The personal residence permit sticker with photo is being introduced for under-aged children. As a result, when applying for a residence permit after 1.12.2006 a separate application form must be filled in for every under-aged child. If children do not possess their own travel document, the residence permit sticker will be attached to the passport or other travel document of a parent or guardian.
For the residence permit sticker with photo the applicant or his or her representative should send, together with the residence permit application, a photo taken according to the police passport photo guidelines (issued in summer 2005). A photo complying with quality standards has been a requirement since 1.10.2006.
Fee for residence permit application
A handling fee is charged for the residence permit application. Applications for children being added to the passport or travel document of a parent or guardian are also subject to a fee. At present, a first residence permit costs 175 euro for adults and 50 euros for an under-aged child.
The Finnish Immigration Service fees are based on the Ministry of the Interior decree, for which changes are in preparation to cover the inclusion of a photo in the residence permit. Possible changes to handling fees will take effect from the beginning of 2007.
Residence permit with photo as a security factor
A residence permit sticker with photo increases public security, because it makes it easier to ascertain the identity of the residence permit holder. Introduction of the residence permit sticker with photo for under-aged children makes it more difficult to transport children illegally across the border and will thus help to prevent child trafficking.
The police passport photo guidelines can be found on the police internet pages: www.police.fi > Licences > Passport > Photo guidelines. The residence permit application form and the Finnish Immigration Service bulletin Residence Permit Sticker with Photo can be found on the Finnish Immigration Service internet pages: www.migri.fi > Application forms. Finnish diplomatic missions give advice in various languages on matters relating to application for residence permit at the following Internet address: http://formin.finland.fi/.
the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and the Finnish Immigration Service
Helsinki, 28.11.2006
