|
What is a Permanent Resident? Throughout this site you will regularly encounter the term "permanent resident". A permanent resident is entitled to social security benefits from the Social Insurance Institution, KELA, and it is often in reference to this that the term is used. The following description of a permanent resident is provided by KELA: You can be considered to be living in Finland immediately from the day you move here if you intend to live in Finland on a permanent basis and have a residence permit for one year or more (if required). Whether residence is considered to be on a permanent basis or not is determined by reference to the purpose of your entry to Finland. If you move to Finland as a
and have been granted a residence permit valid for at least a year, you are usually considered to be moving to Finland permanently. The move is also considered to be permanent if you come to Finland for family reasons or you have either a permanent work contract or one for at least two years. If you move to Finland for a short period of time you are not considered to be moving permanently, nor if you are a student who is in Finland for the sole purpose of studying. This means that you would not be entitled to social security benefits from KELA. Under special circumstances, even those with residence permits valid for less than a year can be considered to be living in Finland provided that there are no reasons that would preclude renewal of the permit. Such special circumstances include family reunification and limited passport validity (due, for example, to conditions in the bearer's home country). Persons seeking asylum in Finland are not considered to be living in Finland while their case is pending. If, however, they have been issued a residence permit valid for at least a year, they are considered to be living in Finland from the date the permit was issued. Quota refugees are considered to be living in Finland starting immediately from when they actually move to Finland. Persons moving to Finland must register at a population register office (more information). In order to qualify for benefits from KELA, you must also register in a KELA office and complete the application form (more information and online application). You will then receive a written decision on whether or not you are covered by the Finnish residence-based social security system. If the application is accepted, you will receive a personal KELA card. If it is not accepted it can be appealed by following the instructions included. |