Permanent Residence in Finland - Guide on Relocation to Finland for 2023
Obtain Permanent Residence in Finland
Updated on Tuesday 01st August 2023 Rate this article
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Foreign citizens who want to move to Finland can apply for various types of visas that can lead to temporary, then permanent residence (PR), ultimately to citizenship. There are several pathways to obtain residency here, among them employment and investment being very appreciated by foreigners.
If you want to apply for permanent residence in Finland and need support, our immigration lawyers in Finland are at your service. You can rely on our law firm in Finland for support in various legal matters, including in starting a business here.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, for non-EU citizens coming to Europe for the first time |
| Types of visas for permanent residency | Temporary residence permits |
| Types of temporary residence visas (YES/NO) | - work; - study; - family reunion; - business purposes. |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | One year |
| Access to EU residence permits (YES/NO) | Yes, Finland offers access to EU residence permits. |
| Acces to direct Finnish permanent residency (YES/NO) | No, there is no direct way to permanent residency in Finland. |
| Living requirements for permanent residency | 4 or 5 years, depending on the chosen pathway |
| Documents required to obtain residency | - application form; - proof of local address; - good command of Finnish; - no criminal record. |
| Access to residence by investment program (YES/NO) | Yes, Finland has such a program. |
| Possibility to relocate with family members | Family members must apply for individual residence permits. |
| Authorities to register with | - tax authorities; - social security authorities; - labor agencies. |
| Assistance in applying for investment visas (YES/NO) | Yes, we can offer support in applying for investor visas. |
| Citizenship based on permanent residency | Citizenship is available after 5 or 7 years depending on the age of the applicant. |
| Support in applying for residency | Yes, our Finnish lawyers offer support in residency application. |
| Other immigration services | Assistance in renewing temporary residency, applying for family reunion visas, applying for citizenship. |
Visas that can lead to securing a permanent residence permit in Finland
Immigration to Finland, which is one of the most advanced countries in Northern Europe is definitely a dream for many EU and non-EU citizens. The latter first need to secure one of the following types of visas in order to prepare for Finland’s PR process:
- work permits are a sure way of obtaining permanent residence in Finland in 2023;
- investor visas can also be obtained by those aged 21 to 60 who want to establish themselves here;
- student visas are also a suitable option for those who want to know what it is like to live here before deciding to remain;
- the EU residence permit obtained in another country can also be used to move to Finland;
- family reunification visas can enable those who already live here to bring their families and obtain permanent residence permits.
If you want to apply for a PR card in Finland, you must live here for a determined period of time. Our immigration lawyers in Finland are at your disposal with detailed information on the procedure of obtaining it.
How long does it take to obtain permanent residence in Finland in 2023?
Finland’s PR process is linked to the type of temporary residence permit previously held. Here are the most important aspects to consider in this sense:
- it takes 4 years of living to obtain a permanent residence permit in Finland through a temporary residence visa that has been duly renewed;
- if you want to apply directly for an EU residence permit, the minimum living requirement is 5 years.
- It is not necessary to spend the entire 4 years in Finland, however, the interruption cannot exceed 2 years. Also, the grounds under which the renewal of the Finnish temporary resident card can be different during this time.
Immigration to Finland through a permanent residence permit in 2023 implies preparing various documents. Our Finnish lawyers can help you draft and submit them. If you have already secured employment in Finland, you may apply for a residence permit based on your labor agreement. The employment can be in any sector, as long it respects the legislation in this sense. If you need support in applying for residency in Finland, do not hesitate to contact us.
Documents to prepare for Finland’s PR process
The paperwork to draft in order to obtain a permanent residence permit in Finland is not much, however, it must be carefully prepared. The application form, the valid passport, and a declaration of income are the documents to file with the Finnish Immigration Services.
With respect to the income requirement, it should be noted that you need to file proof that you have contributed to the national social security system. The amounts required depends on the grounds for applying for permanent residence in Finland. According to recent statistics, the average wage in Finland at the end of 2020 was EUR 3,228 per month.
How many foreigners live in Finland?
According to recent data, the largest number of foreigners entering Finland was registered in 2016, when 34,905 people were registered. In the past few years, fewer migrants arrived, as it follows:
- in 2018, the number dropped to 31,106 migrants;
- in 2019, there were 32,758 foreign citizens coming to Finland;
- in 2020, a slight increase in migration numbers was registered with 32,898 persons entering Finland.
Finland provides numerous excellent employment options. Even though it can be challenging to get into the job market, if you have the necessary credentials and experience, it won't be tough for you to land a position. In addition to being among the happiest countries in the world, Finland is also among the safest. Dual citizenship is recognized in Finland, so you are permitted to be a citizen of both Finland and another nation. The Finnish government will see you as a citizen both inside and outside of Finland if you also hold another nationality.
If you qualify for permanent residence in Finland in 2023 and want to start the application process, contact us. Our lawyers can also help you apply for Finnish citizenship. During the process of acquiring citizenship in Finland, you have 3 months to go and confirm your identification after submitting an application to the service. The Finnish Immigration Service allows you to schedule an appointment online. Bring a personal identification document and the original copies of the application papers with you when you go to confirm your identity.
