Researcher’s residence permit

Anyone, except citizens of the Nordic countries or the EU/EEA countries, wishing to work in Finland as a researcher must apply for and receive a residence permit before entering Finland.

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 for scientific research (OLE_TUT). 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. Invitation from the hosting research institution or company, detailing your pay, the duration of your stay and the details of your duties.
5. Clarification of income (documentation or clarification of income source).
6. Hosting agreement (an agreement a research institution signs with a researcher).
7. Processing fee and possibly a postal fee.
8. 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.