oleskeluluvasta

Oleskelulupa is an authorization issued by the Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto, Migri) that allows a non-Finnish citizen to reside in Finland for a defined period or permanently. It is required for most stays longer than 90 days for third-country nationals.

There are several types of oleskelulupa. Temporary residence permits are granted for reasons such as employment, studies, family reunification, entrepreneurship, or humanitarian grounds. A permanent residence permit may be granted after a longer period of residence with a temporary permit, or in some cases on other grounds that demonstrate stable integration in Finland.

Applications are submitted online via the Enter Finland service. The required documents vary by permit type but commonly include a valid passport, a recent photograph, and documents proving the basis of the application (for example an employment contract or a study invitation, proof of family relationship). Applicants may also need to show health insurance, sufficient financial means, and, in some cases, health examinations. Biometric data are collected, and a processing fee is charged. Processing times vary.

A granted oleskelulupa allows residence and often work rights, depending on the category. The permit is issued as a card, which serves as official proof of residence in Finland. Permit holders must comply with the conditions attached to their permit, report changes to Migri (address, employer, or study place), and renew the permit before it expires if it is temporary.

Rights and pathways: after several years of continuous residence with a temporary permit, it may be possible to apply for a permanent residence permit. EU/EEA citizens have a different regime and may not need a residence permit to live in Finland, though they may have to register their right of residence.