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Impact of crimes on getting a permanent residence permit

If you have committed crimes or are suspected of crimes, it may not be possible for you to get a permanent residence permit.

If you have been sentenced to unconditional imprisonment or community service:

  • you may get a permanent residence permit at the earliest when 3 years have passed since you served your sentence.

If you have been sentenced to conditional imprisonment:

  • you may get a permanent residence permit at the earliest when 2 years have passed since you served your sentence;
  • the sentence has often been served when the probationary period has ended;
  • the sentence need not be final.

If you have been found guilty of two or more crimes: 

  • you may get a permanent residence permit if the crime was committed more than 2 years before the date of decision on your application.

If you have been found guilty of a crime punishable by imprisonment:

  • you may get a permanent residence permit if the crime was committed more than 2 years before the date of decision on your application;
  • there is an obstacle to issuing a permanent residence permit even if you have been sentenced to unit fines, for example, instead of imprisonment.

If you are suspected of crimes punishable by imprisonment:

  • it may not be possible for you to get a permanent residence permit;
  • when making the decision, we will take into account the nature and seriousness of the suspected crime, when the crime was committed and your ties to Finland, among other things.