Permanent residence permit
P permit
Since 8 January 2026, applicants for a Finnish permanent residence permit choose one of several routes, each with its own residence period. The general route needs 6 years on a continuous (A) permit, 2 years of work in Finland and Finnish or Swedish at B1; shorter 4-year routes exist for high income, foreign higher degrees or very good language skills, and holders of a Finnish higher-education degree are exempt from the residence period.
Life in Finland
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
91
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
12.64–37.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25.5%
State tax 37.5% above EUR 52,100; plus municipal tax (set by each municipality, roughly 4.7-10.9%) and optional church tax.
Living
1
Happiness
#1 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
People living in Finland on a continuous (A) residence permit, for example for work or family.
Eligibility
Continuous residence
You need to have lived in Finland on a continuous (A) permit or Brexit permit without gaps.
- Trips abroad are fine unless they total more than half of the permit's validity
- Permits for studies or looking for work do not lead to a permanent permit
Official wording
Residence on a continuous (A) permit (or Brexit permit) without gaps; trips abroad are fine unless they total more than half of the permit's validity. Permits for studies or looking for work do not lead to a permanent permit.
Route: 6 years of residence
You need at least 6 years on an A permit, 2 years of work history in Finland, and Finnish or Swedish at B1.
Requirements for this route
- A permit
- 6 years
- Work history
- 2 years
- Language level
- B1
- Language is not required from age 65
Official wording
At least 6 years on an A permit, at least 2 years of work history in Finland, and satisfactory Finnish or Swedish (B1); language not required from age 65.
Route: annual income EUR 40,000
You need at least 4 years on an A permit and taxable income of at least EUR 40,000 in your latest completed tax assessment.
Requirements for this route
- A permit
- 4 years
- Taxable income
- EUR 40,000
Official wording
At least 4 years on an A permit and taxable income of at least EUR 40,000 in the latest completed tax assessment.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementRoute: foreign higher degree
- Document checklistValid passport
- FeesPermanent residence permit - online
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 4 documents
- 2 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Finland
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
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Official sources
Other routes to Finland
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for studies
- Work permitsResidence permit for a specialist (erityisasiantuntija), including the fast-track service
- FamilyResidence permit for a spouse
- CitizenshipFinnish citizenship by application
Permanent residence in other countries
- GrenadaGrenada Permit of Permanent Residence
- IcelandPermanent residence permit
- JamaicaPermanent Residence
- JapanPermanent Resident (Eijuusha) - including Highly Skilled Professional fast track
- KyrgyzstanTemporary and permanent residence permit
- St. Kitts & NevisSt Kitts and Nevis temporary, annual and permanent residence
