Getting a Resident Permit in Finland in 2026: Expat Guide

Whether you're planning an extended trip to Finland to visit friends and family, study abroad, work, or something else, there are several things you need to do to prepare.

One crucial part of the preparation process is knowing what the entry requirements are and making sure you can meet them.

It's completely normal for the process to feel overwhelming at the beginning, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can feel confident taking the next step towards spending time in Finland.

About Finnish residence permits

To spend more than 90 days in Finland (as a non-EU/Schengen foreigner), you typically have to apply for a residence permit. This isn't a long-stay visa, though it is commonly confused for one.

While a residence permit and a visa aren't the same thing, in Finland, they offer similar allowances: to legally stay for an allocated amount of time.

With that being said, in some cases, you have to apply for a Type D visa for Finland and a residence permit at the same time. The Type D visa allows you to travel to Finland immediately once you have been issued your residence permit.

Who should apply for residence

If you're planning to spend more than 90 days in Finland and are not an EU/Schengen citizen, you most likely need to apply for a residence permit.

There isn't just one type of residence permit, however. The resident permit that you need to apply for depends on the reason that you're spending time in Finland.

Different types of residence permits allow you to do different things while on Finnish soil, so it's important that you choose the one that most reflects your situation.

Types of Finnish residence permits

The residence permit that you likely need to apply for is the one that matches what you'll be doing while in Finland (i.e., the purpose of your journey).

On the official Finnish Immigration Service website, the types of residence permit applications are:

• Work
• Researchers
• To join a family member/spouse
• Study

Each of those categories breaks down into more specific ones as well. For example, for work, there are distinct options for entrepreneurs, employed persons, specialists, and more.

On top of these more common categories, there are other types of residence permits too.

How to apply for a Finland residence permit

In most cases, you have to apply for your first Finnish residence permit outside of Finland, in person.

In some circumstances, you can apply for your first residence while in Finland, if you're a family member to a Finnish citizen, for example. All of the scenarios can be found on Finland's official immigration site.

The steps to apply are as follows (we will talk more about each step in just a minute).

• Make sure that you meet the minimum requirements for the residence permit you're applying for (whether it's for work, to study, etc.).
• Collect all of the required documents for your application.
• Complete the application form (this can be done online or on paper).
• Pay the necessary application fees.
• Book an in-person appointment at a Finnish mission outside of Finland.
• Attend your appointment, bringing all of the requested documents and proof of payment with you. The documents need to be in the requested formats, which could include official translations and notaries in some cases, so pay close attention.
• Wait for a decision!
• If necessary, apply for your Type D visa (the immigration website will tell you whether or not you should apply for a Type D visa alongside your first residence permit).

Residence permit requirements

There are several requirements that you need to meet to be eligble for Finnish residence.

First, the specific requirements depend on which residence permit you're applying for. You should read all of the details about the one you need on the official Finnish Immigration Service's website.

With that being said, there are general requirements that the vast majority of applicants must meet, regardless of the precise permit they're applying for.

The general requirements are:

• A valid passport.
• In most cases, you must prove you have the financial means/funds to sustain yourself during your time in Finland.
• You "are not a danger to public order and security".
• You "are not a danger to public health".
• You "are not a danger to Finland's public relations".
• You have not been "prescribed a prohibition of entry".

You should always look at the official Finnish immigration website for actionable information about residence permits and visas. They have the most up-to-date, trusted, and accurate information.

About Finland's D Visa

If you're familiar with long-stay visas in the Schengen zone, you may have heard of Type D visas. Many countries refer to long stay visas as Type D visas, but that's not exactly the case with Finland.

As said above, Finland requires residence permits to spend more than 90 days there. The D visa allows those with an approved residence permit to travel to Finland immediately upon receiving the news. Then, they can pick up their residence permit once it's ready for collection in Finland.

The Finnish Immigration Service will advise you whether or not you should apply for a D Visa when you apply for your residence permit. Typically this has to do with your nationality.

Do know, however, that a D Visa alone is not sufficient for your travels to Finland. It doesn't act as or replace a residence permit.

FAQs about long stays in Finland

How do you apply for a Finnish residence permit?

Can anyone apply for a Finnish residence permit?

Who needs to apply for a Finnish residence permit?