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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 as a temporary or a continuous residence permit. The first residence permit is always issued for a fixed term.

The type of residence permit is indicated on the residence permit with a letter. A continuous residence permit bears the letter A, while a temporary residence permit bears the letter B. A permanent residence permit bears the letter P. An EU residence permit for third-country nationals with long-term EU resident status bears the letters P-EU or P-EY.

Residence permit entries

Finland introduced biometric residence permit cards at the beginning of 2012. Biometric identifiers stored on the residence permit card chip include a facial image and two fingerprints.

Residence permit stickers for travel documents are no longer issued but they may still be used until the expiry date of the sticker.