Extended permit (new fixed-term residence permit)

The Finnish Immigration Service extends your valid residence permit if the requirements for issuing the permit are still met. You can also apply for an extended permit on new grounds. Our Application Finder will help you find the right application. 

If you already have a permanent residence permit and your residence permit card expires soon, apply for a new residence permit card.

Remember to apply for an extended permit before your current permit expires

Apply for an extended permit before your existing residence permit expires. If you apply for an extended permit after your current permit has expired, you may get a negative decision on your application. Your online application is considered to have arrived in time if it has been submitted on the last day of validity of your previous residence permit.

If you apply for an extended permit in time, your right of residence and your right to work will remain unchanged during the processing of your application.

You should not apply for an extended permit earlier than 3 months before your current residence permit expires. If you apply earlier, we may not be able to assess whether the requirements for issuing an extended permit are met. 

• Apply for an extended permit on the basis of work about 2 months before your residence permit expires.
• If you have a residence permit for studies, do not apply for an extended permit before you have completed the necessary ECTS credits. 

You may legally reside in Finland during the processing of your application and the possible appeal process. If you receive a negative extended permit decision and a decision on your removal from the country, you must leave Finland.

If there are several grounds for issuing a residence permit

If there are several grounds for issuing you with a residence permit, you can submit several residence permit applications. Check that you meet the requirements for each permit you apply for. If you have submitted several residence permit applications on different grounds, you will get a separate decision on each application. 

You can only apply for an extended permit in Finland

Apply for an extended permit in Finland. If you apply for an extended permit abroad, your application will be processed as an application for a first residence permit even if you have already had a residence permit in Finland. The application will be subject to a processing fee for a first permit.

Your residence in Finland must be legal

If you apply for an extended permit, you must reside legally in Finland. This means that you must have a valid residence permit when you apply for an extended permit. If your previous residence permit has expired before you apply for a new residence permit, there must be a valid reason for your late application. Such a reason can be, for instance, a severe illness that has prevented you from submitting the application in time. When assessing reasons for applying late, the length of illegal stay will be taken into account. 

You may not have to visit our service point if you use Enter Finland to apply for an extended permit

Visiting a service point to prove your identity is not always required if you apply for an extended permit via the online service Enter Finland and use strong electronic identification (Finnish online banking credentials, for example). For more information, see the page Identification.

After you have sent your application, Enter Finland will tell you whether or not you need to visit a service point to prove your identity. If you need to visit a service point to prove your identity, book an appointment using our appointment system.

We receive information about your income from the Incomes Register

When you apply for an extended permit, the Finnish Immigration Service will get information about your salaries and benefits from the Incomes Register. Therefore, you do not need to attach certificates of salaries or benefits to your application. If we need further information, we will send you a request for additional information. Read more on the page Incomes Register.

If you need to renew your residence permit card

If you have a valid residence permit and your residence permit card is damaged or lost, you must apply for a new residence permit card. Please note that you are not required to apply for a new permit. For more information, see the page Renewal of a residence permit card.