EU Disability Card

The EU Disability Card makes it easier for persons with disabilities to communicate and be more engaged in society.

You can use the card for example in public transport or when attending cultural and sports events to easily show that you have a disability or that you need an assistant. The EU Disability Card makes it easier to use various services.

It can be used in Finland and in other EU countries. The card costs 10 euros and it is completely optional.

Learn more about the EU Disability Card on the Disability Card Office's website (vammaiskortti.fi). The website can also help you find all locations and services where the card is recognised.

Can you get an EU Disability Card?

You can get an EU Disability Card if you currently receive a qualifying benefit or service and you have a valid decision as proof of that.

The following decisions qualify you for an EU Disability Card:

Decisions on benefits and services you receive from Kela

• disability allowance for persons under 16 years of age
  • basic rate
  • middle rate (A)
  • highest rate (A)
• disability allowance for persons aged 16 years or over
  • basic rate
  • middle rate (A)
  • highest rate (A)
• care allowance for pensioners
  • basic rate
  • middle rate (A)
  • highest rate
• interpreter assistance for persons with a hearing impairment (A)
• interpreter assistance for persons with a hearing and vision impairment (A)
• interpreter assistance for persons with a speech impairment (A)

Decisions issued under the Act on Services for Persons with Disabilities

Decisions issued under the revised Act on Services for Persons with Disabilities concerning the following types of support and services:

• coaching and training (A)
• personal assistance (A)
• special support to facilitate inclusion (A)
• supported decision-making (A)
• intensive multidisciplinary support (A)
• supported living services (A)
• supported living services for children (A)
• short-term care (A)
• daytime activities primarily outside the home (A)
• work activities for persons with intellectual disabilities (A)
• mobility support services (A)
• financial assistance for persons dependent on a ventilator (A)
• assistance to ensure accessibility in housing

Decisions issued under the previous Act on Services for Persons with Disabilities concerning the following types of services:

• Daytime activities outside the home
• transport services (A)
• assisted living (A)
• personal assistance within the meaning of the Act on Services for Persons with Disabilities

Other decisions and services

• Vision Impairment Card (A)
• agreement on informal care (the Disability Card is issued to the person with an informal caregiver) (A)
• decision and services based on a special care programme (A)
• decision on special support (A)
• decision on respiratory paralysis (A)
• decision on care allowance issued by an insurance company (based on statutory insurance policies) (A)

(A) means that you are entitled to have the A symbol marked on your card. The symbol shows that you need an assistant or support person who will accompany you.

How to apply for an EU Disability Card

Apply for an EU Disability Card from Kela if you have a valid decision on benefits or services that qualify you for the card. Kela will first check if you are eligible to receive an EU Disability Card. Then, you must fill in an order form and order the card yourself.

You can apply for an EU Disability Card either on a form or in the OmaKela e-service. OmaKela is currently available only in Finnish and Swedish. Kela’s forms are also available in English.

How to apply for an EU Disability Card:

1. Fill in the permission form VK1e to order an EU Disability Card (PDF).

   • Save the blank form to your device. Do not fill in the form directly in the browser, because some of the information may not be saved that way.
   • Open the form with Adobe Reader and fill it in.
   • Save the completed form to your device. Note that the form must be in PDF format.
   • Read our instructions for technical problems.
2. Send the form using the OmaKela e-service.

   • Log in to OmaKela and select Lähetä liite (Send a supporting document).
   • Select Vammaistuet (Disability benefits) and EU:n vammaiskorttiin liittyvä liite (Document supporting an application for an EU Disability Card).
   • When you send your form through OmaKela you do not need to sign it.
3. Include with the form the decision in which you were granted the benefit or service that qualifies you for an EU Disability Card.

   • If you received the decision from Kela, you do not have to include a copy of it with your application.
   • If you are applying for a Disability Card on the basis that you are a holder of a Vision Impairment Card, a photo or a copy of that card will do.
4. If you have the required decision, you get permission to order a Disability Card and you will receive by email a link to the order dispatch centre. Use the link to complete your application and to order a Disability Card.

If you cannot use OmaKela, send the permission order application to Kela by post. Print out the form, sign it and send the form and any supporting documents to Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA.

The decision notice is only in Finnish or Swedish. If you need help with something, you can call one of our English language customer service numbers 020 634 2650.

Once you have been emailed a link to the order dispatch centre, complete your order according to the Disability Card Office’s instructions.

How to apply for an EU Disability Card for another person

You can also apply for a Disability Card on behalf of a child or another adult in the OmaKela e-service (available in Finnish and Swedish). Log in to OmaKela using your online banking credentials or mobile ID. Select Asioi toisen henkilön puolesta (Act on behalf of another person). Continue the order process according to the instructions.

If you are placing an order on behalf of another adult, you will need their authorisation. You do not usually need separate authorisation to act on behalf of a child, as Kela gets the information it needs directly from the Finnish Population Information System.

Read more about acting on behalf of another person.