Whether you need a Finnish residence permit depends on your nationality, your reason for coming and the length of your stay. Start with the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) to choose the correct route.
Residence permit or registration?
Citizens of EU countries, the Nordic countries, Liechtenstein and Switzerland do not need a Finnish residence permit. EU citizens other than Nordic citizens, and citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland, normally apply to Migri to register their right of residence when staying for more than three months continuously. Nordic citizens register their personal data with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV), rather than applying for EU registration at Migri.
People from other countries generally need a residence permit for a stay longer than 90 days. The purpose of the stay matters, and work can require a permit even for a shorter period. Check your own route before travelling.
Choose the correct application
Work, studies and family ties have different requirements. Read the instructions for your application before collecting documents or paying a fee. Many applications can be started in Enter Finland, followed by the identity-verification steps specified by Migri.
Check the official instructions
Use Migri’s application guidance and EU registration instructions. This introduction is general information, not an individual assessment of eligibility.
Author: Admin
Admin