Key Points
- Finland Immigration Service announced more Brexit information for British citizens
- Current residents of Finland must apply for residency through September 30, 2021 Individuals who have been in Finland for five uninterrupted years can apply for permanent residence rights
- Individuals with a right of permanent residency as EU citizens before January 1, 2020, can change their residence status to permanent residency
- British citizens abroad can apply for residency rights through a Finnish Embassy or Consulate
- Individuals who have applied for permanent residency but do not meet the requirements can submit a form through the Finland Immigration Service’s website
- Individuals arriving in Finland after the Brexit transition must apply for residency as non-EU citizens
- The Finland Immigration Service has announced additional information for British citizens to apply for residency under the Brexit withdrawal agreement
What are the Changes?
- British citizens who are residents of Finland before December 31, 2020, must apply for residency again through September 30, 2021, to remain in the country.
- British citizens who legally reside in Finland for five uninterrupted years but are not yet permanent residents as EU citizens can apply for permanent residence rights under the withdrawal agreement.
- British citizens holding a right of permanent residency as EU citizens issued before January 1, 2021, can apply to change their residence status into permanent residency under the withdrawal agreement.
- British citizens who previously registered for residency in Finland but are living abroad can temporarily apply for a right of residence outside the country. They should submit their applications to the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate.
- British citizens applying for permanent residence status for themselves or a child who is a British citizen and have registered for a right of permanent residence but who do not meet the residency requirements must complete a form available through the Finland Immigration Service website.
- Individuals arriving in Finland for the first time after the Brexit transition ends on December 31, 2020, cannot apply for a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement. Instead, they must apply for residence permits as individuals arriving from non-EU countries.
Background
Following the UK’s departure from the EU in January 2020, the Brexit transition period will end on December 31, 2020. Individuals can find instructions and more information on scheduling an appointment for their Brexit applications through the Finland Immigration Service’s website.
