When you’ve decided to make Finland your home—whether for work, study or family life—you’ll need the right residence permit. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the different permit types, the application steps, the new biometric card system and the path toward permanent or EU-level status.

Types of Residence Permits

Finland offers several categories depending on your reason to stay. Here’s a quick overview:

• First permit (B permit): A fixed-term visa for initial stays, valid up to two years.
• Extended permit (A permit): A continuous permit you apply for before your B permit expires.
• Permanent residence (P permit): Granted after continuous A-permit residence for four years.
• Permanent EU permit (P-EU): Requires five years of continuous A-permit residence in Finland.

The A vs. B Permit Distinction

A B permit covers your first fixed-term residence, while an A permit signals continuous status. To qualify for permanent residence, you must hold an A permit for four years without significant breaks.

EU Permanent Residence

If you aim for EU-wide rights—such as moving freely within the EU—you’ll need a P-EU permit. The European Commission explains that this requires five years of continuous A-permit residence in Finland.

The Biometric Residence Permit Card

Since 2012, all Finnish residence permits are issued as biometric residence permit cards rather than stickers in your passport.

• Introduced: 2012
• Data stored: facial image + two fingerprints on secure chip
• Card details: permit type, expiry date, customer number, and work-right statement

Existing visa stickers remain valid until they expire, but all new permits come as cards.

“The card enhances security and simplifies checks at borders,” says the Finnish Immigration Service.

Travel with a Type D Visa

When your residence permit is granted together with a Type D visa, you can enter Finland immediately. In some cases—such as family reunification abroad—you’ll need to apply for both the permit and a Type D visa at once.

Work-Based Residence Permits

If work brings you to Finland, you’ll choose among these subcategories:

1. Employed person: For salaried jobs in private or public sectors
2. Specialist: High-skill professionals, e.g., engineers or IT experts
3. Entrepreneur: Founders of Finnish companies

Labour Market Testing

Before hiring a non-EU national, employers must complete labour market testing to demonstrate they searched within Finland or the EU/EEA for suitable candidates.

2025 Salary Threshold Updates

From 2025, the minimum salary requirements for Specialists and EU Blue Card holders rise slightly. Employed person permits also face a new pay floor. Check the latest figures via official channels.

Study and Family-Member Permits

• Students: Show an admission letter and proof of finances
• Family members: Spouses or children of permit holders

After you receive your permit, remember to register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency to access healthcare and social services.

Navigating the Application Process

You can apply online or on paper before arriving in Finland if you plan to stay longer than three months. Processing times vary by permit type and grounds for application.

• Fill in the correct application form on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ Visa and residence permit application page
• Gather required attachments (passport copy, photos, proof of funds, etc.)
• Pay the fee
• Book an appointment at your nearest Finnish mission to submit biometrics

Your Path to a Finnish Future

You’ve seen the range of permits—from first B permits to permanent EU-level status—along with the shift to fully biometric cards, updated salary rules and labour-market checks. Armed with this knowledge, you can submit a complete application and track your journey toward making Finland your long-term home.

Ready to start? Visit the Finnish Immigration Service’s portal and take the first step toward your Finnish residence permit today.