Migri: Finnish immigration service & permits
The Finnish Immigration Service; handles residence permits and many immigration decisions.
Detailed explanation
Migri operates under the Ministry of the Interior and serves as Finland's central authority for all immigration-related decisions. The agency was established in 1995 and has grown significantly as Finland has become an increasingly international destination for workers, students, and families.
The agency handles a wide range of immigration matters: first residence permits, permit extensions and renewals, permanent residence permits, Finnish citizenship applications, asylum and refugee cases, and deportation decisions. Migri also maintains the register of foreign nationals in Finland and issues residence permit cards.
Processing times at Migri vary considerably depending on the permit type and current application volumes. Work-based permits for specialists and seasonal workers are often processed quickly, while family reunification cases and asylum applications may take considerably longer. The agency has been working to digitalize its services and reduce processing times, with most applications now submitted online through the Enter Finland portal.
How it affects expats
- •Residence permits
- •Non-EU citizens need a residence permit before moving to Finland (some exceptions apply)
- •Enter Finland
- •Most applications are submitted through the online Enter Finland service
- •Biometrics appointment
- •After online application, you must visit a Finnish embassy or Migri service point for identity verification
- •Permit extensions
- •Apply for extensions before your current permit expires; you can stay while the application is processed
- •Work rights
- •Your residence permit card shows what kind of work you're allowed to do
- •Path to citizenship
- •After living in Finland for typically 5 years, you may apply for Finnish citizenship through Migri
- •EU citizens
- •Generally don't need residence permits but must register with DVV for stays over 3 months
How to apply for a residence permit
- Determine the correct permit type for your situation (work, study, family, entrepreneur, etc.)
- Create an account on Enter Finland (enterfinland.fi)
- Complete the online application and pay the processing fee
- Book an appointment at a Finnish embassy or Migri service point for identity verification
- Provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints) and original documents
- Wait for the decision (track status online)
- Collect your residence permit card or have it mailed to your Finnish address
Official links
- •Migri website: migri.fi
- •Enter Finland portal: enterfinland.fi
Related terms
- •DVV — The Digital and Population Data Services Agency
- •Foreigner's ID number (HETU) — The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services
- •Municipality of residence (Kotikunta) — Your official municipality of residence, which can affect access to public services
Related Government Terms
DVV: population registry & Finnish ID services
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency; handles population information and identity data services.
Finnish ID card (henkilökortti)
Official identity document issued by the police in Finland, valid for travel within the EU/EEA.
Foreigner's ID number (HETU)
The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services.
HSL (Helsinki regional transport)
Helsinki's public transport authority managing buses, trams, metro, trains, and ferries in the capital region.