Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to live in Finland with a parent or guardian who is a Finnish citizen and has custody of you?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Live in Finland
You can live with your family in Finland for as long as your permit is valid.
Study in Finland
You can study in Finland without a separate permit for your studies.
Work in Finland
You can work without restrictions and do not need a separate work permit.
You can start work after your permit is granted.
Get help abroad
If you live permanently in Finland and are in trouble abroad, a Finnish mission can help with urgent medical care or contacting relatives.
In some cases it can provide a temporary passport for your return.
If Finland has no mission, another Nordic mission may help, or another EU country's mission outside the EU.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare if you have a registered home municipality in Finland.
Get financial support
Kela may provide financial support for housing, family costs, unemployment, sickness and other needs if it considers you permanently resident in Finland.
Working in Finland may qualify you for a narrower set of benefits.
Kela checks eligibility for each benefit, and your permit must be valid.
How to apply
Applying from outside FinlandApplying from outside Finland
Find your consulate
Your parent or guardian should find the Finnish embassy or consulate serving the country where you live. You can apply in your home country or another country where you live legally.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Finnish embassy or consulate serves your city for a residence permit for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen?”
Gather your documents
Your parent or guardian should prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsFill in the application
Your parent, guardian or other legal representative should create an Enter Finland account and fill in the application for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen or married to one. If you have two guardians, only one should use the account for your application.
Start the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Finland's residence permit application for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen in Enter Finland?”
Pay the fee
Your parent or guardian should pay the processing fee online using Finnish online banking or a major credit card.
Pay the feeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay in Enter Finland for a residence permit for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen?”
Submit your application
Your parent or guardian should attach the required documents and submit your application in Enter Finland. A paper application is also available.
Submit the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a residence permit application for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen in Enter Finland?”
Book an appointment
Your parent or guardian should arrange an appointment at the Finnish embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment at the Finnish embassy or consulate serving your city for a residence permit for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen?”
Go to your appointment
You and your parent or guardian should go to the embassy or consulate so you can prove your identity. Bring your passport, photo or photo code, and the original documents, with copies and translations where requested.
Prepare for your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “What should a child bring to a Finnish embassy or consulate appointment for a residence permit for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen?”
Wait for the decision
Wait outside Finland for the decision on your first online application. Your parent or guardian should follow the application in Enter Finland and upload any extra documents requested.
Follow your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow a residence permit application for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen in Enter Finland?”
Travel to Finland
Once your permit is approved, travel with your permit and travel document. You can then live with your parent or guardian in Finland.
Plan your travelSearches DuckDuckGo for “How can a child travel to Finland after approval of a residence permit for a child whose guardian is a Finnish citizen?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates *
Bring your birth certificate showing your parents. If you were adopted, add the adoption decision; if your parents were unmarried when you were born, add the certificate establishing paternity.
* Only if your Finnish parent is your biological parent, you were adopted or your parents were unmarried.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParent's written consent *
Bring written consent to your move from the parent living outside Finland. If your parents share custody, have the consent confirmed by a notary or another authority.
* Only if a parent lives outside Finland and must consent to your move.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParent's death certificate *
Bring the death certificate of the parent who has died. Get it from the office that issued it.
* Only if your other parent has died.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationCustody records *
Bring the official decision showing who has custody or guardianship of you. If you have custody or access agreements or other custody documents, bring those too.
* Only if your Finnish guardian is not your biological parent or you have custody or access documents.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit and record updates
Renew your permit before it expires if you still need it, and keep your passport valid.
Tell the relevant authorities about changes to your address, family circumstances and other registered details.
Residence can be lost
Your permit ends when it expires unless it is extended, and extension is not automatic.
It may be withdrawn or not extended if the reason for your stay no longer exists, though a family breakdown does not automatically end it.
False or misleading information and other legal grounds for removal or withdrawal can also affect it.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expats & Foreigners in Finland
English Facebook group for people living in Finland interested in Finnish visas
Join on Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditForeigners in Finland
English Facebook group for people living in Finland interested in Finnish local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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