How to move to Finland for permanent residence and obtain a residence permit

Pros of moving from the Russian Federation

Emigration from Russia to Suomi provides the following advantages:

• social protection of the population;
• sustainable economy;
• low degree of corruption;
• access to the Schengen area;
• free travel to the European Union;
• moving to Suomi allows you to buy apartments and houses in Europe;
• the right to bring your family to this country;
• excellent ecology;
• the opportunity to obtain higher education in Finland;
• free and high-quality medicine for the population.

Specifics of moving from the Russian Federation

Finland is one of the five most popular countries where Russian citizens who dream of emigrating to the European Union flock to. The main factors for moving to this country for permanent residence are the desire to acquire:

• quality education;
• high paying job.

It is profitable to live and do business in Finland. They often move to the republic to start a family.

Even acquiring a student residence permit is not an easy task. Collecting the necessary papers, accompanied by regular visits to the Finnish embassy, ​​can take up to six months. Therefore, it is advisable to think about the necessary documents and selection of accommodation options about a year in advance.

Repatriates (Russians with Finnish horses) can move to Finland under special conditions. Such people, as a rule, live in Karelia. Immigration to Finland allows them to count on serious social support. In particular, repatriates are paid social benefits and housing rental compensation.

For pensioners traveling to Finland for permanent residence, a package of social assistance is also provided.

Obtaining a visa

How to go to live in Finland? First you need to get a residence permit. It can be acquired in several ways, but the first prerequisite that must be met is to obtain a visa to this country.

This is not difficult to do; the process of acquiring a visa is simple and very similar to the procedure for obtaining a visa to any other Schengen state.

What does a residence permit (residence permit) for Finland provide?

The measured life of the Finns is the standard of success for many Russians. Among the obvious advantages of a residence permit in this state, the following can be noted:

• there is an opportunity to receive a free, high-quality education;
• you can move freely throughout the rest of the European Union;
• all foreigners who have received a residence permit are paid an adaptation allowance (for the first 3 years of stay on the territory of the state);
• the average salary of migrant workers in Finland in 2019-2020 is 1500-1800 euros per month (for persons without education) and from 2000 euros per month for highly qualified specialists with higher education;
• employment of citizens who have received a residence permit is always official;
• If an immigrant plans to become a Finnish citizen in the future, he will not have to renounce his citizenship in his home country.

In addition, Finland is calm and safe. Truly serious political crises rarely happen here; the economy allows any citizen and guest of the country to work on favorable terms. The territorial proximity with Russia is also captivating (you can visit your homeland often).

Reasons for acquiring a residence permit

Suomi is wary of foreign citizens wishing to emigrate from Russia and obtain permanent residence in their country. And therefore, such a process requires a serious reason, due to which the highest authorities in Finland will consider the foreigner’s application for a residence permit. To apply for permanent residence in Finland, you need to live in this country for 4 years on a temporary status.

There are a number of reasons for obtaining a residence permit.

1. Bonding oneself by marriage with a Finnish citizen.
2. Family reunification. For example, if a man married a Finnish citizen, then he can obtain a residence permit. Such permission can be issued to children who have not yet turned 18 years of age if the father or mother are citizens of this state.

   

3. Homecoming. Finns by origin and former citizens of the Country of a Thousand Lakes are eligible to obtain such a permit.
4. Job. In this case, a temporary permit to reside in the state may be issued. Continuous work experience for 4 years gives the right to apply for permanent residence in Finland.
5. Studies. As in the case of work, if a person went to study in Suomi, then he may be issued a temporary permit. If a student wishes to permanently reside in this country, then it will be necessary to periodically renew the residence permit.
6. Relocation for refugees. People who have left their country due to extraordinary circumstances, such as war, persecution due to religion, race or others, can apply for asylum in Finland. At the same time, the Finnish side carefully checks the authenticity of the refugees’ words; if the decision is in their favor, then the migrants receive a temporary visa for 12 months; after another 2 years they can be granted permanent residence.

   

Where to start immigrating to Finland?

Despite the fact that Finland is a member of the European Union and is guided by the general norms of the legislative framework in matters of migration, moving for permanent residence to this state has many features and nuances.

The basis of Finnish migration policy is local regulations. Therefore, the immigration process must begin with studying the peculiarities of Finnish legislation.

According to the current rules, foreigners who provide sufficient justification for filing an application can obtain a residence permit in Finland. The reasons for obtaining permanent resident status include the following:

1. Employment. To be able to indicate this basis, the foreigner must find a suitable vacancy in advance. A number of requirements are put forward to him, including a high qualification level, fluency in Finnish (Swedish - if the place of relocation is the Åland Islands). To carry out labor functions in Suomi, you will need to register with the Special Bureau for Economic Development and obtain a permit.
2. Education. According to the laws of Finland, foreigners can study at local universities only on a paid basis. To obtain a residence permit, you must provide a document confirming your enrollment in a university and a certificate confirming payment for the annual education. The validity period of a student residence permit is 12 months. If the student successfully passes the exam and is transferred to the next course, the permit is extended for the same period.
3. Family reunification. First-degree relatives have the right to move to Finland for permanent residence. This basis can be used by spouses, minor children, and parents. The receiving party is obliged to guarantee the financial support of the relative and provide him with living quarters.
4. Marriage relations. Spouses of Finnish citizens can count on a preferential opportunity to obtain a residence permit. However, if the marriage lasted less than 4 years, the permission may be revoked. In addition to legal spouses, temporary permission is granted to cohabitants raising joint children under the age of 18.
5. Repatriation. The repatriation program is intended for ethnic Finns and their descendants. Persons with Finnish roots (one of the parents was an ethnic Finn) and Ingridians (Russian citizens of Finnish origin, mainly residents of Karelia) have the right to use it.
6. Refugees. It is quite difficult to obtain a residence permit in this country for persons experiencing pressure in their homeland for any reason. You will need to prove the legitimacy of the request. If the basis is confirmed, the foreigner is issued a visa for 1 year, after which he has the right to receive a residence permit in Finland class A.
7. Program for wealthy retirees. Elderly citizens can obtain a residence permit on preferential terms if they have a sufficient level of financial security (at least 1 thousand euros per month).

Unlike most European countries, Finland does not guarantee preferential registration of a residence permit for persons who own real estate and other expensive property in the country and are engaged in investing. For this category of foreigners, staying on the territory of Suomi is permissible with a Schengen visa for no more than 6 months during a calendar year.

The exception is the purchase of real estate by persons who have a temporary or continuous residence permit. An additional system of benefits is provided for them.

The country has preferential conditions for citizens whose activities can have a positive impact on the image of Finland. We are talking about scientists, athletes, outstanding scientists, etc. An application for a residence permit from this category of citizens is guaranteed to be approved, even if they do not provide sufficient reasoning for the reasons for filing the application.

Types and periods of residence permits in Suomi

1. Temporary admission. It is issued and issued if a foreigner comes to Finland to study or work.

   
   Such a permit is registered for 1 year; after its expiration, the document can be extended or, if desired, changed to another type of permit. This type of document is marked with the Latin letter “B”.

2. Continuous resolution. It functions as long as the foreigner’s passport is valid. This type of permit must be renewed once every 4 years. That is, the purpose of coming to Finland should not change for 4 years. After this, the person can apply for permanent residence. The document is marked with the Latin letter “A”.
3. Permanent residence permit. This permit is obtained by persons who have lived in Finland for more than 4 years and have no gaps in obtaining permits. This document is marked with the letter "P".

A residence permit must be obtained if a person plans to stay in the country of a thousand lakes for more than 3 months.

Employment for obtaining a residence permit in Finland

Workers in certain fields are in demand in the country: IT, architecture, engineering and scientific innovation. Finnish companies offer such specialists work even before moving. The rest will have to find a job on their own or retrain for an in-demand specialty. There are websites where Finnish employers post vacancies: Oikotie, StaffPoint, Uraopas, etc.

An immigrant must find employment before arriving in Finland. A “working” residence permit issued by the migration service is valid only for the specified industry. For example, a system administrator can change his position to a PHP programmer, but he cannot work as an interior designer.

Entrepreneurs in Finland are allowed to obtain a residence permit without employment. But the business must generate stable income and be profitable on the European market. Before moving and obtaining a residence permit, a businessman needs to record his activities in the register of the Patent and Registration Office.

Basic package of documents for obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit in Finland, you need to prepare and submit the following papers to the consulate:

• Application form;

  

• A photocopy of a foreign passport;
• Justification of the purpose of the person’s visit;
• A document confirming that a person has housing. Such a document could be, for example, a lease agreement with the lessor;
• A certificate-letter confirming the financial wealth of the immigrant. This applies to all people except those returning to their Finnish homeland;
• A document certifying that the consular fee has been paid.

The specified list for registration for permanent residence is general, which means that it is not final. Additionally, the immigration service may ask to present other documents.

What documents are needed to obtain a residence permit in Finland?

The list of documents for obtaining a residence permit is similar in all cases. The list includes:

• application form;
• copy of the international passport;
• written justification for arrival (work, business);
• housing documents (lease agreement, employer’s invitation to the company’s apartment);
• a bank account confirming the availability of finances for living in Finland;
• a receipt confirming payment of the consular fee.

The Immigration Service may require other additional documents if necessary. Depending on the purpose of obtaining a residence permit, the standard list will be supplemented by an invitation from the employer, a conclusion from Business Finland, and a certificate from the university.

When applying for a residence permit in Finland, it would be useful to enlist the help of professionals. Our company is ready to provide relocation support. Contact us via messenger or email [email protected] Professional lawyers will advise you and tell you about all the features of the procedure for obtaining a residence permit.

Is it possible to obtain a residence permit in Finland by becoming an entrepreneur?

A person residing in one of the countries of the European Economic Area can open a company in Finland. For example, a Lithuanian citizen can open his own business without obtaining a temporary residence permit. In other cases, a residence permit will be required. According to Finnish legislation, entrepreneurs are considered to be start-ups, individual entrepreneurs, partners in a general partnership, members of a cooperative with unlimited liability, shareholders in a joint-stock company, and company managers. The listed categories of citizens can obtain a residence permit for entrepreneurs.

How can I get permanent residence in Finland?

You can apply for permanent residence after 4 years of continuous residence in Finland and if you have a residence permit with status A. However, the total time spent abroad should not exceed 2 years. If you have a residence permit in the EU, you must apply for a status A permit and live in Finland for at least 5 years. In both cases, the validity period of permanent residence is unlimited. It is important to fill out the paperwork correctly, because... If you provide incorrect information, your permanent residence permit may be revoked.

Do I need to confirm my income level when applying for a residence permit?

Having a means of subsistence is one of the mandatory points for moving to Finland. The foreigner must confirm that he has a source of money. This may be a contribution or profit received from renting out an apartment. Even when obtaining a residence permit for work, you need a certificate stating that the salary will be enough for a comfortable life in the country. When moving with family or children, the level of earnings should be even higher, because... even the monthly fee for a child’s preschool education is 300 euros. Specific figures for moving can be obtained from the migration service or the Finnish Embassy.

Where to apply for a residence permit

Emigration from Russia to Suomi is a common task for a Russian person, however, not everyone knows where to apply for a permit. If the application is submitted by a citizen for the first time, then the document must be presented to the Embassy of Finland in Moscow, the Consulate General in St. Petersburg or its branches in other cities of Russia.

Map of the location of the Finnish Embassy in Moscow

If a person planning to move to live in the State of a Thousand Lakes has additional questions, then answers to them can be obtained from the consular services. Also, a lot of important and useful information can be found on the Internet.

Not only the immigrant has the opportunity to submit an application, but also his close relative - husband or wife.

In this case, the application can be submitted in Finland at the place of residence of the loved one. Review of the document will take from 1 month to 1 year.

Methods of obtaining

In order to obtain a residence permit, you must have a compelling reason. Today, a residence permit can be obtained under one of the following conditions:

Moving to Finland to join your husband or wife is one of the easiest ways to obtain a residence permit

Family relationships

One of the easiest ways to obtain a residence permit. A Finnish citizen or permanent resident of Finland can have his or her spouse (including common-law spouses) and minor children move in with them.

If your partner is a Finnish citizen , then you can apply for a residence permit at the Finnish police station at your place of residence. Spouses and children of permanent residents of Finland must take care of obtaining a residence permit before moving by submitting an application to the Finnish Embassy. In addition, a permanent resident of Finland will need to provide evidence of his financial security (Finnish citizens are exempt from this).

Return to the historical homeland

Former Finnish citizens and descendants of born Finnish citizens can obtain a residence permit. Ingrians (Finnish repatriates) will be able to obtain a residence permit in this way only until July 1, 2016. The exceptions are immigrants from 1943-1945 and soldiers of the Finnish army from 1943-1945.

Former citizens and their descendants submit an application to the Finnish mission in their country, or to the local police authority in Finland. To move to Finland, this category is not exempt from the established border crossing rules. That is, if a visa procedure is provided, then you will first need to apply for a visa. This category of immigrants receives a residence permit for a period of 4 years.

Repatriated Finns can only apply for a residence permit after passing a Swedish or Finnish language test and confirming that they have housing in Finland. A residence permit for this category of migrants is issued for a period of 1 year.

Study in Finland

For young people, the best option for obtaining a residence permit is to study at one of the Finnish educational institutions. Students are usually only given a one-year temporary residence permit. But if it is known in advance that you will have to study for more than one year, then the permit may be issued for a longer period. To do this, the applicant needs to prepare documents confirming his financial support for this period and the availability of medical insurance.

Studying in Finland is a reason to obtain a residence permit

It is possible to apply for a residence permit through the online service on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service. You need to send it after you receive an official invitation from a Finnish educational institution.

If the decision of the immigration authorities is positive, then in 2-3 weeks you will be invited to the Embassy to receive a residence permit identification card. To extend it, the student will need to provide positive exam results for the past academic year.

Employment

Like any developed country, Finland is open to labor immigrants. There is a list of jobs that do not require a residence permit. This is usually temporary employment with limited responsibilities for a period of no more than three months or until the visa expires. In order to extend your stay in Finland and continue working, it is enough to apply for a residence permit before the visa expires.

If you want to obtain a residence permit through employment, then a potential employer should already be waiting for you in Finland. And the Embassy will need to confirm this by providing a signed employment contract or other guarantees of employment. The employer himself can intercede on behalf of the employee. To do this, he will need to contact the police department at the location of the enterprise. Typically, a residence permit for employment is issued for a specific specialty or profession that the applicant indicates in the application. While in Finland, an employee has the right to work only in this prescribed specialty. Therefore, if you have skills in various fields of activity, then it would not be superfluous to indicate this in the application.

Owners of their own business and their partners also have the right, and even the obligation, to obtain a residence permit.

A residence permit will not be issued on the basis that the applicant owns shares. To obtain it, you must work for a company registered in Finland.

Health professionals must, among other things, obtain permission to practice medicine from the National Supervisory Authority for Social Welfare and Health (Valvir).

Emigration to Suomi

Emigration to Finland from Russia is possible through the purchase and ownership of real estate there. However, such an alternative will not give the right to a residence permit. This allows the Russian owner of a house or apartment to stay in Suomi for six months. And in order to settle for a long time, business immigration to this country is necessary.

Such a move implies the opening of an enterprise with an authorized capital of at least 2.5 thousand euros. An entrepreneur from Russia must form a board in which half of the members will be citizens of European Union countries.

Detailed video about buying or renting real estate in Finland.

Obtaining a residence permit, a list of popular professions and doing business in Finland

At first glance, it may seem that emigrating to Finland from Russia is not at all difficult. But many of those who have decided to move to this country note certain difficulties in obtaining residence permits and permanent residence. Emigration to any European country is not available to everyone. However, if you follow all the established rules, moving to Finland is quite feasible.

There are several ways to move to this Scandinavian state:

Work relationship. To officially work in Finland, you must obtain a residence permit. The search for work is complicated by competition for vacancies with Finns and residents of other EU countries, to whom the authorities give greater preference. To find vacancies, you need a good level of education, high qualifications, knowledge of English and, as an advantage, Finnish. The list of professions for emigrants from Russia in the following areas is most relevant:

· In the service sector.

· Industry.

· Construction.

· Medicine.

Engineers and IT specialists are in demand if they have high qualifications.

In addition, Finnish laws provide for some types of work that do not require a residence permit (you can stay in the country for up to 90 days). Such professions include:

1. Athletes, sports judges, coaches, artists.

2. Teachers and translators, researchers.

3. Farm workers (picking vegetables, berries, fruits).

4. Sailors.

5. Organizers of tour excursions.

Studies. Foreign students can obtain a residence permit after enrolling in one of the universities in Finland. They will need to prove their financial independence.

IMPORTANT! For Russians and other foreign students from countries outside the EU, higher education in Finland has become paid. The minimum cost is 1900 euros per year.

Business. In Finland, laws do not restrict foreigners from doing business in the country. To carry out entrepreneurial activities, foreign businessmen must provide a competent business plan that confirms the profitability of the business and prove their financial security. Popular business destinations in Finland:

· retail trade;

· IT services market;

· tourism;

· sphere of production and innovative technologies.

Some types of business in Finland require a license. These include:

1. restaurant business;

2. trade in weapons and medicines;

3. private medicine.

Family reunification. This method is suitable for those who want to move to Finland to live with their relatives. This can be a spouse, partner (same-sex marriage is legal in the country), cohabitant or cohabitant, as well as children under 18 years of age. The main condition for obtaining a residence permit in this case is to prove your financial solvency and ability to support yourself and your family.

See also: Schengen countries list 2021

Repatriation (return to historical roots). Former citizens of Finland, as well as foreigners with Finnish roots, have the right to obtain a residence permit without additional conditions. This is the easiest way to move to live in the country.

Relocation for business reasons – required documents

Business immigration to Finland involves doing business on the territory of this country, and if a person plans to engage in business, then in addition to the main package of documents, he must provide additional papers:

• certificate about the type and form of entrepreneurial activity;
• company business plan;
• approximate turnover of the company for the next 2 years;
• a document that confirms the company has money;
• a document confirming that there is premises for business activities;
• certificate of income of the founder;
• a document that describes how many people will work in this company;
• original certificate of registration of the enterprise;
• a copy of the founder's passport;
• photograph, 1 piece;

  

• report on the activities of the enterprise;
• company charter;
• certificates from the tax office and the Chamber of Commerce.

An entrepreneur who wants to do business in Finland can take two routes:

• Open a new business and your own business. This is a simple process, and to register a company you need:
• choose a unique name;

correctly fill out and prepare a package of necessary documents;

• open your account in Suomi Bank;
• pay government fees;
• send documents for confirmation to their destination (to the commercial register).

The procedure for registering a new enterprise for Russian entrepreneurs is 1 week;

Who can count on temporary and continuous residence permit

Foreigners, including Russians, can obtain a temporary or continuous residence permit if they have sufficient grounds for requesting it. In addition, the main applicant must be an adult and not have any problems with the law either in his home country or in the Republic of Finland. Equal importance is attached to his financial situation, which should provide him and his family with an acceptable standard of living in the country and guarantee that immediately after receiving status he will not turn to the state for social assistance. For the main adult applicant, the minimum amount of funds used to fund his bank account must be EUR 1,700 per month. For other dependent family members, half of this amount is sufficient.

Video: interesting things about Suomi

How to obtain temporary and permanent residence permit

All migration issues in Finland are handled by Maahanmuuttovirasto. If a Russian stays in Finland for more than 90 days, then he needs a residence permit. Compatriots who have a second passport from any country of the European Union do not need to apply for a residence permit in Finland. To obtain status, you must contact one of the departments of the above immigration service. As a rule, they operate at police departments in each of the administrative centers of the country. The following package of documents must be submitted along with the application:

• a valid foreign passport, the validity of which is not less than that of the requested residence permit. You will also need a photocopy of it;
• 4 passport size photographs;
• bank statements confirming that the applicant has sufficient funds to live in Finland;
• a certificate from a Finnish government medical institution confirming the absence of diseases that pose a danger to society;
• document on the basis of which the applicant applies for a residence permit. For example, this could be a work or training contract;
• certificate of no criminal record in your home country;
• health insurance policy of a single European standard;
• receipt of payment of all administrative fees.

Any document that was issued in the European Union will not require translation or notarization. The remaining documents must be translated into Finnish or Swedish by a special translation agency and certified in accordance with the procedure established by law.

In the case where a residence permit is requested for a minor, he will be required to provide a birth certificate, as well as some additional documents if he is immigrating with only one parent. In most cases, such a document will be the consent of the absent parent that his child becomes a temporary resident of Suomi. If the second parent died, was deprived of his parental rights or, for example, was declared incompetent by the court, then in this case the lack of his consent is confirmed by the relevant documents: a death certificate, a court decision recognizing incompetence, and so on. Naturally, all documents are translated into one of the official languages ​​of the country.

The above list of documents is unlikely to be exhaustive for most applicants. Finnish immigration authorities will definitely require additional documentation, usually related to the reasons for the move or to confirm the level of financial support of potential immigrants.

A police clearance certificate is included in the list of required documents for requesting a residence permit

Each of the methods by which you can obtain a temporary or continuous residence permit has its own characteristics.

Repatriation

Repatriation to Finland implies that the applicant for a residence permit has Finnish roots in his family tree. The topic of repatriation is very relevant for people who lived on the territory of the Soviet Union, which has sunk into oblivion. After the Soviet-Finnish War, a significant part of the territory of Suomi went to the Soviet Union; it should also be taken into account that this country was part of the Russian Empire for a long time and, accordingly, the Finns settled throughout its vast territory. Today, a significant part of Russian immigrants who live in the Republic of Finland are classified as repatriates. Finland has several immigration programs aimed at returning compatriots to their historical roots. These, in particular, include Ingrian Finns, representatives of the Finnish people living in Karelia. Immigration by repatriation is possible if it can be proven that the applicant's ancestors were Finnish. In this case, it will be necessary to collect many documents confirming that the applicant has Finnish blood. Among other things, a potential repatriate must know Swedish or Finnish and prove this by passing a special exam.

When repatriating, the Finnish authorities spend a long time checking the applicant’s documents. Therefore, the procedure for obtaining a residence permit for this category of applicants looks somewhat different. First, documents are submitted to the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Finland in Russia confirming that the hypothetical repatriate has Finnish blood. They are checked for six months or longer. If the experts’ conclusion about their authenticity is positive, then in this case the repatriate will be issued a special visa, with which he will enter the country and then apply for a residence permit. If it later suddenly turns out that immigration by repatriation was carried out using false documents, then the “repatriate” definitely loses his immigration status. Whatever it is. So you can lose your citizenship and, in addition, spend some time in prison. True, Finnish...

Work in Finland

Obtaining a residence permit through employment is another way of legalization in Finland. Although today the labor market of this Northern European country is not entirely favorable for Russian labor migrants, work in Suomi can still be found relatively easily for highly qualified representatives of blue-collar professions, as well as doctors, paramedics, nurses, logistics specialists, architects, and English teachers . Today's labor market in Finland is overflowing with offers of services from persons who have received refugee status. Most of them are from disadvantaged Syria, Iraq, and African countries; Finland adopted these migrants under European Union quotas for refugees. To obtain a residence permit, you will need an employment contract with a Finnish employer and an invitation from him. Issuing an invitation, as well as paying for the costs of legalizing a foreign labor migrant, rests with the inviting company.

Video: work in Finland

https://youtube.com/watch?v=oWejvIMsyKA

Education

Getting an education at a higher educational institution in Finland is beneficial not only from an economic point of view, since studying is quite inexpensive. A diploma from a Finnish university is recognized in all countries of the world and, naturally, does not require going through the nostrification procedure. Finland has a long-established higher education system that has proven itself in the global labor market. Therefore, graduating from a university in Finland provides excellent prospects for further employment both in this country and in other economically developed countries of the world. Foreign students who study at higher educational institutions in Suomi have the right to work part-time during the academic year and holidays.

To be honest, it is difficult for me to describe life in Finland in a nutshell. I love this country! Although I sometimes grumble about the climate, the Finnish language and the culinary preferences of Finns