Permanent Residence in Finland

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you’ve legally lived in Finland for a continuous period of four years with a continuous residence permit, you can apply for a Finnish permanent residence permit, which allows you to live and work in Finland indefinitely. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about permanent residence in Finland, from eligibility requirements to the benefits that come with it.

What is a Finnish permanent residence permit?

A Finnish permanent residence permit (P permit) allows non-EU–EEA citizens to live and work in Finland indefinitely. Unlike temporary residence permits, which are issued for specific periods and purposes such as work or study, a permanent residence permit does not have an expiration date as long as you continue to live in Finland. Even so, it can be revoked if you spend excessive time outside Finland, and obviously, if you commit serious crimes.

Types of residence permits available in Finland

Residence permits are divided into fixed-term and permanent categories in Finland. The A permit is a continuous residence permit for long-term stays, such as employment or family reunification, and remains valid as long as conditions are met. The B permit, a temporary residence permit, is for shorter stays like work or studies and requires renewal if extended.

Permanent residency can be obtained with the P permit after living in Finland for four years on an A permit. The P-EU and P-EY permits, available to third-country nationals after five years on an A permit, align with EU residency rules. There are also temporary protection permits for individuals fleeing crises, such as the war in Ukraine, which provide provisional protection. This policy is very aligned with Finland’s 2023 bid into NATO.

If you don't hold a residence permit, you can visit Finland for up to 90 days. Typically, a visa is required for such visits.

What are the benefits of a Finnish permanent residence permit?

The primary benefit of a Finnish permanent residence permit is that it grants you the right to stay in Finland without any time restrictions. With a Permanent Residence Permit, you also have the right to work in Finland without needing to secure a separate work permit. Additionally, it allows you to access public services such as healthcare, education, and social security, which are regarded as some of the best in the world.

Is permanent residence the same as being a Finnish citizen?

No, a Permanent Residence Permit is not the same as Finnish citizenship. While both grant long-term residency, they come with different rights and responsibilities. Finnish citizenship, obviously, comes along with the passport. Permanent residence, on the other hand, allows you to live and work in Finland indefinitely but does not include the full range of rights and benefits associated with citizenship, and does not include the passport. So if you’re looking for the ultimate Finland package, the race does not Finnish at the permanent residence, since the passport is even better at just about at reach.

When can you apply for a Finnish permanent residence permit?

You can apply for a Finnish permanent residence permit once you have lived in Finland for a continuous period of four years with a continuous residence permit (an A permit). This four-year period starts from the day you entered Finland if you initially applied for your residence permit abroad. If you applied for your first permit within Finland, the period begins on the first day of that permit. The same rule applies if you were granted a continuous residence permit based on refugee status or subsidiary protection.

If you have not yet completed the four-year period, you can apply for an extended permit instead. You are allowed to submit your Permanent Residence Permit application up to three months before you meet the residency requirement. You do not need to wait until your current permit expires if you qualify earlier.

What documents are required to apply for a Finnish permanent residence permit?

When applying for a Finnish permanent residence permit, you will need to provide several documents. These include a valid passport, a passport photo that meets Finnish photo guidelines, and colour copies of your passport pages with personal details and notes. Additionally, you must show proof of your continuous residence in Finland over the past four years. If you are applying based on family ties or employment, provide relevant documentation supporting this. Any documents not in Finnish, Swedish, or English will need to be translated and legalised.

Please note that amendments to the Aliens Act, which governs residence and immigration regulations in Finland, became effective on 1 September 2024. The new regulations introduced stricter identification requirements for residence permit applicants.

How to apply for permanent residence in Finland?

To apply for a Finnish permanent residence permit, you must do so while in Finland. You can submit your application through the e-service Enter Finland or on paper. After completing your application, you must visit a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity, have your fingerprints taken, and present original documents. The application fee can be paid either online or at the service point, depending on your submission method.

If you are granted a permanent residence, you will receive a residence permit card, which needs to be renewed every five years. Once submitted, your application will be processed, and you will be informed of the decision. During the processing period, you must remain in Finland, as travelling abroad could affect your application. You can cancel your application at any point while it is being processed.

How long is the waiting time for permanent residence in Finland?

The waiting time for a permanent residence permit in Finland is currently about 23 days for first permits and 21 days for extended permits, as of February 2024. This time frame was sped up by the Finnish authorities from 66 days last year. Recent improvements, such as automation and better processes, have contributed to this faster processing time. The goal is to make sure application processing times remain within a month.

Still, experiences may vary. Some applicants have reported receiving their decisions within 24 hours or even immediately, while others have faced longer waits, such as up to 5 months. In any case, this is an excellent amount of time when compared, for example, to Sweden.

Can your family members get permanent residence?

Yes, your family members can also get permanent residency in Finland. If you hold a permanent residence permit, your close family members—such as your spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner (if you’ve lived together for at least two years or have joint custody of a child), or dependent children—can apply for residence permits on the basis of family ties. After living in Finland with a temporary residence permit for a certain period, they may then apply for their own permanent residency. The specific time required for them to apply depends on the type of permit they have held and their reasons for staying in Finland.

What are Finnish permanent residence permit fees?

The fees for applying for a Finnish permanent residence permit depend on the application method. For electronic applications submitted through the e-service Enter Finland, the fee is €220. If you choose to submit a paper application, the fee is €270. For applicants under the age of 18, the fee is reduced to €150.

What if your application is rejected?

If your application for a Finnish permanent residence permit is rejected, you will receive a detailed decision letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. If you believe the decision was incorrect, you have the right to appeal. You can submit an appeal to the Administrative Court within 30 days of receiving the decision.

How to renew the Finnish permanent residence permit?

Once you have a Permanent Residence Permit, you do not need to apply for a new one unless your residence permit card is about to expire. In such cases, you should apply for a new residence permit card rather than a new permit. Permanent residence permit cards need to be renewed every five years. To renew your card, submit a new application and, if needed, book an appointment to provide updated documentation and personal details.

The renewal fee is €60 if you apply electronically through EnterFinland. If you submit a paper application, the fee is €75. In case your card is lost or stolen, the replacement cost is €120.

Talk to an immigration expert

If you're aiming to settle in Finland permanently, starting with a job that includes relocation support can make the process easier. Check out our job board to find an employer in Finland—or another destination—who offers both a job and relocation assistance. If you’re already living and working in Finland and want help in getting permanent residence, contact us and we'll connect you with a trusted immigration expert.

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