Extracts from the criminal records for working with the elderly

From 1 January 2024, employers providing social welfare and health care services have the right to request an employee to present an extract from their criminal records.

The extract can be applied for from the Legal Register Centre after the entry into force of the Act on 1 January 2024. An extract cannot be requested for employment relationships that have begun before the entry into force of the Act.

When will an extract be required?

A person recruited or appointed to a position that essentially and permanently includes interaction with the elderly can be asked to present an extract from their criminal record. The work may consist of assistance, support, treatment, care or other personal interaction with an older person. An extract can also be demanded when a person is assigned such duties for the first time.

The law obliges employers to check the criminal record of employees whose employment or service relationship lasts for at least 3 months in a single calendar year.

An extract for working with older persons cannot be issued for students doing an internship or volunteers.

Note! The right and obligation to check the criminal records of those working with people with disabilities will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

Who can order the extract?

The employee orders the extract him/herself. They cannot authorise another party, such as their employer, to do so.

Only employers providing social welfare and health care services may demand an extract.

How will the extract be processed?

The extract is intended for presentation to the employer. The employer may not make copies of the extract. The only information that may be stored regarding the extract is the date of issue and the identity of the person whose criminal record was checked. The extract must be returned to the employee without delay once it has been checked.

Employee: order the extract conveniently online

Do not order the extract required for working with older persons until you have been chosen for the position.

Order the extract conveniently through LRC's electronic service . Using the electronic service requires strong authentication.

If you are unable to use the electronic service, apply for an extract with this form [pdf, 668.8 kt] .

You can also apply for an extract with a free-form written application. On your application, please indicate the purpose for which you are ordering the extract. Indicate the employer and position for which you need the extract. LRC will then assess whether the legal requirements for issuing the extract are met.

Send the form or free-form application to us by one of the following methods:

• Through the Suomi.fi Messages service .
• By email to [email protected]. We recommend the Ministry of Justice's secure messaging service . Enter your email address into the service and register it. You will then be sent an email link that will take your message securely to its recipient.
• By post to Oikeusrekisterikeskus/Rikosrekisteri, PL 157, 13101 Hämeenlinna, Finland.

You cannot order the extract by telephone.

Delivery of the extract

The price of an extract from an employee's criminal record is 6 euros in the electronic service and 12 euros if ordered through another channel. You will be asked to pay for the extract immediately in the electronic service. An invoice will be sent for applications sent by post or email.

The processing time of an application is 7 business days, and applications are processed in order of arrival. The processing time does not include delivery time by post.

When your extract is ready, you can view and print it in LRC's electronic service . The extract will also be delivered to your Suomi.fi Messages or by post to the address you have provided.

Read more about applying for and delivery of extracts from the criminal records .

The extract is valid for 6 months. If necessary, you can present the same extract to other employees than those indicated on your application.

What information is included on the extract from the criminal records?

Certain offences and convictions are listed on the extract from the criminal records. These offences and convictions are considered especially significant for people working with older persons.

If the person has not been found guilty of such offences, the extract from their criminal record shows this as well. However, the extract from the criminal records for working with the elderly does not show whether the employee has other offences in their criminal record.

Further information:

Watch a video tutorial of ordering an extract on LRC's YouTube channel from this link .

See further information and the fre­quently asked ques­tions here.