Residence permit extension

If your previous residence permit expires during the processing of your application, you can remain in Finland, and usually also have the right to work while the application is being processed. If you do not apply for a residence permit extension until after your previous residence permit has expired, you can remain in Finland while the application is being processed but do not have the right to work until you receive a new residence permit.

The Immigration Service will grant you a residence permit extension if the grounds based on which you received the first permit are still valid. You can also apply for a residence permit extension on grounds different to the first permit. Remember that you must meet the requirements for the residence permit in question.

Read more on the InfoFinland page: If the reason for your residence in Finland changes.

In order to receive a residence permit extension in Finland, you must have sufficient income to guarantee your livelihood. If your family members are also applying for a residence permit extension, the requirement for sufficient income applies to them. In certain cases, the Immigration Service does not require sufficient income. You can check who must have sufficient income, and how much, on the Immigration Service website.

If you apply for a residence permit extension, the Finnish Immigration Service receives information about your income from the Incomes Register. Check that your income information is correct in the Incomes Register before you apply for a residence permit.

Bear in mind that, if your situation in life changes, that may also affect your residence permit. A fixed-term residence permit can be revoked if the grounds on which it was granted no longer exist.

Read more on the InfoFinland page: Can I lose my residence permit?

Apply for a residence permit extension in the Enter Finland service:

1. Log in. Confirm your identity using your online banking credentials, Citizen Certificate or Mobile ID.
2. Fill in the application form and include the required enclosures. Information on the necessary enclosures can be found on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service. Also pay the residence permit processing fee.
3. When you submit your application, the Enter Finland service informs you whether you need to come in to prove your identity and to have your fingerprints taken at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service.
4. You should go to a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service if you must prove your identity and present the original copies of the enclosures. You should visit a service point within three months. Book an appointment in advance from the appointment booking service on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
5. Check your Enter Finland account regularly. If further clarifications are needed, you will be informed via your account. You will also be notified of the decision via your account.

If you are unable or do not know how to apply for a residence permit extension online:

1. Apply for a residence permit extension with a paper application.
2. Print out an appropriate form from the Finnish Immigration Service website and fill it in with care. An incorrectly filled application will not be accepted.
3. Book an appointment in advance from the appointment booking service on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
4. Take your filled-in application form, the enclosures and copies of the enclosures, your passport and a passport photo with you to the service point.
5. When submitting your application, you must pay a processing fee.

If you have a residence permit based on temporary protection

If you have fled Ukraine because of the war and have obtained a residence permit based on temporary protection, your permit will automatically be extended to 4 March 2026. You do not need to apply for an extension.