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 your card is damaged or gets lost or the information printed on the card is no longer up to date, submit a new application.

Apply in the e-service Enter Finland or fill in the paper application EU_KORTTI. You can only apply for a new residence card in Finland.