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Frequently asked questions: Online service Enter Finland

Using the online service 

How do I use Enter Finland?

For instructions on how to use the online service, see the page Online services.

Attachments 

It is possible to upload only one document as an attachment, but I have several files that concern the same matter. How can I combine my files into a single document?

Open the files with a word-processing programme (for example Word) and combine them into a single document. If possible, save the document as a PDF file.

You can combine images in the same way. If you have an image-processing programme, you can use it to combine images.

Do not reduce the file size too much so that the files are easy to read.

Remember to pay attention to data security, especially if you use a public computer or programmes available on websites.

You can also watch this video: Adding documents to your application in Enter Finland

The maximum size for an attachment is 4 megabytes but my files are larger than that. How can I make them smaller?

You can reduce the file size of your documents when scanning them. In the scanner settings, select 150 dpi as resolution, for instance. Resolution regulates the level of detail in the scanned image.

If the attachment is an image, you can reduce its size by opening the file in an image processing programme, reduce the size of the image and then save the file again.

How can I expedite an application so that it will be processed urgently?

Read more about requests to expedite on the website migri.fi. 

Messages from the online service 

I received an automatic message from Enter Finland. When does Enter Finland send automatic messages, and can I stop them?

A notification is sent by email and text message in the following situations: 

1) A request for additional information has been sent to you. 

2) You have been sent a decision to read. 

3) The additional information you submitted has been received. 

4) Your reply to a request for additional information has been received. 

5) A status message is sent to you every three weeks (residence permit applications) or every three months (citizenship applications) until a decision has been made on the application. 

Automatic messages cannot be turned off.

I did not receive an automatic message when I was supposed to. For example I didn't receive a message when I replied to a supplement request. How can I know for sure that you have received my reply?

You can be sure that we have received your reply if the application events show that the reply has been sent and if the application attachments contain the documents you have sent.

We cannot guarantee that the automatic messages will be delivered successfully. That is why we always recommend that you check the status of your application yourself by logging in every once in a while. 

How the online service works 

The application form asks for a family identification code. What is it and where can I get it?

Some application forms ask for a family identification code. With the help of the code, applications can become pending automatically and be linked together in our system when family members are applying for a permit at the same time.

You can get a family identification code only if you have stated in your application that your family member is applying for a residence permit at the same time as you. Include the email address of your family member in your application, and we will send the code to the email address. When your family member has received the code, he or she has to include it in his or her own application. 

The family identification code is not mandatory. You can submit your application without a code. Submitting your application without a code will not delay the processing of your application.

How can I make sure that the document I sent to you in Enter Finland has been received?

You can be sure that we have received your documents if the application events show that the reply has been sent and if the application attachments contain the documents you have sent.

According to Enter Finland, the processing ground of my application has been changed. What does it mean?

Choosing the right application form can sometimes be difficult. For example, if an applicant who has applied for a residence permit for an employed person could get a residence permit as a specialist, we will process the application according to the processing ground where the waiting time is shorter and the decision more likely to be positive. 

However, this change is made only when it benefits the applicant and when the basic reason for applying stays the same (employment, family ties, studies). For example, a residence permit application on the basis of family ties is never processed as a residence permit application for employment. 

The information about a changed processing ground is not visible in Enter Finland, which is why the application events and the estimated processing time may no longer be valid for your application. However, the information on whether or not there has been a decision will always be shown correctly in Enter Finland.

I declared when applying that my employer will use Enter Finland for Employers but I heard they can’t use it after all. What should I do?

In that case, you yourself should submit the documents and information your employer was supposed to provide, such as your employment contract or the ‘Terms of employment’ form. To submit the documents, use the link 'Send additional information' in Enter Finland.

For a detailed list of all the required documents, see our website or the final section of the paper application. Do not make a new application.

Why can't I change my name and date of birth when I'm filling in an application?

These two pieces of information appear on your application exactly as you have entered them into your user account. You gave this information when you created your account. If your name has changed, first change your name on the 'My account' page. Then fill in your application again.

Please remember that you can only use this service to apply for a residence permit or an EU registration for yourself, or to apply for a permanent residence permit or a residence permit on the basis of family ties for a child who is in your care. Your employer or spouse cannot submit an application on your behalf.

How do I get a certificate of a pending application from Enter Finland?

Read more about a certificate of a pending application and how to obtain it.

Strong identification

What does strong identification mean?

Strong identification means proving your identity online. You are using strong identification when you log in to the online service Enter Finland with your Finnish online banking credentials, mobile certificate or Citizen Certificate.

How to use strong identification in Enter Finland?

Log in to the online service Enter Finland using your Finnish online banking credentials, Citizen Certificate or mobile certificate. When you log in to the online service with one of these three options, you are using strong identification.

What is the difference between banking credentials, a mobile certificate and a Citizen Certificate?

You will get banking credentials from your bank when you sign an agreement with the bank. Banking credentials are your electronic identity document.

A mobile certificate, also called the Mobile ID, is the certificate in the SIM card of your phone. You can start using the mobile certificate by contacting your mobile service provider.

For more information about the mobile certificate, visit the website ‘Mobiilivarmenne’.

The Citizen Certificate is contained in the personal identity card issued by the police or, if you are abroad, a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate).

For more information about the Citizen Certificate, see the website of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Why should I use strong identification in Enter Finland?

By using strong identification, you can prove your identity online and pay for your application safely in Enter Finland.

If you apply for an extended permit and are using strong identification in Enter Finland, you may:

  • avoid having to visit a service point;
  • save time.

I used strong electronic identification but Enter Finland still told me that I must visit a service point. Why?

See the most common reasons for having to visit a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity even when you have used strong identification.

I already have a user account in Enter Finland. How do I update it to an account with strong identification?

This is how to update your account:

1. In the menu, select ‘My Account’.

2. Select ‘Change now’ to get to the Suomi.fi login page. There you can log in to the online service using strong electronic identification, for example your Finnish online banking credentials.

After you have logged in to the service using online banking credentials, for example, your account is upgraded to an account that uses strong identification. From now on, you will always have to use this new login method when you log in to your account.

Remember to change the login method of your account before you submit your application.

If you submit your application before you change the login method, you will unfortunately have to visit a service point.

I submitted my application by email. Can I change the application to an application with strong identification afterwards? Can I avoid visiting a service point that way?

If you change your login method from email to online banking credentials or other form of strong identification only after you have submitted your application, it is not possible to avoid having to visit a service point.

How do I know if I need to visit a service point?

Enter Finland will tell you whether you need to visit a service point or not

If you do not need to visit a service point, Enter Finland will show you the following message:

"You do not need to visit a service point

Congratulations, your application is now pending! You do not need to visit a Finnish Immigration Service service point, because we already have all necessary information. If we need more information from you while the application is being processed, we will contact you. The service point you chose is stated below. If you have already booked an appointment at a Finnish Immigration Service service point, cancel it in the appointment system. Instructions on how to cancel an appointment can be found at migri.fi/ajanvaraus.

(your selected service point)"

If you do need to visit a service point, Enter Finland will show you the following message:

"Visit your service point

You need to visit a Finnish Immigration Service service point within three months to verify your identity. At the same visit, you will show the official the original versions of the attachments to your application. You can find more detailed information on what you need to bring with you on the page Visiting a service point.

Book an appointment in our online service. You can book an appointment at any service point. You can find instructions on the page How to book an appointment.

Here are the most common reasons for having to visit a service point even if you used strong identification.

The service point you selected in the application is:

x"

Do I have to pay for my visit at a service point when I am applying for an extended permit?

Visiting a service point is free of charge. However, it will take more of your time. When you use strong identification, you may not have to visit a service point at all when applying for an extended permit.

Can I avoid visiting a service point when I am applying for a residence permit or Finnish citizenship?

Unfortunately, you will have to visit a service point when you apply for a first residence permit or a permanent residence permit.

If you apply for Finnish citizenship and there are no children under 18 years of age as your co-applicants, you may avoid having to visit a service point. Read more on the page Identification.

When you submit your application via the online service Enter Finland, you must prove your identity at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service or, if you are abroad, at a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate). During the same visit, you must present the originals of the documents that you have attached to your application, and possibly give your fingerprints for a residence permit card.

You must prove your identity at a service point in Finland or at a Finnish mission abroad within 3 months of submitting your application in Enter Finland. 

What will happen if I do not use strong identification?

If you do not use strong identification, you will have to visit a service point to prove your identity. In contrast, if you are using strong identification, you are not always required to visit a service point. By using strong identification, you will likely save time.