A residence permit for Finland is an official document that allows non-Finnish citizens to legally reside in Finland for a specific purpose and duration. It is granted by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) and is required for stays longer than 90 days, depending on the individual’s nationality and purpose of stay. However, if you are an EU citizen or a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you don’t need a residence permit in Finland. This is because these countries are part of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and benefit from the principle of freedom of movement. As an EU/EFTA citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study in Finland without a residence permit. However, you may need to register your presence with the local authorities, depending on the length of your stay.

Types of Residence Permit

There are several types of residence permits available in Finland, depending on the purpose of your stay. Here are some common residence permit types:

1. Study Residence Permit: This permit is for individuals who wish to study in Finland at a recognized educational institution. It allows you to reside in Finland for the duration of your studies.
2. Work Residence Permit: This permit is for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Finnish employer. It allows you to work and reside in Finland for the duration of your employment.
3. Family Reunification Residence Permit: This permit is for individuals who have family members in Finland, such as a spouse, registered partner, or dependent child. It allows you to join your family member and reside in Finland with them.
4. Entrepreneur Residence Permit: This permit is for individuals who plan to start and run their own business in Finland. It requires demonstrating a viable business plan and meeting specific financial and professional criteria.
5. Researcher Residence Permit: This permit is for individuals engaged in research activities in Finland, such as post-doctoral researchers or visiting scholars. It allows you to reside in Finland for the purpose of research.
6. EU Blue Card: This permit is for highly skilled workers from outside the European Union (EU) who have a job offer in Finland. It is similar to the Work Residence Permit and provides benefits for skilled professionals.
7. Special Expert Residence Permit: This permit is for individuals who possess exceptional expertise or qualifications that are deemed essential for Finland. It is granted on a case-by-case basis and requires meeting specific criteria.