Visa Types
Finland Permanent Residency Pathway
How you can immigrate to Finland, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Finland.
-
What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area. -
Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for Finland PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Finland?
To visit Finland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Finland visa application is made online or offline?
To apply for a visa, you have the option to either fill out the form online or download and print it for submission at the Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Finland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Finland?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
To obtain information about the Permanent Residence fee, please Click Here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- To start, figure out the visa type you require and check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Find out the necessary documents to submit, the estimated application processing time, and the fees involved.
- Make sure your application follows the guidelines specific to your visa category.
- When you're prepared to apply for a visa, complete the visa application form and organize your application documents according to the accompanying checklist provided with the online
- Alternatively, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print the completed form, and bring it to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- After completing your visa form, it's important to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for the collection of biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
- Upon booking, you will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
- For families or groups, individual appointments need to be booked for each member.
- At the Visa Application Centre, you will need to submit your completed visa application form along with the required supporting documents.
- Here's what typically happens at the Visa Application Centre.
- After submitting your visa application, the next step is to pay the visa application fee.
- The fee amount and payment methods can vary depending on the country and type of visa you are applying.
- You have the option to track the status of your visa application online. Simply utilize the Reference Number indicated on the invoice/receipt provided by the Visa Application Centre, along with your date of birth, to access this tracking service.
- When you submit your visa application, it is important to inquire about the available options for passport collection from the Visa Application Centre. The specific procedures may vary, but here are some general guidelines:
7. In-person Collection: If you are required to collect your passport in person, make sure to bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, bring a valid form of government identification, such as your passport or driver's license.
8. Collection by Authorized Representative: If permitted, you may authorize someone else to collect your passport on your behalf. In such cases, the authorized person should present their official identification, the original invoice/receipt, and a power of attorney form. The power of attorney may need to be notarized in accordance with local legislation.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a PR visa to Finland, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Application Form: Complete and sign the application form for permanent residence in Finland.
- Valid Passport: Provide a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
- Residence Permit: Include a copy of your valid residence permit or other proof of legal residence in Finland.
- Employment History: Provide documentation of your employment history in Finland, such as employment contracts, pay slips, or tax records.
- Financial Means: Show evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or proof of income.
- Accommodation Proof: Provide documents showing your accommodation arrangements in Finland, such as rental contracts or property ownership documents.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the immigration category, provide proof of your language proficiency in Finnish, Swedish, or English, such as language test certificates or language course completion certificates.
- Education and Qualifications: Include copies of your educational certificates, diplomas, or degrees.
- Health Insurance: Obtain health insurance coverage that is valid in Finland.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Depending on the requirements, provide a police clearance certificate or a certificate of good conduct from your home country or other countries where you have resided.
- Integration Measures: Depending on the immigration category, provide evidence of completing integration measures, such as language courses or cultural orientation programs.
- Family Relationship Documents: If applicable, provide documents proving your family relationships, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers.
- Proof of Social Integration: Include evidence of your involvement in Finnish society, such as membership in organizations or community activities.
- Additional Documents: Be prepared to provide any additional documents requested by the immigration authorities, specific to your individual circumstances or immigration category.
Note: It is important to note that the document requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the discretion of the Finnish immigration authorities. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Finnish immigration authorities or seek professional advice for detailed and up-to-date information regarding the specific permanent residence application process in Finland.
Work Permit:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed work permit application form
- Job offer letter or employment contract from a Finnish employer
- Proof of qualifications and relevant work experience
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Family Reunification:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed family reunification residence permit application form
- Marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership with a Finnish citizen or permanent resident
- Proof of relationship, such as photographs or correspondence
- Proof of financial means to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Studies:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed student residence permit application form
- Letter of acceptance from a recognized Finnish educational institution
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Academic transcripts and educational certificates
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Investment:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed investor residence permit application form
- Proof of investment in Finland, such as investment agreements or bank statements
- Business plan outlining the investment project
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
EU Blue Card:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed EU Blue Card application form
- Job offer letter or employment contract from a Finnish employer meeting the requirements for an EU Blue Card
- Proof of qualifications and relevant work experience
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Humanitarian Reasons:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed application form for permanent residency based on humanitarian reasons
- Relevant supporting documents, such as refugee status documentation or evidence of humanitarian protection
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Note: Please note that the document requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the discretion of the Finnish immigration authorities. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Finnish immigration authorities or seek professional advice for detailed and up-to-date information regarding the specific document requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Finland.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.
Finland Permanent Residence Visa Application Form
Note: It is important to acknowledge that visa requirements and procedures are subject to change. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the official website of the Embassy of Finland in India or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for a Finnish Work (Type D) visa from India.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Finnish Permanent Residency typically involves the following steps:
- Meet the eligibility criteria: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for Finnish Permanent Residency. This typically includes having legally resided in Finland for a certain period, demonstrating sufficient income and financial stability, and fulfilling any other specific requirements set by the Finnish immigration authorities.
- Gather required documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your Permanent Residency application. This may include your valid passport, residence permit, proof of language proficiency (Finnish, Swedish, or English), proof of income and financial stability, proof of accommodation, and any other supporting documents as required.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the Permanent Residency application form accurately and provide all the necessary information. Ensure that you have included all the required documents as specified in the application instructions.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the required application fee as per the guidelines provided by the Finnish immigration authorities. The fee amount and payment methods can vary, so check the latest information on their website or contact the relevant authorities for specific details.
- Submit the application: Submit your completed application form and all the required documents to the Finnish immigration authorities. Follow the instructions provided on their website or through their e-services for submitting the application either online or by mail.
- Attend an interview (if required): Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the Permanent Residency application process. If an interview is necessary, ensure that you are prepared to answer questions related to your residency, language skills, integration into Finnish society, and any other relevant topics.
- Wait for the decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the immigration authorities to process your Permanent Residency application. The processing time can vary, so it’s important to be patient. You can check the status of your application through the Finnish immigration authorities’ online services if available.
- Receive the decision: Once a decision has been made on your Permanent Residency application, you will be notified of the outcome. If your application is approved, you will receive a Permanent Residency permit or card. If your application is rejected, you will receive information regarding the reasons for the denial.
For more information: https://migri.fi/en/application-for-a-permanent-residence-permit
Note: It’s important to note that this is a general overview of the process, and the specific requirements and procedures for Finnish Permanent Residency may vary based on individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Permanent Residency application process.
The eligibility requirements for a Finnish permanent residence permit (P) are as follows:
- You have lived in Finland for an uninterrupted period of 4 years with a continuous residence permit (an A permit).
- Your residence permit is valid when you apply for the permanent residence permit.
- The requirements for issuing a continuous (A) residence permit are still met.
You can also be eligible for a permanent residence permit if you are:
- A family member of an EU citizen who has the right of permanent residence in Finland.
- A refugee or a person with subsidiary protection status who has been granted a residence permit in Finland for at least 4 years.
- A person who has been granted a residence permit in Finland for at least 4 years on the basis of humanitarian reasons.
Work Permit:
- If you have held a continuous residence permit in Finland for a certain period, typically five years, based on employment, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- You must demonstrate that you have a valid reason to reside in Finland, such as stable employment or business activities.
- You need to provide proof of continuous residence in Finland during the required period, such as employment contracts, tax records, and residence permits.
Family Reunification:
- If you are the spouse, registered partner, or child of a Finnish citizen or a foreigner residing permanently in Finland, you may be eligible for permanent residence through family reunification.
- You need to provide evidence of your family relationship and show that you have a valid reason to reside in Finland.
- Proof of continuous residence and integration into Finnish society may also be required.
Studies:
- If you have completed a degree or other education in Finland and held a residence permit for studies, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- You must have completed a certain period of continuous residence in Finland, usually five years.
- You need to demonstrate that you have a valid reason to reside in Finland and provide proof of integration, such as language proficiency and cultural knowledge.
Investment:
- If you have made a significant investment in Finland, such as starting a business or investing in a Finnish company, you may be eligible for permanent residence.
- The investment should contribute to the Finnish economy, create jobs, and promote economic growth.
- You need to provide evidence of your investment and show that you have a valid reason to reside in Finland.
EU Blue Card:
- The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows highly skilled non-EU/EEA workers to work and live in Finland.
- If you have held an EU Blue Card in Finland for a certain period, typically two to four years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- You need to demonstrate that you have continuously resided in Finland during the required period and provide proof of integration, such as language proficiency and cultural knowledge.
Humanitarian Reasons:
- In exceptional cases, you may be eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian grounds.
- This may include situations where your return to your home country would pose a serious risk to your life or health.
- You need to provide compelling evidence and strong reasons to support your application.
Note: It’s important to note that each category has specific eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is the official authority responsible for immigration matters in Finland. For detailed information and specific requirements, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service or consult with them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding permanent residence applications.