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Returnees

Certain aliens, who have Finnish ancestry or otherwise a close connection with Finland, may be granted a residence permit on this basis. No other reason, such as work or study, is required in order to receive the permit.

Receiving a residence permit depends on the directness and closeness of Finnish ancestry. If the ancestry dates back several generations, a residence permit cannot be granted on this basis.

People who may be granted a residence permit based on Finnish ancestry or close connections with Finland can be divided into the following two groups:

• Ingrian Finns – persons from areas of the former Soviet Union,
• other Finnish origin – former Finnish citizens and persons who are descendants of native Finnish citizens.

Webservice "Migrating to Finland?"

The service helps you evaluate whether you require a visa or a residence permit to Finland and what the requirements are.

www.migri.fi/migratingtofinland

Further information

Flowchart: residence permit by returnee status or by Finnish origin 

Further information for returnees

Frequently asked questions: returnees

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