by Have you lived in Finland for some years? Do you desire a Finland Permanent Residence Permit but don’t know what to do?
Worry not; all you need is to follow the proper steps.
Though Finland is one of the most expensive countries to live in, many foreigners still want to live in the country as permanent residents. The reasons are clear. The country is not just among the safest places to stay but also has many facilities and a high standard of living.
Therefore, our article focuses on providing a thorough guide for you. This will help you whenever you are applying for permanent residency in Finland. You will learn about the application process, requirements, eligibility, and other information that will help you.
About Finland
Finland is located in Northern Europe between Sweden and Russia. It shares borders with Norway, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Sweden. It also has a coastline along the Baltic Sea.
Finland has a population of over five million people. The country consists of three main regions: Lapland, Central Finland, and Southern Finland. Most Finns live in urban areas, but the countryside also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Finnish culture is very diverse. Several languages are spoken in Finland, such as Finnish, Swedish, Estonian, and Sami. In addition, the country has a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Reasons to live in Finland
Are you looking for a new place to call home? If yes, then Finland might be the perfect destination for you. The country has some of the best healthcare facilities in the world, beautiful nature, and friendly locals.
There are several reasons why Finns love their homeland. Some of them include the clean air, the great health care system, and the low crime rate. Also, you have many beautiful places to visit in Finland.
Besides, the quality of education in Finland is good. So also is the quality of life, though there is a high living cost.
What is a Finland Permanent Residence Permit?
A Finland permanent Residence Permit allows foreign citizens to permanently live and work in Finland. This means that it is valid for as long as you are eligible to live in Finland. Put differently; there is no limit to the number of years you can live and work in Finland.
Eligibility for Finland Permanent Residence Permit
You could become eligible for Permanent Residence in Finland if you meet the following criteria. They include
- You must have lived in Finland for four consecutive years with a continuous residence permit.
- You still meet the requirements for a continuous residence permit.
- If you have not been suspected or been found guilty of a criminal offense.
- If you are a citizen of an EU country, you will live in Finland for five consecutive years.
Requirements to apply for Finland Permanence Residence Permit
You must meet some requirements to apply for a Finland Permanent Residence Permit. Without meeting these requirements, you won’t be able to get your residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service.
We are going to divide the requirements into three categories. The first one deals with the requirements to get a visa to Finland. The next one is about the requirements to get your First Residence in Finland. Finally, we will examine the specific requirements for your permanent residence permit.
Requirements for Finland entry Visa
All foreign citizens who are not from a Schengen nation need a visa to enter Finland. So, you must meet the following requirements if you need a Finland Visa. They include:
- Passport
- Visa
- Photo
- Application form for your visa type
- Travel plan
- Cover letter
- Medical report
- Police Clearance Form
- Letter of invitation
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Civil Status document
Requirements for Finland First Residence Permit
Additionally, before you can obtain your first residence permit in Finland, you meet the following requirements: They include:
- Application form for the correct right of residence
- Your current visa
- Passport photo
Requirements for Finland Permanent Residence Permit
Also, you must have these requirements specific to obtaining a Finland Permanence Residence Permit. They include:
- Your First Residence Permit
- Your Continuous Residence permit
- An application form for Finland Permanent Residence Permit
- Your passport
Steps to Apply for Finland Permanent Residence Permit
The journey to a Permanence Residence permit does not start in a day. Therefore, you have to prepare very well. But, of course, it starts from the day you apply for a visa to live in Finland. This is because while in Finland, you may fall in love with the country. And thus, they may decide to live there permanently. However, believing that you already reside in Finland, the steps below will be helpful to you. So, you must follow them carefully.
Step 1. Meet the requirements
First, you must meet all the requirements to apply for this residence permit. Failure to meet all the requirements may result in residence permit denial. Therefore, you must contact the right authorities to know all you need to apply.
Step 2. Gather all your documents
Make sure that all your documents are complete. So, you have to gather them and keep them in one file. Then, make sure that they are up to date. Otherwise, you may not acquire your Finland permanent residence Permit. Even after gathering them, make sure that you cross-check them multiple times before submitting them.
Step 3. Fill out your application for the Finland Permanence Residence permit
So, after you have met the requirements and gathered all your documents, you must fill out the application. In the application, make sure that you give out the correct information. Any false information may lead to residence permit denial. Therefore, check them many times after you have filled in some data. The information you need to provide includes your name and address. You will also provide information regarding your first residence permit in Finland.
Step 4. Pay your application fee
You can now pay your application fee. You can do this through the e-service Enter Finland. Besides this, you can pay at any Finnish Immigration Service outlet.
Step 5. Book an appointment
After paying your application fee, the next step is to book an appointment. So, you have to contact the Finnish Immigration Service for this. Then, make sure that you meet up with your schedule. If you do not meet up, your permit will be denied.
Step 6. Wait for a decision on your Finland Permanence Residence permit
This can take up to a year, depending on certain factors. Therefore, you have to be patient while waiting for a response. However, the immigration service may contact you if there is a missing document. So, be ready to give them any information they need from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing time for a Permanent Residence Permit in Finland?
It depends on many factors. For instance, an electronic allocation takes about 12 to 14 months. Likewise, a paper application can take between 12 to 14 months. But if you are applying for a long-term EU residence permit for third-country nationals, it is usually six months.
How much does it cost to process a permanent residence permit in Finland?
For both an electronic and paper-based application, it costs €160 to apply for a Finland Permanent Residence Permit. However, for applicants who are under 18 years, it is €150.
Is it easy to get PR for Finland?
This is not a straightforward process. However, it can be easy if you do the right thing. Following the right procedure guarantees you success. That’s why you need this guideline we have provided.
How long does it take to become a resident of Finland?
Usually, it takes four years before you can apply for permanent residence in Finland. This means you have to live in the country for four years without interruption.
Is Finland part of the Schengen countries?
Yes, Finland is among the Schengen area. This means that citizens of other Schengen countries can travel to the country without a visa. Thus, they can stay up to 30 days in Finland visa-free.
Other members of the Schengen area include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
How long does it take to get a visa to Finland?
It usually takes 10 to 15 days to process all types of Finland visas. However, depending on certain situations, it can take longer than this. For example, medical visas take a shorter time.
Conclusion
Finally, once you have lived in Finland for four years, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. However, you must meet other requirements to apply.
Moreover, you will need expert guidance to avoid waste of time and resources. Therefore, we have gone into deep research to provide the information above. You must follow them when applying for a Permanent Residence Permit to live in Finland.
