Restraining order

If someone threatens your life, health, freedom or peace, you can apply for a restraining order. A restraining order means that the person may not contact, follow or monitor you.

There are different types of restraining orders:

Basic restraining order: the person is not allowed to contact or follow you.
Extended restraining order: in addition to the basic order, the person is not allowed to be in the vicinity of your home or workplace, for example.
Inside-the-family restraining order: in addition to the basic or extended order, the person must leave the shared residence.

Applying for a restraining order is free of charge. You can get advice and help with applying from the police, social welfare authorities, the prosecutor or Victim Support Finland.

You can apply for a restraining order from the district court. Describe what kind of threat or harassment you have experienced in detail and collect all possible evidence and witnesses and their contact details to support the application.

The district court will process the restraining order application as urgent. Officials with the power of arrest, such as a police officer or prosecutor, may also impose a temporary restraining order that enters into force immediately. In this case, the police have more opportunities to intervene in threatening or disturbing behaviour in an acute situation. A temporary restraining order will also be heard by a court, which will determine the need, length and content of the restraining order.

The district court can impose a restraining order for up to 12 months. If necessary, the order can be renewed.

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Text edited by: Suomi.fi editorial team

Updated: 24/2/2026

Restraining order

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