Immigration

Different permits may be needed for entering Finland and staying in the country, depending on the nationality of the individual and the reasons for entering the country.

Nordic citizens are free to work in all Nordic countries. Other Nordic citizens working in Finland must, however, register at a local register office if their residence exceeds six months. Citizens of EU Member States can freely work, study and reside in Finland, if they can take care of themselves financially. A stay exceeding three months must be registered with the local police.

A person of Finnish extraction or with some other close connection with Finland can obtain a residence permit on that basis and return to Finland. A Finnish citizen who has lived abroad for a long time can come back without any restrictions. People from other countries who come to work or study in Finland need a permit.

Finland may grant international protection for asylum seekers. Each asylum seeker’s application is processed on a case-by-case basis. The Finnish Immigration Service decides on individual residence permit cases and applications for asylum. It also makes decisions on granting Finnish nationality and on repatriation and deportation.

The Ministry of the Interior instructs the Finnish Immigration Service and the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. These centres have regional responsibility for immigration and integration. The local authority makes arrangements and delivers services to promote and support the integration of immigrants.