Residence permit application, other grounds

This residence permit application type is meant for applicants who do not apply for a residence permit on the basis of adoption, au pair status, self-employment, former Finnish citizenship, employment as a special expert, studies, remigration, scientific research, internship, employment, sports or sports coaching or family ties. An application form exists for all of the above mentioned types: Application forms.

You should apply for a residence permit based on other grounds when the reason for your residence in Finland is something other than listed above and you are yourself paying for the cost of your residence. Tourism, however, does not constitute valid grounds.

One set of documents will remain in the Embassy or Consulate and the other set will be sent to Finland to the Immigration Service. Thus to apply for residence permit for research purposes bring or send all the following documents to the Embassy or Consulate in duplicate:  

1. Fill in the residence permit application, other grounds (OLE_MUU). The form can be downloaded from the Finnish Immigration Service website: Application forms. Application forms cannot be faxed, they must be the originals. In addition, remember to sign them.
2. Two passport sized photos.
   The photos must follow the Passport Photo Guidelines issued by the police in June 2005. Size: 3,6 cm x 4,7 cm (1 3/8 inch x 1 7/8 inch), head: between 3,2 cm x 3,6 cm (1 1/4 inch to 1 3/8 inch). Incorrect pictures cannot be accepted.
3. Valid passport or other travel document. Please, remember to sign your passport if it is required.
4. Clarification of income.
5. Processing fee and possibly a postal fee.
6. Embassy/Consulate may request additional documents, if needed.

The Immigration Service will process your application. The process cannot be started until all paperwork and payment is received. It is not advisable to make any final travel arrangements, particularly purchase of non-refundable air tickets for a specific date, prior to approval of your application.