If you are a refugee, you are entitled to an interpreter when you need social services or health services. The interpreter will also help you with interaction between home and school.

The interpreter will translate the public servant’s speech into your language. However, the interpreter will not provide other help for you or the authority. A child cannot act as an interpreter.

An interpreter is provided by the authorities when needed.

When you are granted Finnish citizenship, you will be sufficiently familiar with the Finnish language to interact with the authorities yourself. However, if you do need an interpreter, discuss it with the authority. The authority will book an interpreter if the matter cannot be attended to without interpretation.

More information on the use of an interpreter here.