Adoption from abroad

If you adopt a child from another country, you can apply to Kela for an adoption grant to meet some of the costs of the adoption. Such costs can include document translation costs, travel expenses, or the fees charged by the adoption service provider.

Can I get an adoption grant?

You can get an adoption grant if

• you are adopting a child from abroad
• the adoption service provider has identified a child under 18 years of age for placement in your care
• you have permission to adopt from the Finnish Adoption Board
• you are a permanent resident of Finland.

The following three adoption service providers have operations in Finland: Interpedia ry, Pelastakaa Lapset ry and the City of Helsinki. Learn more about intercountry adoptions on the Valvira website.

An adoption grant is not available if you adopt a child from Finland.

How much is the adoption grant?

The amount of the adoption grant depends on the child's country of origin as follows:

The adoption grant is only paid once per child. It is free from tax.

If you adopt more than one child at the same time, the adoption grant for each child after the first one is equal to 30% of the full grant.

How to apply for an adoption grant

1. Complete the form Parental benefits SV 15e (PDF).

   • Save the blank form to your device. Do not fill in the application directly in the browser, because some of the information may not be saved that way.
   • Open the form with Adobe Reader and fill it in.
   • Save the completed form to your device. Note that the application must be in PDF format.
   • Read our instructions for technical problems. 
2. Send the application using the OmaKela e-service (available in Finnish or Swedish):

   • Log in to OmaKela and select Tee hakemus (File an application).
   • Select Lapsiperheet (Families with children) and Adoptiotuki (Adoption grant).
   • When you send your application in OmaKela, you do not need to sign it.
3. Take photographs of the supporting documents and send them in OmaKela. Supporting documents you will need to enclose:

   • SV 94 certificate (PDF, in Finnish) completed and signed by the adoption service provider.
4. Visit OmaKela to see if your application has been decided, how much you will get and when your benefit will be paid. You will also see reminders of, for instance, supporting documents missing from your application. The decision notice will also be sent to your home address unless you have opted out of paper mail.

If you cannot use OmaKela, send your application to Kela by post. Print out the form, sign it and send the form and any supporting documents to Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA.

If you live in the Åland Islands you must claim adoption grant from your municipality of residence. The adoption grant available in the Åland Islands may differ from the grant available elsewhere in Finland.

The decision notice is only in Finnish or Swedish. If you need help with something, you can call one of our English language customer service numbers.

Things to remember when applying for adoption grant