Even before the beginning of the 90s of the last century, the economic situation in Finland left much to be desired, and therefore the total number of foreigners throughout the country did not exceed 20 thousand people. Today everything has changed - Finland is one of the three most prosperous countries with the highest social security. It is not surprising that third-country nationals are now striving to enter the country, and Russians are no exception. To legally reside in the country, you need to obtain a residence permit - a residence permit in Finland.
Rights and obligations of the holder of a Finnish residence permit
Choosing Finland as a new place of residence is a decisive step. This cold northern country will amaze any foreigner with its culture, traditions and identity. But the rights that immigration to the country gives by residence permit can cover any shortcomings.
The owner of a Finnish residence permit can count on:
- the right to reside in Suomi (the Finnish name of the country) and move freely within the EU without visas;
- the right to freely get a job, regardless of the type of residence permit and the basis on which it was obtained;
- the right to use the public health and education system;
- the right to do business, as well as gain access to the markets of other EU countries, and so on.
But, in addition to rights, a Finnish residence permit imposes a number of obligations on foreigners, including:
- comply with the legislation of the country, do not pose a threat to public order and health;
- obtain a personal identification number from the magistrate;
- have funds for self-maintenance or sources of obtaining them, as well as a place of residence;
- have medical insurance (in some cases, for example, when receiving an education) and so on.
Residence permit forms in Finland
Before getting a residence permit for a Russian citizen, you need to figure out what forms it has. A residence permit is a residence permit in the country - everyone who stays in the country for longer than 90 days must have it.
According to Chapter 4 of Law No. 301 "On Foreigners" (Ulkomaalaislaki 301/2004), the following forms of residence permit are valid:
- First residence permit (Ensaimmäinen oleskelulup). It is considered temporary, as it is issued for a specific period. Its validity period depends on the reason for which it was received. For example, students receive for 1 year, family members - for 4 years.
- Renewal Permit (Jatkolupa, uusi määräaikainen oleskelulupa). It is issued on the condition that the grounds on which the first residence permit was obtained still exist, although its term expires. Renewals are granted for a maximum of 4 years.
- Residence permit in the EU (EU-oleskelulupa). Issued to foreigners who have lived in Finland with a regular residence permit for at least 5 years. It gives the right to permanently reside in other EU countries and has an unlimited period of validity.
- Permanent residence permit (Pysyvä oleskelulupa). Issued after 4 years of life with any other residence permit. It is issued subject to the preservation of the original reasons for registration and is indefinite.
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit
Finnish legislation provides for many reasons on which the first residence permit can be obtained, including:
- Working in Finland (Työskentely Suomessa). On this basis, a residence permit is issued both to those who are employed and to persons who are engaged in business, in particular, through individual entrepreneurs.
- Family reunification (Perheenjäsenen luokse suomeen). Issued to spouses, registered partners, cohabitants, children and guardians of Finns or foreigners living in the country.
- Getting an education (Opiskelu Suomessa). Applies to students of universities, colleges and vocational schools. In addition, it can be issued when undergoing special training, receiving additional education or conducting research.
- Repatriation (Paluumuutto). A residence permit is issued if you have Finnish roots and there is evidence of a strong connection with the country (Finnish origin, lost Finnish citizenship).
- Other special reasons (Muulla perusteella). If a foreigner does not meet any of the above grounds, he can apply for a residence permit for other special reasons. For example, establishing a relationship with a Finnish citizen or being a victim of human trafficking.
Documents and the procedure for their submission
The main document on the basis of which the application for a residence permit is considered is the application of a foreigner. In 2021, it can be submitted to them:
- From the territory of the country of his permanent residence - through the Consulate of Finland.
- While in Finland - through the service points of the Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto).
- In electronic form - via the Internet portal Enter Finland.
Together with them must be submitted:
- original civil passport with copies of pages;
- photo 35x45 mm;
- application for legal residence in the country where the application is submitted;
- application form MP_1 (for those who are in Finland and applying for the first residence permit);
- birth certificate;
- birth certificates of Finnish relatives, Finnish archival documents or other papers (confirming the right to repatriation);
- an attachment to the application for a work permit signed by the employer and other work documents (for those receiving a residence permit for employment);
- marriage certificate, child's birth certificate, civil partnership registration and other documents confirming the right to family reunification;
- a certificate of acceptance from a Finnish educational institution, an explanation of tuition fees or scholarships (if applicable), a certificate of health insurance and other documents (for those receiving permits as a student);
- name change certificate (if any).
According to the result, the residence permit is issued in the form of a plastic card. Readers can find a sample of it below.
Cost and terms of registration
Before applying for a residence permit, a foreigner must pay a state fee for its consideration. The amount of such a state fee is 470 euros. It must be paid before submitting documents, otherwise the request risks being rejected.
How long to wait after submitting documents depends on the basis and form of the residence permit. So, the average request processing time is:
- for a residence permit for employment - 4 months;
- for a residence permit for the purpose of obtaining education - 1 month;
- for a residence permit in order to restore a family - up to 9 months;
- for a residence permit for repatriates - within 5 months.
If necessary, including in the case of requesting additional documents, holding oral hearings and receiving additional clarifications, the specified time frames may be extended.
Refusal to issue and cancellation of a residence permit
In accordance with Art. 36, 58 Ulkomaalaislaki 301/2004 and other articles of the law, a residence permit may be refused, and a previously issued document will be canceled if:
- the applicant poses a threat to public safety and order;
- the migration authorities have reason to believe that the foreigner has violated or plans to violate the conditions of stay and residence in the country;
- when submitting the application, fake documents were submitted, the state fee was not paid, false or distorted information was reported, or information that could affect the decision was not provided;
- the foreigner does not meet the conditions for granting a residence permit;
- the foreigner permanently leaves and lives outside Finland for more than the period prescribed by law;
- the grounds on which the residence permit was issued no longer exist;
- one of the states of the Schengen zone asks Finland to cancel the residence permit and deport a foreigner with a subsequent ban on leaving.
Registration of permanent residence and citizenship
Permanent residence status in Finland is understood as a permanent residence permit (Pysyvä oleskelulupa).You can get it, provided that the grounds on which the first or extended residence permit was obtained are preserved, and only after long-term residence with such a residence permit for at least 4 years.
This four-year period is counted:
- from the date of entry, if the document was issued from abroad;
- from the date of registration, if the permit is obtained in Finland.
After 5 years of continuous residence with a residence permit, a foreigner is entitled to apply for a Finnish passport. But for this he must:
- have a good knowledge of the Finnish language;
- have housing;
- have funds for their own maintenance and sources of income, and so on.
Common questions
If after reading the material you still have questions, ask them in the comments or look in this section.
What documents to submit to extend a residence permit?
Documents for extending a residence permit completely coincide with the list of documents submitted for obtaining an initial permit. You can familiarize yourself with it above.
Does the purchase of real estate in Finland give the right to obtain a residence permit?
When buying real estate, the owner does not have the right to obtain a residence permit. The law stipulates a clear list of grounds on which the status of a resident of Suomi is granted, and ownership of real estate is not included in it.
What if the basis for staying in Finland has changed?
When, while living in Finland, the grounds for obtaining a residence permit have changed (for example, if it was previously issued for work, but is now married to a Finn), a foreign citizen must apply for a new residence permit (määräaikainen oleskelulupa). But such a procedure is applied only with a temporary permit, in the presence of a permanent residence permit, a change in the basis for obtaining it is not a reason for reissuing.
What does a pensioner need to move to Finland?
There are no special conditions and requirements for pensioners in Finland. They emigrate to Finland on the same grounds and in the same manner as young foreign nationals.
Conclusion
A residence permit is a compulsory document required by any foreigner who plans to stay in Finland after the end of the 90-day period of temporary residence. There are 4 main reasons for its design:
- work (including doing business),
- family reunification,
- study at a Finnish university,
- repatriation.
You can apply for a residence permit both from abroad and on the territory of the country, but there is a third way - to apply online.
The first residence permit is issued for a period of 1 to 4 years with the possibility of extension. After continuous residence for 4 years, you can get a permanent indefinite residence permit, and then citizenship.
