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Validity and categories of residence permits

A residence permit may either be for a fixed term or be permanent. A fixed-term residence permit is granted according to the nature of residence either as a temporary or a continuous residence permit. The first residence permit is always issued for a fixed term.

The nature of residence permit is indicated in the residence permit with a letter. A continuous residence permit bears the letter A and a temporary residence permit the letter B.  A permanent residence permit bears the letter P and an EC residence permit for third-country nationals with long-term EC resident status bears the letters P-EY.

Residence permit entries

Aliens Act 301/2004

For how long is a fixed-term residence permit valid?

The first permit is usually granted for a year, unless the residence permit is specifically applied for a shorter period.

If the reason for the stay in Finland is a temporary work placement or studies, which will be completed within a certain period of time known in advance, the permit can be granted, on discretion, for a shorter or longer period than one year; however, not for more than two years.

For how long can a permit be extended?

A person who has a continuous residence permit may be granted an extension of no more than four years at a time. A person who has a temporary residence permit can be granted an extension of no more than one year at a time.

Can a temporary residence permit be changed to a continuous one?

A person who has been granted a temporary residence permit can apply for a continuous residence permit if the grounds for residency have changed during the stay in the country, for example because of marriage.

On what basis can a permanent residence permit be granted?

A permanent residence permit can be granted to a person who, by virtue of a continuous residence permit, has resided in Finland for four years without interruption. Furthermore, the applicant must meet the requirements set for the granting of a continuous residence permit. 

Is the applicant not allowed to leave Finland for four years?

There may be no breaks between the periods of validity of the various continuous residence permits. The permits must be seamlessly consecutive for four years. Furthermore, when applying for a permanent residence permit, the applicant must have a valid residence permit.

However, the stay in Finland does not have to be uninterrupted. Regular holidays and other travels are allowed. The applicant must reside in Finland for at least half of the time during which the residence permit is valid.

Are the grounds for a continuous residence permit always the same?

The grounds for granting a continuous residence permit do not have to be the same throughout the four-year period. The grounds may have changed. For example, a person who was granted a continuous residence permit on the basis of employment may have married while residing in Finland and received the other continuous residence permits on that basis.

If the nature of the permit has changed from continuous to temporary, then a permanent residence permit cannot be granted.

Does the applicant have to re-apply for a permanent residence permit when the passport expires?

There is no need to re-apply, but the permit granted previously must be transferred to the new passport at the police department.

Can a permit be revoked?

A fixed-term or permanent residence permit is revoked if the person who has been granted the permit

• has moved away from Finland on a permanent basis, or 
• has resided outside Finland for two years without interruption with the intention of staying there permanently.

If there is an acceptable reason for the absence, the Finnish Immigration Service may decide not to revoke the permit. An application to halt the revocation of the permit must be submitted before the period of absence reaches two years.

The residence permit can be revoked if the applicant has deliberately given false information or concealed some matter that is relevant to the application.

A fixed-term permit can also be revoked if the grounds for granting the permit no longer exist. If the change in circumstances is not up to the applicant, the permit can be revoked within a short period after the change has taken place.

The residence permit can also be revoked if another Schengen State decides to deport an alien and to issue an alert for the person for the purposes of refusing entry.

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