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    What should you do if you find a lost item in Finland?

    Your duties as a finder and the three-month rule.

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    Short answer

    Taloustaito explains that under Finnish law the finder must notify the owner or deliver the item to the police. If the item cannot be carried safely or easily, the police must still be told. Yle reports that the lower limit for lost property is 20 euros, and all items worth that or more, as well as ID cards and passports, must be delivered to the police without delay. Items found on public transport or in offices are handled as institutional finds.

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    Why

    1. Taloustaito describes the finder's legal duty.
    2. Yle gives the 20 euro limit and the rule on ID documents.
    3. If the owner does not collect the item in three months, ownership passes to the finder, Taloustaito says.

    Details

    For institutional finds, ownership passes to the state or the lost property office, not to the finder.

    Tip

    Do not post photos of found ID cards on social media. The police advise taking them to a police station.

    What may differ

    The owner may have to pay a finder's fee and reasonable costs to get the item back.

    Common misconception

    Finders keepers: you can keep anything you find in the street.

    What actually happens

    You must report or hand in the item. You may get it only after three months.

    People also ask

    • Where to find items lost on Helsinki public transport?
    • What to do if you lose your bank card in Finland?
    • Emergency number in Finland

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.

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