Residence card and validity

The sponsor must fulfil the requirements for registering the right of residence before you can get a residence card.

A residence card is issued for five years at a time. It can also be issued for a shorter time if you plan to stay in Finland for less than five years. After five years, you may get a permanent residence card.

If your residence card has been granted for a period shorter than five years and you stay longer, you should submit a new application.

If you misplace your card, the card is damaged or the information on the card is no longer valid, submit an application to renew your residence card. Fill out the application on Enter Finland under “Renewal of residence permit card or residence card for a family member of an EU citizen”. You can pay for your application through Enter Finland or later at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service. Submit your application through Enter Finland and book an appointment for identification at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service in our appointment system. 

If you are unable to use Enter Finland, fill out the EU_KORTTI application on paper and then book an appointment at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service in our appointment system.