Resources and personnel

In order to respond to the changes in the operating environment and to meet its strategic objectives, the Border Guard aims to

  • secure sufficient resources
  • secure competent personnel, as well as competence management
  • maintain and develop the capacity to employ new innovations and technology 

The students of the border guards basic course in the forest attach a camera to a tree.

Expenditure and investments

The Border Guard’s operational expenditure was 353.7 million euro gross in 2024.

The net use of the Border Guard’s operational expenditure increased by 25.5 million euro, compared to the previous year. Approximately 59% (204.3 million euro) of the operational expenditure was spent on salaries, whereas the remaining 41% (140 million euro) was spent on other operational expenditure. 

The Border Guard’s investments, together with acquisition and repair of heavy equipment, was 227 million euro. Investments related to strategical projects increased by approximately 170 million euro, compared to the previous year, when the projects proceeded.

The greatest total investments of the strategical projects are

  • Two offshore patrol vessels 448 million euro
  • Two surveillance aircraft 163 million euro
  • Construction of eastern border fence 380 million euro

Professional skills and competence ensure success 

The number of the Border Guard’s personnel increased up to 3 020 man-years during 2024.

The security situation requires approximately 3,100 man-years, sufficient operative expenditure, as well as planned investments, in order to secure the Border Guard’s capacity. 

The job satisfaction of Border Guard personnel has increased. Committed personnel enable high-quality operating and its development.

Personnel structure 2024: The total number of Finnish Border Guard personnel is 3 115, of which 482 civilians and 432 officers. The number of non-commissioned officers is 105, whereas the number of special officers is 39. However, the largest group is border and coast guards, the number of which is 2 057.
Figure:  The Border Guard’s personnel according to their duties.

84% of the personnel were men and 16% women, which is slightly more than in the year before. 27 Bachelors of Military Sciences graduated from the National Defence University to officer’s duty. Furthermore, 117 border guards graduated from the Border and Coast Guard Academy. The number of trained officers and border guards is based on long-term personnel planning.

Meeting of objectives requires sufficient funding and competent personnel. 2024 was a particularly successful year in terms of more efficient and cost-effective operations. The same contribution has led to a greater output.