Guides

Residence Permits in Finland: EU, Non-EU, and Nordic Citizens

Whether you need a permit, which type to apply for, and how the process works — everything depends on where you are from and why you are moving.

My non-EU residence permit application has been pending for months. Is this normal?

Unfortunately yes, processing times vary a lot by permit type. Work-based permits have been taking 1-6 months depending on the case.

Can I use my foreign driving licence in Finland?

If you have an EU/EEA driving licence, you can use it in Finland without exchanging it. If you have a non-EU licence, you can drive in Finland for up to 1 year after registering your residence.

When can immigrants vote in Finnish elections?

There are different rules for different elections. In municipal elections (kuntavaalit), EU citizens and non-EU citizens who have been registered in Finland for at least 2 years can vote.