Income requirement

To be granted a long-term resident’s EU residence permit (P-EU), you must have sufficient financial resources. The requirement for sufficient financial resources (income requirement) means that you and your family members must have enough money for living in Finland. Your income cannot be based on social assistance, labour market subsidy or basic unemployment allowance paid by Kela.

When we assess your income, the grounds for your earlier residence permit or right of residence in Finland are not relevant. Family members of Finnish citizens and applicants receiving international protection, for instance, are also required to have sufficient financial resources.

How do I prove that I have sufficient financial resources?

You are not required to have a specific amount of money. However, you are required to have enough money for living in Finland, and you need to attach proof of sufficient financial resources to your application. You can prove that you have sufficient financial resources by presenting proof of being employed, having a business, receiving pension or benefits or having other funds or assets.

We receive information about your salaries and benefits directly from the Incomes Register. Therefore, you do not need to attach documents about salaries or benefits to your application. For more information, see the page Incomes Register.

The application form contains further details on what documents you must submit as proof of your income sources. If we need further information or documents from you, we will send you a request for additional information. The application form is available on our website on the page Application for a long-term resident’s EU residence permit for third-country nationals.

P-EU permit issued by another EU country

If you have a long-term resident’s EU residence permit (P-EU) issued by another EU country, you can move freely within the territory of the Schengen countries and reside in these countries for a maximum of 90 days in total. Your family members are allowed to accompany you if the family ties were established in the country that has issued you the P-EU permit.

If you intend to stay in Finland for longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit in Finland or in the EU Member State that has issued you a long-term resident’s EU residence permit (P-EU). Submit the application as soon as possible after your arrival in the country, and within 90 days at the latest.

You can be issued a residence permit in Finland for work, studies or pursuing a trade, or on some other grounds. A residence permit is granted for a fixed term, either temporary or continuous, depending on the nature of your residence.

Choose the application form according to the basis on which you are applying for a residence permit. Instructions for filling in the form and information on the necessary attachments are printed on the application form.

In Finland, submit your application at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service. If you are residing outside Finland, submit your application to a Finnish mission in the country that has issued you your P-EU permit.