Right of permanent residence of EU citizens and their family members
An EU citizen has the right of permanent residence in Finland after he or she has legally resided in Finland for an uninterrupted period of five years. A family member of an EU citizen has the right of permanent residence in Finland after he or she has legally resided in Finland with the EU citizen in question for an uninterrupted period of five years after being registered.
The following do not affect the continuity of your residence:
- temporary absences that do not exceed six months in total during one year
- longer absences due to completion of military service
- one absence of no more than twelve consecutive months due to an important reason
- For example, pregnancy and giving birth, a serious disease, university studies or vocational studies or a posting in another EU member state or a third country
A document certifying the right of permanent residence of an EU citizen
If you wish, the Finnish Immigration Service can give you a certificate of your right of permanent residence. Applying for this certificate is voluntary. Your permanent right of residence does not depend on this certificate. Instead, it is based on the Finnish law.
Apply for a certificate of right of permanent residence by submitting an application:
