Homeschooling in Finland
Legal with simple notification and municipal oversight.
Homeschooling is legal in Finland without requiring prior permission, governed by the Basic Education Act (Perusopetuslaki). Parents notify their municipality of residence, which appoints a monitoring teacher to supervise progress against national curriculum goals. Compulsory education applies from age 7 to 18.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
once
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Kirjallinen ilmoitus kunnan opetuspäällikölle ennen kotiopetuksen aloittamista.
- Kunta nimittää valvojan (seuraajan) oppilaan edistymisen seurantaan.
- Osaamisen tulee vastata perusopetuksen opetussuunnitelman perusteiden tavoitteita.
- Vanhemmat vastaavat opetuksen, menetelmien ja materiaalien järjestämisestä.
- Ennakkolupa ei vaadita; huoltaja päättää kotiopetuksesta.
- Valvonta tyypillisesti 1-2 kertaa vuodessa, ei laissa määrättyä tiheyttä.
- Laajennettu oppivelvollisuus ikään 18 vuoteen Oppivelvollisuuslailla 1214/2020.
Legal Framework
Perusopetuslaki 628/1998 § 26 ja § 27 sekä Oppivelvollisuuslaki 1214/2020. Vastuuviranomainen: Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö sekä kunnat (opetusviranomaiset).
Filing Requirements
What to file
Kirjallinen ilmoitus (written notification)
When
Before starting homeschooling
Where
Kunnan opetuspäällikkö (head of education in municipality of residence)
How to submit
Written letter or email
What to include
- • Intent to homeschool and child details
Triggers appointment of monitoring teacher; optional submission of parent's curriculum plan
How to Get Started
- 1
Send written notification to municipal head of education
- 2
Await appointment of monitoring teacher
- 3
Agree on supervision plan with teacher
- 4
Begin homeschooling per national core standards
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Legal without permission
- ✓Flexible methods
- ✓Recognized equivalent to school
Cons
- •Ongoing municipal oversight
- •Parental full financial responsibility
- •Rare practice with limited peer support
Questions about homeschooling in Finland
Do I need permission to start homeschooling?
No prior permission required; only written notification to the municipal head of education.
What does the monitoring teacher do?
Appointed by municipality to follow progress against national core curriculum; meets 1-2 times yearly per local agreement, does not teach.
Must I follow the national curriculum?
Yes, homeschooling must provide equivalent knowledge and skills to the basic education core curriculum.
Are there fines for non-compliance?
Yes, guardians can be fined for intentionally or grossly neglecting compulsory education supervision.
Does municipality provide materials or support?
No, parents fully responsible for materials and organization; no free services provided.
How does homeschooling end for diplomas?
Upon syllabus completion or 10 years; municipality certifies via KOSKI for upper secondary entry.
Can I create my own curriculum?
Yes, optional parent's plan submitted to monitoring teacher; must align with national core standards.
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Keep your Finland records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Finland tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2026-04-26 · FI homeschool law guide