Residence Permit in Finland

Grounds for Obtaining a Residence Permit

Before applying for Finnish citizenship, you must first obtain a residence permit. To do so, you will need valid grounds, such as:

• Employment. A temporary residence permit is issued based on a signed employment contract. The employer must approve the license with the Employment and Economic Development Office or apply through the EnterFinland portal.

• Study. A residence permit can be obtained based on an admission letter from a higher educational institution or another establishment.

• Descent. You must provide proof of descent, showing that your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Finnish citizens or served in the Finnish army between 1939 and 1945.

• Business. While Finland does not have a "Golden Visa" program, you can obtain a residence permit by starting a business there. You can apply for the Business Finland startup support program. If your business idea is considered promising, you will receive a Startup Permit, which allows you to apply for a residence permit.

Types of Residence Permits in Finland

There are two types of visas in Finland. Category B visas are issued to students, interns, and seasonal workers, with a validity period ranging from 6 months to 2 years. Category A visas are long-term visas granted for 1 to 4 years. Holding this visa is one of the key requirements for obtaining Finnish citizenship. With a Category A visa, you can later apply for permanent residence and get a passport.

Documents for Obtaining a Residence Permit

To apply for a residence permit, you must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Application in the prescribed form.

• Identity documents – an ID and an international passport.

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds for living, typically at least 1000 EUR per person per month.

• Medical certificate and health insurance policy.

• Proof of accommodation – either a purchase or rental agreement.

• Confirmation that you meet the requirements for obtaining a residence permit.

The Finnish Migration Authorities may request additional documents.

Where to Apply and How Long the Process Takes

The Finnish Migration Service (Migri) processes residence permit applications. You can submit your documents through the Finnish consulate or online via the Enter Finland portal. If you are applying for a residence permit based on a business startup, you must first contact Business Finland to obtain a Startup Permit and then apply for the residence permit based on that. Processing times typically range from 3 to 9 months, depending on the type of application.