Residence permit card and residence card

• Delivery of residence permit cards
• Contents of a residence permit card
• Residence permit card on the basis of temporary protection for people fleeing Ukraine
• Brexit residence permit card
• Residence card of a family member of an EU citizen

If you are granted a residence permit, you will receive a residence permit card. The residence permit card is proof of your right of residence in Finland. However, residence permit cards are not official identity documents. This means that you cannot use your card to prove your identity.

Residence permit cards have a chip that contains biometric identifiers, including a facial image and two fingerprints.

The period of validity of your residence permit is printed on the residence permit card. If your permit expires, you cannot apply for an extension by applying for a new residence permit card. You need to apply for an extended permit instead.

If you have a permanent residence permit and your card is about to expire, you do not need to apply for a new permanent residence permit. You only need to apply for a new residence permit card. A permanent residence permit card must be renewed every 5 years.

You must have a valid residence permit card when you reside in Finland. Residing in Finland without a valid residence permit card may be a violation of the Aliens’ Act and the police may fine you for it.