Finland expands sports and culture vouchers to cover fishing and hunting licenses

Sports and culture vouchers (virikesetelit) in Finland can now be used to pay for fishing and hunting permits, following a government decision announced Wednesday, according to a report by Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The change allows the vouchers—typically used for recreational and cultural activities—to cover mandatory fisheries management fees and personal fishing or hunting licenses on state-owned lands and waters. Industry experts anticipate the reform will boost tourism revenue and lower barriers for newcomers to these outdoor activities.

Fishing permits now accessible via vouchers
The most significant change for the general public is the ability to purchase the state’s annual fisheries management fee, often called the “fishing card,” which is required for all anglers aged 18–69 using lures or traps. Around 250,000 Finns pay the fee annually, but Metsähallitus (Finland’s state forest enterprise) estimates many more fish without it.

“Compared to the number of people fishing, the number of fees paid has always been quite low,” said Jari Haarala, Metsähallitus’s digital services director. The agency sold 81,000 fishing permits and 83,000 hunting permits last year, with steady demand for voucher compatibility from both groups.

Potential boost for local economies
Outdoor organizations welcome the reform. Olli Saari, director of the Finnish Recreational Fisheries Association, highlighted broader societal benefits, noting that fishing generates billions in economic activity and promotes domestic fish consumption. “The benefits are far greater than many realize,” Saari said.

Jaakko Silpola, director of the Finnish Hunters’ Association, suggested vouchers could also cover shooting range fees and guest hunting permits, creating new revenue streams for local clubs. “If a club has the capacity, they could accept vouchers for day passes,” he explained.

Fishing guides, represented by the Finnish Fishing Guides Association, have long advocated for voucher eligibility, citing growing demand for guided services. Chairman Henrik Rehbinder said the change would support both businesses and the national economy.

Exact implementation details remain unclear, but the expansion aligns with years of advocacy from anglers, hunters, and tourism operators.