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Permits and licences for foreignersThe local police issue:
Applications for the above permits must be submitted to the District Police of the applicants' place of residence in person or through an attorney. Applicants must go to the police station in person to prove their identity before a decision on a permit is made. Abroad, permit applications are filed with a Finnish mission. As regards EU citizens, the local police register EU citizens' right of residence, and handle matters relating to the issue of residence cards to EU citizens' family members' if the family members are not EU citizens. Nordic citizens do not need a visa or residence permit for residing or working in Finland. When travelling between Nordic countries, they do not need a passport or any other identity document. Nordic citizens must, however, be able to prove their identity, if necessary, which is why they should hold a passport or identity card when travelling. When entering Finland for purposes other than short-term residence, Nordic citizens must register their residence at a Register Office. That is why the local police do not register their right of residence. The police may issue identity cards to foreigners. Such identity cards are not travel documents, which is why they cannot be used for travelling outside Finland. The police may also, upon application, exchange a driving licence issued in an EU or EEC country to a comparable Finnish driving licence. For further information about permits and licences for foreigners, please contact the District Police of your place of residence, the Directorate of Immigration, an employment office or a Finnish mission abroad. The Aliens Act in force before the entry into force of the new Aliens Act applies to matters initiated before the new Act's entry into force on 1 May 2004. The new Act applies to matters returned to the authorities to be processed again. Finnish Immigration Service  Back | Print page |
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