Fishing in Finland – How to Get Your Fishing License the Easy Way
If you've fished in Germany before, you know how bureaucratic it can get: mandatory courses, exams, paperwork – and in the end, you're only allowed to fish in selected areas. Finland is refreshingly different. Fishing here is easy, affordable, and open to everyone – surrounded by pristine wilderness and fish-rich waters.
By Lars Hahne
May 5, 2025
Simpler rules – more freedom
If you're between 18 and 69, the only thing you usually need is the fisheries management fee (Finnish: kalastonhoitomaksu). This allows you to fish with one rod in most lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Some areas – such as rapids, protected waters, or habitats for migratory fish – require an additional permit from the waterowner. But don’t worry – those permits are easy to get, often online or at local sales points.
Free fishing? Absolutely!
If you’re using just a simple hook and line, ice fishing, or herring rigs, you can fish free of charge, regardless of age.
When you need extra permits
Planning to troll with multiple rods, use nets or traps, or catch crayfish? Then you’ll need both the national fishing fee and a local permit from the waterowner. These are available at gas stations, tackle shops, and tourist centers. For public/state waters, permits can be purchased online or via the official Eräluvat app:
👉 www.eraluvat.fi
How to buy your fishing license
You can only pay the fisheries fee using a credit card or Finnish online banking methods:
- Online: eraluvat.fi
- Eräluvat App: For Android and iOS
- Phone: +358 20 69 2424 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- In Person: At Metsähallitus Nature Centres
👉 The website is available in Finnish, Swedish, English, and Sámi. If you don’t speak any of those, just use your browser’s automatic translation – it works very reliably.
Important: Your payment receipt is your official proof of having paid the national fishing fee. Always carry it with you while fishing – printed, laminated, or saved on your phone – and be ready to show it to authorities. A valid waterowner’s permit also counts as proof of payment.
If you live in Finland, you'll receive a physical license card and a copy of the Suomu fishing magazine by post. For visitors, a digital receipt is perfectly acceptable.
If you're unable to show your receipt during a control, you’ll be required to present it to the police within seven days. If you haven’t paid the fee at all, you risk a fixed fine of €100.
How much does It cost?
The national fishing fee costs:
- €6 for 24 hours
- €16 for 7 days
- €47 for a full calendar year
Additional permits from waterowners vary in price, but are usually available for a few hours or days.
Know the rules – seasons, sizes & protected areas
To find out if there are restrictions in the area where you’re fishing, use this handy interactive map:
👉 www.kalastusrajoitus.fi
Just click on the waterbody and you’ll get all the info: minimum sizes, closed seasons, and protected areas.