Finland’s most sought-after prisons revealed as inmates face long waits for transfers

Finnish inmates are increasingly requesting transfers to open prisons in Helsinki, Kerava, and Jyväskylä, but overcrowding means many face months-long waits, Yle reports.

A Yle investigation into transfer applications submitted by prisoners shows clear preferences among Finland’s correctional facilities. In 2025, Suomenlinna Prison in Helsinki received the highest number of transfer requests (399), followed by Kerava Prison (271) and Jyväskylä Prison (221). Among closed prisons, Helsinki Prison, Kylmäkoski Prison, and Vaasa Prison saw the most applications.

Open prisons in high demand

Prisoners often seek transfers for family reasons, better education opportunities, or improved work prospects. Open prisons—where inmates can move more freely under satellite monitoring—are particularly popular.

Suomenlinna, a 90-inmate facility on a historic island fortress, saw its popularity surge in recent years. Inmates there maintain the site’s buildings and landscapes. Kerava, Finland’s largest open prison with 136 places, offers rehabilitation programs and accessible housing for inmates with mobility issues. Jyväskylä, a modern 60-inmate facility near the city center, has a waiting list extending into summer 2025.

Overcrowding limits transfers

Last year, inmates submitted around 4,500 transfer requests, with 3,200 targeting open prisons. Yet fewer than half were approved. Perttu Laakso, head of the Criminal Sanctions Agency’s (Rise) national client assessment unit, estimates only 30–40% of 2025 applications will succeed.

Rejections often stem from poor behavior, unreliable conduct, failed drug tests, or continued criminal activity in prison. Threats against inmates—such as unpaid debts—can expedite transfers, while factors like cell conditions (e.g., shared vs. single occupancy) also influence decisions.

Why location matters

Proximity to urban centers and robust education or work programs boost a prison’s appeal. “Inmates prioritize maintaining family ties and accessing better opportunities,” Laakso noted. Jyväskylä’s central location and modern facilities—operational since 2020—add to its draw, though its predecessor in Laukaa was equally popular.

With prisons at capacity, Rise faces challenges accommodating transfer demands. “There’s less room on the chessboard,” Laakso said, referencing the limited space for rearranging inmates.