Residence permit application for other grounds

Apply for a residence permit with this application if you are applying for a residence permit for a reason which is not one of the reasons for which a separate application form exists. Such reasons are an established dating relationship, an intention to get married with a Finnish citizen or becoming a victim of human trafficking. Tourism is not a valid reason.

Note that an application form does exist for the following: adoption, au pair status, self-employment, former Finnish citizenship, employment as a specialist, studies, remigration, scientific research, internship, employment, sports or coaching and family ties.

Expected processing time

2–5 months
Paper application fee

200 €

Extended permit to look for work

This is what you should do

1

Make sure you meet the requirements for the residence permit you are applying for.

2

Make sure you have all the attachments needed for the application and that they are up to date. If necessary, have them translated and legalised.

3

Fill in your application.

4

Pay for your application in the e-service Enter Finland or at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service.

5

Book an appointment at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service.

6

Wait for a decision. The Finnish Immigration Service will contact you if necessary.

7

Read what happens after you have applied.

General requirements for entry into Finland

Make sure you meet the general requirements for entry into Finland before you submit an application.

Requirements

You must also meet the following requirements:

1

You have a valid residence permit for studying.

2

You have completed your studies and graduated.

Income requirement

You have secure means of support

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary funds for living in Finland. You must have at least EUR 560 at your disposal every month to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs. In other words, you must have EUR 6,720 to be able to study in Finland for a year. The income requirement for this permit is the same as it is for a residence permit for studies. Read more on the page Means of support.

Right to work

This residence permit is meant for job-seeking. You can start working immediately after you have found a job. Apply for a new residence permit on the basis of work before the expiry of your residence permit to look for work.

General attachments

Valid passport (you must present it when you submit the residence permit application)
Passport photo complying with the photo guidelines issued by the police or a photograph retrieval code you received from a photo shop, OLEL_PK
Color copies of the passport page containing personal data and all pages that contain notes

Application-specific attachments

your degree or qualification certificate
a clarification of income