The new Building Act entered into force on 1 January 2025 and brought changes to some permit practices. This page is still being updated. You can get up-to-date information for your construction project by submitting a request for advice on Lupapiste. Read the instructions.

Right to commence

You can apply for the right to commence construction of an entire building or part thereof before the building permit is legally valid. The right to commence may concern work such as foundation work or the construction of the entire building. The right to commence will not be granted for the demolition of a building or part thereof.

You can apply for the right to commence in connection with the actual permit application for the project or with a separate application. The right to commence is to be applied for by the same person who applies for the actual permit for the project.

Apply for the right to commence no later than 14 days after the end of the appeal period for the project's permit decision. The decision on the right to commence is subject to a fee.

Acceptable sureties must be provided when applying for the right to commence. The sureties will be used as security against any harm, losses or costs caused by revoking the decision or amending the permit.

Once the right to commence has been granted, you can start the work for which you have applied for the right to commence.

Apply for the right to commence

You can apply for the right to commence in connection with the actual permit application or with a separate application.

If you apply for the right to commence in connection with the actual permit application, enclose the right to commence form, completed in the Lupapiste service, with the application and indicate in the project description that you are also applying for the right to commence.

If you have not applied for the right to commence in connection with the actual permit application, send the application and the original surety document to the local permit secretary. You can find the permit secretary's email address in the map service. The right to commence must be applied for no later than 14 days after the end of the appeal period for the project permit decision.

Online information

Find the contact details for the local permit secretary

Frequently asked questions

Permit fees and permit processing