Residence permit renewal

Where this article fits

You already have a residence permit in Finland. This article is about renewal — not a first application. Compare your situation with your previous permit before opening Enter Finland.

When to apply for renewal

• Before your current permit expires — a late application may be refused • Not earlier than about 3 months before expiry (exceptions for work and study) • Work-based: often about 2 months before expiry • Study-based: only after required ECTS credits are completed

What may have changed?

Check especially:

• employer or employment contract • study progress and ECTS credits • family circumstances • income • passport validity

Migri may receive salary data from the Incomes Register but can still request more information.

Compare with your previous permit

• I know the last valid day of my current permit
• My basis still applies or I know the new basis
• I have updated changed details and attachments
• My passport is valid
• I will submit before my current permit expires

Step 1. Check timing and basis

Read Migri renewal guidance for your permit type.

Step 2. Update what has changed

Enter only current details in Enter Finland. Do not copy your old application automatically.

Step 3. Submit and check identity

With strong electronic identification a service point visit is not always required. Enter Finland will tell you after sending.

What happens after you submit?

A renewal submitted on time usually keeps your right to stay and work during processing. Follow messages the same way as after a first application.

After renewal submission

1

Step 1

Application received on time

This is the next point in the route.

2

Step 2

Rights continue during processing

Follow messages and reply to requests on time.

3

Step 3

Possible supplement request

This is the next point in the route.

4

Step 4

Decision on extension

Read the decision and check the next action.

Common renewal mistakes

• Application sent after permit expiry • Missing ECTS credits on a study permit • Employer changed but attachments not updated • Confusing card renewal with permit renewal

If you need help

If you are unsure whether your situation has changed enough for renewal or when you must apply, SKMY can help you compare your case with your previous permit. SKMY does not make decisions for Migri.

Next step

After submitting renewal, return to the processing stage.