An Alien who intends to stay in Finland for an extended period generally needs to apply for a residence permit. In general, the application is submitted to the Finnish embassy in the applicant’s home country or in a country where the applicant legally resides which also issues the permit before the applicant enters Finland. From the country where Finland has no diplomatic mission the application can be submitted to the closest Finnish mission in the neighbouring country. In Australia and New Zealand the applications are submitted in person or forwarded by post to the Finnish Consulate in Sydney.
Citizens of EU/ETA Countries can reside, work or study in Finland without a residence permit. After three months, however, they must register their residence at the local Police.
A residence permit can be granted on the grounds of family ties, study or employment. The fee is payable in full before or when the application is submitted. If the decision is negative the fee is not refunded.
All residence permit applications must include the following documents:
Depending on what grounds the permit is applied for, the following additional documents should be included:
Residence permits on the grounds of Family ties
Spouse, de-facto spouse, registered relationship
Children under 18 years of age
A residence permit application on the grounds of family ties can be submitted before moving to Finland. The applicant him/her self or a family member (sponsor) on behalf of the applicant can also submit the application in Finland.
Residence permits on the grounds of study
High school exchange students (Rotary International, STS High School Foundation, Lions Club, 4H)
Residence permits on the grounds of employment
Residence permits on the grounds of self-employment
The Consulate may request further information if required.
Updated 3/13/2009
