Legislation

Prostitution is defined in Finnish law as engaging in sexual intercourse or associated sexual acts in exchange for reward.

Even though prostitution itself is not illegal and is not punishable as a crime, there are several regulations that restrict prostitution in Finland. In addition to the Criminal Code, Public Order Act and Aliens Act, sex work is regulated by various customary law regulations.

The Criminal Code forbids pimping, human trafficking and the purchase of sexual services from victims of human trafficking or pimping. Furthermore, it is illegal to purchase sexual services from minors - anyone under 18 years old. Due to the criminalisation of pimping it is, for example, illegal to open a brothel in Finland.

The Public Order Act strives to promote general public order and safety. With regard to prostitution, the Public Order Act forbids the purchase and sale of sexual services in public places.

According to the Aliens Act, an individual from outside the EU can be deported from Finland should it be suspected that they are selling sexual services. As a rule the deportation is often combined with a year's ban on entry, whether into Finland or the entire Schengen area.

Customary law regulations are regulations that are not written in acts on which officials can base their decisions. For example, a contract for the sale of sexual services is seen as invalid due to its unethical nature, which means that a sex worker cannot pursue a client through the courts for payment not received.