Moving to Finland for permanent residence: how to emigrate, grounds for immigration

Why is it needed?

A sufficient number of Russians live in this territory; thanks to the proximity of Russia, every year there are more and more people wanting to move.

There are many advantages to such a move. Quality standard of living, high salaries, excellent climate. At the same time, contact with family will not be lost, and those accustomed to Russian winters will not be surprised by the Finnish winter. Gastronomic habits will not change either. The products are almost the same.

A residence permit in Finland provides the opportunity to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. In Finnish it sounds like oleskelulupaa. For issuance, you must contact the embassy. After which the required mark will be placed in the passport.

Permanent residence can only be obtained after 4 years of continuous stay in the state. This does not include travel and travel.

Citizen status will be awarded after 6 years of residence and the naturalization process.

What documents are needed

You can apply for a residence permit either in Finland itself, having received permission to enter via a Schengen visa, or you can start the process in your home country. Both methods are effective, except that the first path will be a little riskier (if the status is denied right in Finland, then the trip was in vain).

Anyone wishing to move to Finland only needs contact with the embassy and a package of documents, without which it is impossible to obtain a residence permit:

international passport (copy);
proof of payment of the fee (this means that payment must be made before submitting documents for approval);
proof of establishment in Finland (even a rental agreement will do);
evidence of the applicant’s solvency and financial viability (certificate of employment, copy of bank account, etc.).

Also, to this package of documents, those wishing to move must attach a questionnaire, which they will receive at the embassy.

If obtaining a residence permit occurs through work or study, you must provide documents confirming the fact of study or employment. The more documents proving that the immigrant is able to provide for himself and his family, the higher the chances of approval of the application.

Types of permits

There are three types of permits:

temporary;
continuous;
constant.

For each of them there is a sign, which is marked with a stamp in the passport.

B - temporary resolution.
A - continuous view.
R - constant.

The reasons for granting and changing status may be different.

One example: having a temporary visa and having entered into a relationship with a citizen of the country, you must apply for a permanent visa.

The first one is issued for a period of one year. To renew, you must contact the Finnish Migration Service. It's called Maahanmuuttovirasto.

The second is for a period of four years. Only after this can you fill out an application for permanent residence permit.

Procedure for obtaining permanent residence

Permanent residence in Finland can be obtained only after a Russian citizen has stayed in the country for a certain time.

If all the conditions imposed by the Finnish authorities are met, you can continue moving to Finland for permanent residence from Russia.

About the methods of obtaining permanent residence status and the nuances of each of them, see the following video:

Requirements

You can apply for permanent residence only if the foreigner has lived in the country for 4 years . This is the maximum period for which a temporary residence permit is issued.

After the temporary residence permit expires, the foreigner has two options - to go home or look for an opportunity to stay.

Permanent residence can be granted if migration to Finland is justified. The reasons for requesting this status are as follows:

marriage to a Finnish citizen;
reunification with relatives or spouses (for example, children can come to their parents, etc.);
work (requires a long-term contract with an employer);
training (even foreigners can study here for free);
obtaining refugee status.

There are additional conditions:

the foreigner complies with the laws of the country;
he knows Finnish (or at least Swedish);
he can confirm the presence of relatives in Finland if he wants to reunite with the family.

Full immigration to Finland is possible only if all these conditions are met .

Application and documents

When registering a permanent place of residence, you need to prepare the following documents:

application form;
foreign passport (copy);
papers confirming the reasons for obtaining permanent residence;
documents confirming the applicant’s housing (lease agreement);
certificate of payment of the consular fee;
bank statement.

As in the case of a temporary residence permit, additional documents may be required when applying for permanent residence. It depends on the reason for emigrating to Finland from Russia.

Application procedure and deadlines

Registration of permanent residence in Finland is carried out as standard. A foreign citizen needs to prepare a number of documents and contact the Finnish Migration Service.

Offices are located in all major cities of the country.

As for the timing, it all depends on the number of applications submitted and other factors. This should be taken into account before leaving for Finland for permanent residence.

The maximum period for obtaining permanent residence is 6–9 months.

You can monitor the status of your application using the official website of the Finnish Migration Service. To do this you need:

indicate the reason for obtaining permanent residence;
answer the questions provided;
enter your date of birth.

After this, the system will provide preliminary deadlines for consideration of the application.

Exam

Registration of permanent residence is another step towards obtaining citizenship. But this cannot be done without passing the YKI language exam. A trip to Finland for permanent residence for Russians is never complete without going through this procedure.

The exam is held 4 times a year , but it is very difficult to get in line due to the large number of applicants.

You can prepare for the test using special courses. After registering to take the exam, you need to pay for it.

As a tribute, you must take your international passport with you and hand over your mobile phone to the organizers.

The test lasts about 3 hours, after which the exam forms must be submitted for verification. It is held at the University of Jyväskylä, so participants receive the result after 2 months .

Why do they refuse?

Before you go to live in Finland, you need to take into account the possibility of refusal to provide a residence permit and citizenship.

Any foreign citizen can receive such a refusal if the Finnish authorities consider his application inappropriate.

The reasons for refusal are usually the following:

the documents were filled out incorrectly;
the applicant knowingly provided false personal information;
there is a suspicion of document falsification;
the foreigner has violated Finnish laws in the past;
he does not have sufficient grounds to move for permanent residence.

The refusal is always formalized , so all applicants receive the appropriate document. It is also accompanied by instructions on the procedure for appealing the refusal in an administrative court.

Ways to obtain

There are several ways to get it:

studies;
Job;
family reunification;
marriage with a citizen of the state;
repatriation.

The Immigration Act was passed in 2004. Repatriation and family reunification are recognized as the main and legal grounds.

Those. if a person can prove the fact that he has indigenous blood. Or is in a relationship with a citizen of this territory. They do not need to be officially registered, but several witnesses will be required.

Legal options

Repatriation - this includes Ingrian Finns. Most residents of the former republics of the USSR received citizenship under this program. Having managed to prove that they have/had indigenous people as relatives. Quite a complex scheme.

To receive it you also need to know one of the official languages. Finnish or Swedish. The proof will be the tests passed. The procedure can take up to six months. All documents are submitted to the embassy.

Family reunification - in this case, you can enter the state on a guest visa. It is issued for a period of 3 months. You must submit an application for a residence permit to the nearest police station.

In case of reunification with a resident of another country, it is necessary to attach documents on financial solvency.

The job requires excellent knowledge of the language. Finding a suitable vacancy is not difficult. Especially having high qualifications in one of the most in-demand professions. These include welders, drivers, logisticians, doctors, electricians, builders, designers and engineers.

Studying has become one of the relatively easy opportunities for issuing permanent residence.

Once you enter one of the universities, you can undergo several internships in the process. Having proven yourself well before a possible employer. Thus, increasing the chances of getting a job after graduation.

This will be facilitated by a good knowledge of the internal language and fluency in English. The computer sphere, medicine, and economics are considered to be in demand.

Extension of a residence permit in Finland occurs only at the migration service.

You can become a citizen after 6 years of continuous stay on the territory of the state. One of the easiest ways to obtain this status is through naturalization.

The key point is the father of the child. He must be a Finnish citizen. It doesn’t matter which country the mother is a citizen of.

In going through the normal naturalization process, you must convince the embassy of your desire to reside in that state. If approved, a one-year probationary period is given.

The next method is political asylum. The refugee must be from places where terror of the population occurs. In which you cannot express your thoughts without the threat of arrest.

Religious and political views are oppressed. A rather difficult option for obtaining a residence permit.

It is almost impossible to get to Finland directly from such countries. When transiting through other safe states, it is more advisable to stay in them. At the border, such people are either not allowed through or are put under arrest for misleading people during execution.

How to get a Finnish residence permit for a Russian

For immigrants from Russia, from the point of view of Finnish migration legislation and the Finnish migration authorities, the most acceptable basis for issuing the coveted residence permit is repatriation and family reunification - if one of the spouses is a citizen of the Republic of Finland or, for example, as in the case described above, someone one of the applicant's ancestors in the male or female line was a native of Old Finland - that is, the question of returning to their historical homeland is raised.

Required documents

Basic portfolio:

The first and fundamental one is a personal statement in the established form; by hand, in Finnish, Swedish (the official languages of Suomi) or English, not in capital letters.
A copy of the international passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
In case of marriage with a citizen of Finland - a marriage certificate.
Two portrait photographs of the applicant (applicant) in the established format 47×36 mm.
Any document confirming the applicant’s right to obtain a residence permit, including an official work contract; and in the case of registration of a legal entity in this country - an extract of the established form from the Trade Register, for foreign applicants - official certificates of enrollment in the Finnish higher education application, and so on.
Again, official confirmation of the availability of housing - for example, a rental agreement or a certificate of ownership of real estate in the Republic of Finland.
Bank account statement as evidence of the applicant’s financial solvency.
And finally, a receipt for payment of the consular fee.

Where to contact

All applications are accepted at the diplomatic missions of this country abroad, in Russia this is the embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg - they, such applications, must be submitted directly by applicants. An exception to this rule is when these applications come from family members and relatives of citizens and residents of the Republic of Finland, including dependents.

Price issue

For citizens and (temporary) residents of the Russian Federation, the following consular fee rates are established:

Work or commercial activity, private medical practice with an official license - 450 euros.
Industrial practice, part-time work during school holidays, etc. – 420 euros.
Studying in vocational and higher educational institutions to obtain a master's degree or bachelor's degree – 300 euros.
For minors – 220 euros.
All other categories – 420 euros.

And the notorious “cherry on the cake” - if a negative decision is made on the application, the consular fee is not refunded.

Application consideration period

Depending on each specific case, the period for reviewing the above portfolio varies from one and a half months to almost a year.

Validity period of the Finnish residence permit

If a positive decision is made, the first residence permit is valid for one year, and in the case of a previously concluded work or study contract - for the entire necessary time. In some cases - up to four years.

Requirements

Any applications must be submitted in person. No less important is the absence of a criminal record; you will need to undergo fingerprinting. Finland has a very low crime rate, it is important to follow the laws.

You will also need a number of documents:

application for a residence permit;
photocopy of a foreign passport;
2 photographs 47*36mm;
certificate of availability of a place to live in the country;
statement of account about financial well-being;
documentary reasons for receiving;
receipt for payment of the consular fee.

Additional certificates and copies may be requested. Each resident receives an individual approach.

Obtaining a residence permit in Finland (residence permit)

In terms of living standards, Finland is considered the second most favorable country after Denmark on the list of European Union countries. There is a low level of corruption and crime, free medicine and benefits when a child enrolls in kindergarten or school, a guaranteed child benefit of about 100 euros. A citizen who has received a residence permit in Finland has the right to freely travel throughout all EU countries. The only catch is that obtaining a residence permit in this country, as in all EU countries, is problematic and requires compelling reasons.

Obtaining a permit is required for a foreigner who is present in the country for more than 3 months. If the period of stay on a visa is shorter, then permission will be required when carrying out work activities. We will consider detailed reasons for granting a residence permit and documents for registration below.

Student residence permit

A foreign student wishing to study for more than 3 months requires a residence permit in Finland. The document is issued to students for studying at higher or vocational educational institutions with passing exams. When submitting an application, the student must already be enrolled in the educational institution.

The easiest way to apply is to fill it out online. To do this, the applicant creates a personal account on the website, fills out the appropriate form and submits it to the Finnish Embassy with the necessary documents attached. This method significantly reduces the time it takes to consider a request and allows you to track its status on the website.

List of papers

Documents for applying for a student visa:

A completed OLE_OPI form printed from your personal account.
A fee of 330 euros for processing applications from adult applicants, 230 euros for minors.
Two color photographs 3.5x4.5cm.
A valid foreign passport.
Certificate from a Finnish educational institution confirming the student's enrollment. A copy of the confirmation sent by the university by email may be accepted for consideration.
A bank account statement confirming the availability of the required amount of money in the applicant’s account. The Finnish government does not intend to support a foreigner, so it is required to prove the ability to pay their expenses. An amount of 560 euros per month is sufficient.
Medical insurance valid for the entire period of study.

Important! For children under 18 years of age wishing to obtain a residence permit in Finland, an original birth certificate and parental consent for departure are required. All documents must be translated into Finnish and certified by a notary. One of the parents must sign the application form for the minor applicant.

Permit based on work or business

The first application to stay in Finland for work is submitted at the consulates in the country of main residence. Unlike the rules in other countries, in Finland the application is submitted by the employee himself, and not by the employer. To obtain a residence and work permit, the applicant requests a response from the Bureau of Employment and Economic Development, which is responsible for changes in the labor market. A response from the Finnish Migration Service is also required.

It is recommended to request permission to carry out work or business activities in Finland through an electronic service. The application form is filled out online, printed, and submitted with the necessary documents to the Finnish Embassy in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

To submit you will need:

Printed application form OLE_TY1.
Fee 540 euros for processing the application.
Photos of the established sample 3.5x4.5 cm on a light background, color or black and white, 2 pieces.
International passport and a copy of the first page.
Attachment to the application in form TEM 054 for a work permit from the employer or documents on registration of business activities.

Important! For papers in Russian, a translation into Finnish, English or Swedish is required. The translation is certified by a notary.

Family reunification

Based on family ties, the main relatives of a Finnish citizen have the right to reunite with a Finnish citizen. This country defines family members much more narrowly than most EU countries. Main relatives include:

Spouse or spouse.
Common-law husband or wife.
Officially registered cohabitant.
A minor who is a child or ward of a Finnish citizen.

To obtain a residence permit, a foreigner enters the country on a regular visa and submits an application at the local police station. The period for consideration is individual in each case.

If the goal is to reunite with a foreigner who has permanent residence in Finland, the application is submitted in the country of primary residence. It is also required to provide a document confirming family ties and a guarantee of financial independence of a foreigner living for permanent residence in Finland.

Repatriation

Citizens living in Russia or other countries of the former USSR, but having Finnish roots, have the right to obtain a residence permit in Finland. This category includes:

Former Finnish citizens.
Foreigners with Finnish roots - one of the parents or grandparents was a native Finn.

To obtain a residence permit based on nationality, in addition to the standard package of documents, you will need to provide additional papers confirming your connection with the country. The application is submitted to the Finnish consulate and is considered for quite a long time. The applicant must be proficient in Finnish or Swedish and demonstrate proficiency by passing a language test.

Types of residence permits in Finland

Based on the length of stay, permits are divided into 3 groups:

Group "B" permit. It is temporary and is issued only for a specific period required by study or work. Typically this type of permit is limited to a year and can be renewed upon expiration if the applicant has reason to do so. A temporary permit is replaced with a permanent one until the expiration date if the situation has changed - for example, when marrying a Finnish citizen.
Category “A” permit. Renewable, issued for a period of up to 4 years by an applicant whose purpose of visit is related to entrepreneurial activity or permanent work. Subsequently, the permit is extended for another 4 years.
Permission "P" is permanent. It can be requested by a foreigner who resides continuously in Finland after receiving a category “A” permit.

Features of submitting an application

To submit the application and all supporting documents, an appointment with the consul is required. Previously, to do this, applicants stood idle for days on end; now it is enough to go through the registration procedure on the website of the regional branch of the Embassy or on the official website. You cannot reschedule your appointment, so make sure you are prepared to arrive at that time. Each applicant is required to independently provide documents to the Embassy, because at the same time the procedure for submitting biometric data takes place.

The processing time for an application is 1-4 months, but in each specific case it remains individual. If the consulate responds positively, the applicant is given a residence permit in the form of a biometric card. A residence permit received in Finland is canceled if the recipient has been outside the country continuously for two years without significant reasons.

Important! Providing false information may result in refusal to issue a residence permit.

Advantages

Apart from the overall prosperity, lack of corruption, decent job market and magnificent nature, there are a number of other benefits.

Having a residence permit opens up unhindered travel in the Schengen countries.
A foreigner has the right to insurance and free care in public medical institutions.
Possibility of visiting schools and kindergartens. Free education.
Right to work.
Opportunity to obtain loans from European banks at reduced interest rates.
Get a European driving license. Buy and register a car.

To obtain these privileges, you must not leave the territory for more than 6 months with permanent residence.

Which is quite conditional if the trips take place in Schengen countries.

Also, a resident is subject to taxes if he stays in the state for more than 6 months a year.

Moving to Finland

Many citizens of the Russian Federation who have lived in this country for a long time talk about how to emigrate to Finland. But obtaining official status is not so easy.

To do this, you need to have reasons for moving (work, study, etc.), and then a long period of residence in the country ( at least 4 years ). Only after this can you apply for a residence permit.

What does a residence permit give?

Thanks to a residence permit, foreigners have the right to enjoy many of the benefits of living in a European country.

A residence permit is not citizenship yet, but it provides certain advantages to foreigners:

the ability to travel without problems throughout the Schengen countries;
use of the European credit system;
gaining access to quality health care;
living in a country with a stable economy and low crime rate.

In addition to all this, a residence permit makes it possible to obtain Finnish citizenship in the future.

Popular professions and average salary

Before you move to Finland, you should sort out employment issues. Life in this country is quite expensive , so often even foreign students who study for free are forced to earn extra money.

And if the whole family moves, then you need to take care of suitable vacancies in Russia.

Finland, like any other country, values highly qualified specialists . At the same time, you can find a good job in any field.

But in 2021, the most in-demand professions for Finland are:

Medical staff. In this area, both a nurse and an experienced surgeon can find a suitable vacancy. Doctors with a narrow specialization are even more valued. However, in most cases the diploma will have to be confirmed separately.
Chemical industry. This industry is developing in Finland, so many scientists from Russia are trying to find work in this country. But in addition to Finnish, you will also have to learn English.
Computer techologies. In this area, preference is given to specialists from Asian countries, with whom Russian programmers have to compete. The lack of jobs is also due to the closure of several companies, including Nokia. To get a job you will need not only a good resume, but also English.
Agriculture. The work is hard, but it is there. There are many vacancies both at poultry farms or barns, and during the harvest.
Teachers, educators. There are many vacancies for foreigners, but you need to confirm your diploma.
Sellers. These vacancies are not particularly popular among Finns, since to get hired you need to take special courses. For example, you cannot sell household appliances without the appropriate knowledge. But the salary is not bad. Foreigners must have an intermediate level of Finnish language skills.
Rare working specialties. For example, in Finland, a blacksmith of roofing iron is worth his weight in gold.

As for remuneration, there are some nuances here. For example, men typically earn 17% more than women. In addition, employers in large cities pay 20% more than in the provinces.

A good specialist receives on average 3500-4000 euros .

The salary of a salesperson is 2000 euros , an accountant is 2800 euros , and a doctor is 4000 euros .

A detailed analysis of the prices of living in Finland is given in the following video:

Moving with children

Difficulties when moving with children most often arise when adapting to a new place of residence.

Finland has good kindergartens , and the school education system is one of the best . Many parents take this into account before immigrating from Russia to Finland.

Moving with older people

Russian pensioners immigrate on a general basis. They can even get a work visa if they are engaged in teaching or scientific activities.

Naturally, if there is no talk of employment, then their income must be appropriate for living in Finland.

As for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship, there are no exceptions here either - they can be obtained in the general manner.

Underwater rocks

When looking for pitfalls in the reasons for refusing an embassy, you need to analyze your actions.

You can get a refusal in several cases:

false information when submitting documents;
incomplete package of papers;
incorrect completion of forms and applications;
lack of translation of documentation;
violation of laws in countries participating in the Schengen Agreement.

According to 2021 statistics, out of 26.7 thousand applications submitted, 24.8 thousand were approved.

Loss of residence permit

Depending on the reliability of your documents (the amount of evidence of financial solvency and other formal requirements such as absence of a criminal record and certain illnesses), the processing time for an application can range from a week to two months.
But even if you have an ideal package of documents, under no circumstances take risks and do not allow yourself to contact the consulate in the last days. If something goes wrong, there is no way you can speed up the review process. You can increase your chances of approval by acting not independently, but through an agency. You will have to pay an additional fee for his services, but through such organizations you can organize an urgent review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch{q}v=ao5Q1mURAT4

The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Finland varies from 500 to 5000 euros - depending on the number of people in the family, the purpose of the visit, etc.

To obtain a residence permit, you must contact the Migration Service. Applications are submitted in person or online, with status tracked on the Enter Finland website. The procedure is carried out in accordance with the Law “On Foreigners”. According to it, non-residents who:

marry a citizen or reunite with a resident of Finland as family members;
exercise the right to repatriation as ethnic Finns or former citizens;
open their own business or acquire a ready-made operating business;
find employment - enter into a contract with an employer from Finland (if it is valid for four years, switch to permanent status);
enter a Finnish university;
apply for refugee status - it is very difficult to obtain, and the situation of such emigrants is specific, so it is not worth considering it as a residence permit.

Finnish legislation does not include the purchase of real estate as grounds for issuing a residence card. Real estate in possession is an additional, fairly compelling argument in favor of the petitioner, supporting the petition for the view. However, owners have the right to visit and live in Finland for six consecutive months. Persons staying in the jurisdiction for at least six months continuously become tax residents.

Finnish authorities issue permits of three types. The first, marked with the letter “B”, is temporary, issued only for a specific period with the right to extend for no more than a year. With this type, in the presence of new circumstances (marriage, etc.), you can obtain permits of the second type - continuous “A”. They are limited to the validity period of foreign passports, extended for a maximum of four years at a time. The base should not change during this time.

After living in the country for four years with an “A” permit, it is possible to obtain a permanent “P” permit. The applicant must live in Finland for at least half of the validity period of type “A”, but it is not necessary to permanently reside in the jurisdiction - it is allowed to travel, travel to Russia or another state. There should be no time gaps between residence permit renewals.

To obtain a residence permit in Finland, you must have good reasons for moving, as well as fulfill certain requirements that the Finnish side imposes for those wishing to have permanent residence.

A residence permit in Finland can be lost under a number of circumstances.

The foreigner left the country and did not return there for more than 2 years in a row. Although if he has a valid reason for absence, then the permit may not be revoked;
The person provided incorrect information about himself, hid some circumstances;
The foreigner violated the laws of the Schengen countries;

How to obtain Suomi citizenship for Russians{q}

The request for a residence permit is carried out on the basis of an application from a foreign citizen.

Through the consulate of the Finnish state.
Upon arrival in Finland through the Migration Service.
Submit an application online by filling out the form on the Enter Finland website.

Passport and a copy of the passport.
Photo 35 x 45 mm (2 pcs.).
Receipt for payment of state duty.
Questionnaire in form MP_1.
Birth certificate.
International passport and its copy.
A document confirming that a person has a place to live.
To confirm Finnish roots, you need to provide documents from Finnish relatives, copies of:
birth certificates;
marriage or divorce certificates;
death certificates or archival documents.

In a situation where close relatives already live in the Republic of Finland, you must indicate the degree of relationship of the relatives, their full name, position, place of work, addresses and telephone numbers for subsequent verification by the consulate.

Those receiving a residence permit due to employment provide an application for a work permit and an annex to it, approved by the employer.
The right to family reunification is granted on the basis of a child’s birth certificate or marriage certificate.
When obtaining a permit, students will need:
- medical insurance certificate;
certificate of the amount of tuition fees or scholarships.

If a student studies at a budget department and does not have a scholarship, a certificate is not provided.

All documents are accepted in certified translation. Let's have a translation into English.
The second step is submitting documents. Copies and originals are submitted when visiting the consulate in:
- Moscow;
Murmansk;
or Petrozavodsk.

There is no need to register in advance to submit documents.

The embassy will then ask for fingerprints and a photograph.

Now we just have to wait for the review.

When providing a list of documents, the foreigner pays a state fee for consideration of the application. In 2021, the state fee is 470 euros. To avoid a negative answer, it is recommended to pay the fee after submitting the application, but before reviewing the documents.

If a person reinstates himself as a citizen, he will need 240 euros. The citizen receives a new passport at the police station. Its cost is about 200 euros. You can also obtain other documents here, just fill out an application to receive them. The cost will be no more than 150 euros.

The waiting time after submitting documents depends on the basis and form of the residence permit.

For employment – 4 months.
For students – 1 month.
When restoring a family - about 9 months.
Repatriation – within 5 months.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with: Sample power of attorney for transfer of funds

Deadlines may be extended if additional documents or information are requested.

Based on the results of document verification, a new citizen of Suomi is issued a residence permit in the form of a plastic card. Now the new citizen has all the rights of a resident of Suomi and must comply with the law, not leave the country for more than two years and pay taxes within six months after receiving his new documents.