased against an invoice even before the estate inventory, at the request of a single shareholder. With this letter the funeral bill gets paid even if the relatives have no money of their own. Submit it via your bank's message service or at a branch. Attachments: the invoice and a certificate showing that you are a shareholder of the estate.
Subject: Request to pay an invoice from the account of the deceased The deceased: [NAME, PERSONAL IDENTITY CODE], died [DATE] Account: [ACCOUNT NUMBER] As a shareholder of the estate, I request that you pay the attached invoice from the account of the deceased: [FUNERAL INVOICE / WHICH ESTATE ADMINISTRATION INVOICE], amount [SUM] euros, payee and reference as stated on the invoice. This concerns funeral costs or necessary costs of administering the estate, which the bank may pay from the account of the deceased against an invoice before the estate inventory. Attached: the invoice and a certificate showing that I am a shareholder of the estate. [DATE] [NAME, shareholder of the estate, PHONE NUMBER]
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