Returnees

Persons who have Finnish ancestry or otherwise a close connection with Finland can obtain a residence permit in Finland on certain conditions. No other reason, such as employment or study, is required to obtain the permit.

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

People who can obtain a residence permit on the basis of Finnish ancestry or a close connection with Finland are divided into two groups:

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

Citizens of the EU/EEA member states

If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland you will not require a residence permit for Finland.

Information on permit matters is available from the police.