Residence in Finland: what you need to get a residency status

Securing a residence permit in Finland is an essential step if you plan to live, study, or work in this northern country. A residence permit grants access to the social welfare system, healthcare services, and the labor market. However, the application process is not always straightforward—it requires time, effort, and thorough preparation. Let’s take a closer look at the types of residencies, the requirements for applying, and key details to keep in mind.

What It Means to Be a «Temporary Resident» in Finland and Why You Need a Residence Permit

A temporary residence permit allows you to stay in Finland legally for more than 90 days. It is usually issued for one to two years and can be extended. This type of permit is often the first step toward long-term residency. It is necessary for those planning to stay in Finland for work, studies, family reasons, or other purposes. Additionally, if you’re planning to buy property in Finland, holding a residence permit simplifies the process.

A temporary residence permit offers several key rights. You may live in Finland legally, work (if your permit allows), access the healthcare system, open a bank account, and obtain a tax identification number. This resident status can also pave the way toward permanent residency or eventual citizenship.

Drawbacks of Obtaining Finnish Residency

• Bureaucratic hurdles when applying.
  Applicants must collect a detailed document package, have it translated and notarized. Even minor mistakes may lead to delays.
• High financial requirements.
  You must prove a stable income or sufficient funds in your bank account, which can be a barrier for students, freelancers, or retirees.
• Slow processing times.
  Receiving a decision may take several months, especially during periods of high demand at the migration office. This complicates planning your relocation and life in the country.
• Limited rights compared to citizens.
  Permit holders cannot vote, are restricted from certain professions, and may face challenges in accessing some social benefits.
• Need to regularly renew the status.
  Failing to meet the conditions can result in loss of the permit and an order to leave the country.

As for the advantages, the primary one is the legal opportunity to live in a country known for its high quality of life, strong social security, and personal safety. Holding a residence permit in Finland allows you to work officially, earn income, pursue education, and access healthcare and welfare services. Additionally, as long as you meet all the legal requirements, this permit can lead to permanent residency and eventually to citizenship.

That said, it’s important to highlight that all of these benefits’ safety, access to healthcare, and the ability to legally live and work in the European Union are also available through Romanian citizenship via a simplified program. In fact, this alternative path is often faster and less demanding than applying for a Finnish residence permit.

Grounds for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Finland

Finnish immigration law offers several grounds for acquiring a residence permit (VNZH). The choice of the appropriate path depends on your purpose for relocation, personal circumstances, and level of preparedness. Let’s explore the main categories under which you can apply for residency in Finland.

Employment-Based Grounds

To obtain a Finnish residence permit through employment (TTOL), you must first sign a contract with a Finnish employer. A work-based residence permit is issued in connection with a specific job offer. Since Finnish employers are legally obligated to give preference to EU candidates, applicants from third countries must demonstrate relevant qualifications and work experience.

Once a work contract is signed, your employer submits an application to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), while you submit your own application via the Enter Finland online portal or at a consulate. You will be required to provide proof of sufficient financial resources (minimum 1600 EUR per month), a valid passport, a motivation letter, health insurance, and other supporting documents. This type of residence permit is typically granted for 1–2 years and can be extended. It allows you to live and work in Finland and also to bring your family members.

You may also be eligible for the Blue Card EU in Finland. The Blue Card is designed to attract highly qualified professionals with in-demand skills and education. To qualify for a Blue Card in Finland, you must hold a higher education degree or possess comparable professional experience (usually a minimum of 5 years). Additionally, your gross monthly salary must exceed the minimum threshold, which in 2025 is set at 3827 EUR.

The Blue Card is generally issued for the duration of your employment contract but not for more than 2 years, and it can be renewed. Cardholders are entitled to bring their family members with them, and unlike standard residence permits, family members of Blue Card holders can immediately work in Finland without needing additional permits. However, it’s important to note that a Blue Card issued by Finland only grants the right to work within Finland.

For Entrepreneurs

If you’re planning to start a business in Finland, you may apply for a residence permit as an entrepreneur. This path is open both to self-employed individuals and owners of larger companies.

The first step is registering your business in the Finnish Trade Register and submitting a business plan, financial projections, proof of startup capital, and documentation of professional qualifications. All submitted documents must be accurate and demonstrate the viability and profitability of the enterprise.

The Finnish Immigration Service requires a preliminary assessment from the ELY Centre (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment), which evaluates the potential of the business. If the evaluation is favorable, you can be granted a temporary residence permit for 1–2 years. This status requires consistent business activity. If the enterprise is non-operational or loses money, it may affect your ability to renew your residence permit.

If you are a new entrepreneur, you may apply for a startup residence permit. You must present an innovative business idea and receive approval from Business Finland. Mandatory conditions include participation of at least one founder, access to funding, and a commitment to developing the project in Finland. The permit is initially issued for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Family Reunification

Finland grants temporary residence permits to foreign nationals whose close family members already legally reside in the country. Family-based immigration includes spouses, underage children, and partners in a genuine cohabiting relationship.

To apply, you must provide proof of family ties such as a marriage certificate, birth certificates, shared photos, communications, and evidence of joint living arrangements. It’s also essential to confirm the financial stability of the sponsor, particularly if the main applicant is a non-EU citizen.

The duration of the family-based permit typically corresponds to the sponsor’s permit. For relatives of Finnish citizens, it’s usually issued for one year.

Study Grounds

A student residence permit is granted to those admitted to a Finnish educational institution for full-time studies. Requirements include an official letter of admission, paid tuition (if applicable), proof of financial resources (at least 800 EUR per month), and health insurance. The required amount may be lower if your university provides free housing or meals.

The permit is granted for the duration of your studies. It also allows you to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and without restrictions during holidays. After graduation, you may apply for an additional one-year permit to search for employment.

Au Pair Program

The Au Pair program allows young people (aged 17–30) to live with a Finnish host family, helping with household duties and childcare in exchange for accommodation, meals, and pocket money. This is not considered formal employment but rather a cultural exchange and an introduction to life in Finland.

To obtain an Au Pair residence permit, you need a signed agreement with the host family outlining the terms of your stay, responsibilities, and provided conditions. The permit is issued for a maximum of 12 months and is non-renewable. It doesn’t allow for full-time employment but may serve as a first step toward studying or working in Finland later.

However, if you’re looking for greater freedom, better prospects, and less bureaucracy, consider an alternative. A Romanian passport obtained through a simplified program grants access to all EU countries, including Finland. The process is significantly easier compared to the Finnish residence route.

Main Requirements and Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Permit

To be eligible for a residence permit in Finland, you must meet several criteria set by the Finnish Immigration Service. While specific conditions vary depending on the basis of your application—whether it’s employment, studies, business, or family reunification—there are also general requirements that apply to nearly all categories of applicants:

• Valid international passport.
  Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Finland.
• Confirmed reason for immigration.
  You must present documented proof of your purpose for moving, such as an employment contract, a letter of admission from a university, a marriage certificate, or other relevant documentation.
• Proof of financial resources.
  You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Finland without relying on state benefits. The required amount depends on the type of residence permit. For example, student permits require proof of income starting from 800 EUR per month.
• Health insurance coverage.
  A valid health insurance policy that covers medical expenses in Finland is mandatory.
• No threat to public order or safety.
  Your application may be denied if you are considered a risk to public security or social order in Finland.
• Compliance with immigration laws.
  Past violations of visa regulations or deportation from another EU country may negatively affect your application.
• Accuracy and completeness of documents.
  All forms must be correctly filled out, and documents must be translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English, and legalized or apostilled if required.

How to Obtain a Finnish Residence Permit: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is the typical step-by-step process most applicants will follow when applying for a residence permit in Finland, regardless of the basis for immigration:

Document Package Required

To successfully obtain a Finnish residence permit, you must submit a complete and accurate document package. While the exact list may vary depending on your grounds for immigration, the following core documents are generally required:

• Valid international passport.
• Residence permit application (submitted electronically or in paper form).
• Proof of purpose for stay (e.g., job offer, university letter, marriage certificate).
• Evidence of financial resources.
• Health insurance certificate.
• Payment receipt for the processing fee.
• Two photographs (4.7 × 3.6 cm).

Make sure to submit copies of all documents. If any paperwork is not in Finnish, Swedish, or English, it must be translated by a certified translator and notarized. In most cases, an apostille is also required.

Submitting an Application via Enter Finland

Enter Finland is the official online platform of the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), designed to simplify the application process for those seeking a residence permit, its renewal, Finnish citizenship, or other immigration procedures. The system streamlines the process, allowing users to submit documents, pay fees, track application status, and receive updates without visiting a migration office.

To start, you must register on the Enter Finland website. After logging in, select the appropriate application type (e.g., employment-based, student permit) and fill out the online form. Once completed, upload all required documents: your passport, proof of the purpose of stay, financial solvency, health insurance, and any additional paperwork relevant to your application grounds. The system also allows you to pay the application fee directly online.

The next step involves scheduling an appointment at a consulate or visa center to verify your identity and submit biometric data. Once all stages are complete, your application will be forwarded for review. You can monitor its progress in real time through your Enter Finland personal account.

Processing Times and Fees for Obtaining Residency in Finland

The timeline for acquiring a residence permit in Finland is officially regulated, but in practice, it can vary depending on the basis for immigration, completeness of your documentation, and the workload of the Finnish Immigration Service.

On average, initial applications for residence permits submitted via Enter Finland are processed within 1 to 3 months. Here are the typical timeframes based on the application type:

• Employment, study, or family reunification: about 60–90 days.
• Entrepreneurship or startup-based applications: up to 4 months.
• EU Blue Card: usually processed faster, in about 30 days.

Below is a breakdown of the application fees depending on the service and submission format:

Common Reasons for Residence Permit Denial and How to Avoid Them

A residence permit application for Finland may be rejected for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from insufficient preparation or errors in the submitted documents. The most frequent causes include the following:

• Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation.
  One of the most common reasons for denial is mistakes or omissions in the documentation. Examples include expired financial statements, missing proof of income, or a lack of mandatory translations into Finnish, Swedish, or English.
• Incorrect Information in the Application Form.
  Applicants sometimes make errors when filling out the application, such as providing inaccurate personal details or information about their employment. This can raise doubts about your reliability and may lead the authorities to believe you are not acting in good faith.
• Failure to Meet Financial Requirements.
  A key criterion for any residence permit is the ability to financially support yourself. If you cannot demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and, if applicable, those of your family, the application is likely to be rejected.
• Violation of Immigration Regulations.
  Any prior breaches of immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa or providing false information, may seriously hinder your chances of being granted a residence permit. You must follow all relevant laws and clearly disclose any previous travel history to Finland or other Schengen countries.
• Mismatch Between Stated Purpose and Actual Intentions.
  It is essential to clearly define and document the purpose of your stay in Finland. If you apply for a residence permit based on study or employment, but your actual intention appears to be something else (e.g., freelance work, extended tourism), this discrepancy can lead to rejection.

What to Do After Receiving a Residence Permit

Obtaining a residence permit is only the first step. Once your residency is approved, you must register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi) and the Finnish social security system (Kela). This registration is necessary to access medical care and other social services. After that, you’ll need to obtain a Finnish ID card. This document confirms your resident status and gives you access to various public services. You can apply for the ID card at local immigration offices, and the process usually takes several weeks.

When your residence permit is about to expire, you should submit an application for renewal to continue living and working in Finland. In the future, after four years, you will be able to apply for permanent residence. Permanent residency grants additional privileges, including the right to long-term residence and a more stable legal status.

The next step is acquiring Finnish citizenship. However, this process can be lengthy and complex. You can apply for a Finnish passport only after eight years of legal residence in the country.