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Residence Permit in Finland. The Basics

Necessary information for those who want to go to Finland for permanent residence.

The conditions for granting temporary residence permits in Finland are regulated by the law "On Foreigners". The current rules can be found on the website of the Finnish Migration Service.

Residence Permit for Property Owners

The purchase of real estate is not a basis for issuing a residence permit in Finland. But when applying for a residence permit for any other reason (for example, work or doing business), the presence of real estate will be considered an advantage.

Please note!

From January 1, 2020, foreign buyers from countries outside the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA) must obtain a permit from the Finnish Ministry of Defense to purchase real estate.

Real estate for sale in Finland:
Flat for 99 500 euro in Finland
99 500 €
Flat in Finland
76 m² 3 2 1
Bright and well-maintained end-unit townhouse apartment in a peaceful location in Tornio! This spacious 76.4 m² three-room apartment offers functional conditions for both a couple and a family. The apartment has two bedrooms, a cozy living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, a sauna, a separate WC, and as many as two walk-in closets, providing ample...
Maija Software
House for 110 000 euro in Finland
110 000 €
House in Finland
121 m² 4 3 1
Order, functionality, and opportunities - your dream home awaits you in Pello! This home features a spacious living room, three large bedrooms, and a stylish kitchen with high-gloss surfaces, an induction stove, and two integrated refrigerators/freezers. A private alcove with an integrated oven and microwave adds to the convenience. From the...
Maija Software
Apartment for 149 000 euro in Rovaniemi, Finland
149 000 €
Apartment in Rovaniemi, Finland
71 m² 3 2 1
Contact a Habita representative for more information about this facility.
Maija Software
House for 569 000 euro in Ikaalinen, Finland
569 000 €
House in Ikaalinen, Finland
138 m² 4 3 1
Watch the property presentation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcGQ0AQKTOc A log house heated with geothermal energy located on the shores of Kyrösjärvi, just a fifteen-minute drive from the center of Tampere! These views are worth traveling further to see. The large window surfaces of the home bring the lake view into everyday life,...
Maija Software
Flat for 125 000 euro in Finland
125 000 €
Flat in Finland
82 m² 3 2 1
Contact your Habita representative for more information about this property.
Maija Software
House for 110 000 euro in Finland
110 000 €
House in Finland
70 m² 3 2 1
A beautiful, unique log house built with respect for tradition in the tranquility of nature. The home is constructed in the Lapland Pellon area from carefully selected, long-dried pine logs, which is evident in its quality and timeless appearance. This cozy log home is suitable for year-round living and offers a functional floor plan, with a...
Maija Software
Apartment for 287 000 euro in Vantaa, Finland
287 000 €
Apartment in Vantaa, Finland
70 m² 3 2 1
Contact a Habita representative for more information about this facility.
Maija Software
House for 99 000 euro in Finland
99 000 €
House in Finland
135 m² 4 3 1
For sale is a cozy detached house built in 1986 on a private plot of approximately 2,000 m². The home's 135 m² of living space is located on a single floor, making everyday life smooth and barrier-free. The layout offers functional spaces for the entire family: a bright living room, kitchen, three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a private sauna....
Maija Software
Cottage for 39 000 euro in Kemi, Finland
39 000 €
Cottage in Kemi, Finland
70 m² 3 2
A cozy cabin located in Ajoski, Kemi, offers excellent facilities for relaxation throughout the year. The stunning sea view brings nature close and makes the stay a calming experience. The spacious and large living room invites you to spend quality time with family and friends, whether it is a peaceful weekend or a longer escape from everyday...
Maija Software
Apartment for 105 000 euro in Vantaa, Finland
105 000 €
Apartment in Vantaa, Finland
29 m² 1 1
Contact a Habita representative for more information about this facility.
Maija Software
Apartment for 100 000 euro in Vantaa, Finland
100 000 €
Apartment in Vantaa, Finland
86 m² 4 3 1
Contact a Habita representative for more information about this facility.
Maija Software
Flat for 1 695 000 euro in Helsinki, Finland
1 695 000 €
Flat in Helsinki, Finland
86 m² 2 1 2
1-bedroom apartment with sauna 86 m2 with the best location in Helsinki city center! Fully renovated 1-bedroom apartment is located on the 4th floor with elevator in a historically significant residential building in the heart of Helsinki city center near central railway station, metro, university, Stockmann shopping center, Cathedral,...
World Haus Finland
Apartment for 19 500 euro in Kemi, Finland
19 500 €
Apartment in Kemi, Finland
67 m² 3 2 1
A 67 m² three-room apartment located in Rytikari. The apartment is in basic clean condition and has a functional layout. The home features two bedrooms, a cozy living room and kitchen, as well as a glazed balcony that provides a pleasant additional space for relaxation. A quiet residential area with good transportation connections to Kemi's...
Maija Software
Flat for 99 000 euro in Finland
99 000 €
Flat in Finland
133 m² 4 3 1
Now for sale an idyllic and spacious terraced house in Keminmaa! Welcome to explore this cozy terraced house built in 1965, located in a well-maintained housing company. The apartment has a total area of 133 m², and additionally, the property includes a garage and storage space with a combined area of 42 m². The home features a functional...
Maija Software
House for 94 500 euro in Lahti, Finland
94 500 €
House in Lahti, Finland
80 m² 3 1 1
Welcome to explore a unique semi-detached home in the peaceful neighborhood of Metsäpelto in Lahti! The buildings of Asunto Oy Metsäpelto were constructed between 1945 and 1947, making the houses already approximately 80 years old. This residence has two main living floors. The living room, kitchen, and one toilet are located on the middle...
Maija Software
Apartment for 99 000 euro in Lahti, Finland
99 000 €
Apartment in Lahti, Finland
65 m² 3 1 1
Beautifully renovated home in the center of Lahti. All surfaces of the apartment were renewed in 2022. Two spacious bedrooms, one of which faces the quiet courtyard, a large living room, and a balcony also overlooking the courtyard with beautiful park-like views. The kitchen has white cabinets. The tiled bathroom features stylish drawers. The...
Maija Software
Apartment for 98 000 euro in Finland
98 000 €
Apartment in Finland
60 m² 2 1 1
Contact your Habita representative for more information about this property.
Maija Software
House for 99 000 euro in Finland
99 000 €
House in Finland
118 m² 4 3 2
Contact your Habita representative for more information about this property.
Maija Software
House for 34 000 euro in Finland
34 000 €
House in Finland
100 m² 2 1 1
Now for sale is a log house on a large approximately 15,000 m² plot in Tervo. This property offers an excellent opportunity for those seeking a renovation project and wishing to realize their own living or investment ideas. The spacious plot contains a total of three buildings: the main building and two large storage buildings, one of which...
Maija Software
Townhouse for 59 500 euro in Kuopio, Finland
59 500 €
Townhouse in Kuopio, Finland
85 m² 3 2 1
ENG: TOWNHOUSE LOCATED BETWEEN THE LARGE LAKE AND THE POND • BUILT IN 1990 CARPORT The exceptional location of the townhouse in the heart of the suburb, 500 metres from the shore of a large lake, the public beach on the lake, the marina and the entertainment centre. The location offers numerous opportunities for outdoor leisure, games...
World Haus Finland

Residence Permit Through Employment

In order to work in Finland officially, it is necessary to issue a residence permit on this basis. You will have to find a job even before applying for a residence permit and get an official document.

Finding a suitable place will not be easy. The Ministry of Labor checks each employment and issues an opinion on whether there was a labor force for this vacancy on the Finnish and EU markets. Specialists from third countries cannot obtain a residence permit if there are relevant employees in the EU market.

For a successful search, it is important to have a good knowledge of Finnish or at least English. And also have sufficient qualifications, level of education and skills of a profession that is in demand in Finland.

Important!

A work permit issued by the Finnish authorities allows you to work only in a certain area specified in the document. When changing the field of activity, you need to apply for a residence permit again.

Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs

The main requirement is to open a company in Finland. You can engage in individual entrepreneurship only if you have a residence permit.

If you open your own business, and not buy a ready-made one, you will need to submit a business plan that will show the profitability of the company and the ability to pay the entrepreneur a salary of a certain level. The applicant must also confirm his financial solvency and the presence of a place of residence (a lease agreement or ownership documents).

Important!

A business should require a presence in Finland. Thus, investment activities for renting out real estate or remote work are not the basis for obtaining a residence permit for business.

When extending a residence permit issued on this basis, you will need to provide proof that you are conducting business activities, as well as submit financial statements on the solvency of the business.

Also read: Finland Wants to Offer a Visa For Entrepreneurs

Residence Permit for Startups

Since 2017, entrepreneurs who develop innovative projects can get a residence permit in Finland. Under a financially secured business idea, the migration agency issues a residence permit for two years.

During these two years, a foreigner moves to Finland, opens a business and develops it. If by the end of the second year the company does not bring the necessary stable income, the entrepreneur must provide financial support to extend the residence permit.

There are no restrictions on the areas of activity in this program, and innovative enterprises often do not require large investments. Nevertheless, there are difficulties. For example, many entrepreneurs who have moved this way face problems in opening a bank account, which is why the start of a business is sometimes postponed for six months. This should be taken into account when calculating the financial cushion.

Learn more about Work in Finland: How to Find, What Position to Choose and How Much You Can Earn

Other Grounds for Obtaining a Residence Permit

Students of any officially registered educational institutions in Finland who give a diploma of qualification at the end of their studies can also get a residence permit. Regular courses are not the basis.

The status can also be issued on the basis of conducting scientific activities in Finland, playing professional sports, participating in the Au Pair program (international cultural exchange for young people).

Descendants of Finnish citizens, as well as any foreigners can get a long-term residence permit through family reunification, if one of the spouses officially lives in Finland. The same rules apply to minor children (under 18 years of age).

Internally displaced persons (refugees) can also apply for a residence permit.

Quoting conditions of Prianproperty.com materials

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Tags: Finland, Residence permit and citizenship, Immigration, Work abroad

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