Licence

You need a special application form for an export licence. There are separate forms for the export of art within the EU and outside the EU.

When ordering the form, mention whether you need it for export within or outside the EU. Order the export form at ainfo@ateneum.fi.

An export licence is subject to a fee of €135 under public law.

The export of art and cultural goods is restricted

The export of cultural goods, such as works of art, is restricted by law.

The aim is to:

  • Protect Finnish cultural property
  • Preserve the most valuable cultural property in Finland as part of our history and cultural identity

The regulations regarding this matter are included in the Act on Restrictions to the Export of Cultural Goods (933/2016).

Objects that require an export licence are:

  • Finnish works of art that are more than 100 years old
  • Works of art that have been in Finland for at least 100 years

An export licence may be granted unless there are special scientific, artistic or cultural-historical reasons for keeping the object in Finland.

The Finnish Heritage Agency also grants export licences for cultural objects other than works of art.