Immigrate to Finland from Russia

People who want to immigrate to Finland from Russia must pay attention to the current regulations imposed by the Finnish authorities. What is important to note is that residence permit applications are still processed, but Finland’s land border with Russia has been closed since December 2023 and entry of Russian citizens is restricted, so the country welcomes people who want to make a new start here.

If you are a Russian citizen and need assistance in moving here, our lawyers in Finland are at your disposal.

How can one move to Finland from Russia?

There are several pathways foreign citizens, including Russians can take to immigrate to Finland. These are:

• by obtaining student visas;
• by obtaining employment;
• by setting up companies in Finland;
• by moving in with relatives who are residents or have Finnish citizenship.

Our law firm in Finland can explain all options and associated conditions in detail. Our specialists can also check the eligibility criteria based on the type of permit selected.

Russian citizens with residence permits and freedom of movement

Russian travellers can still enter Finland and proceed to another EU state or Schengen country if they have a residence permit issued in Finland, an EU member state, a member state of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or a long-stay visa (type D visa) to a Schengen country.

In relation to border checks, decisions about entry permission will always be decided on a case-by-case basis. Our lawyers in Finland can offer more information on this subject.

Under the existing travel restrictions, Russian citizens who fall into one of the following categories are permitted to enter and immigrate Finland from Russia:

• relatives of foreign nationals living permanently in Finland as well as relatives of Finnish citizens;
• relatives of people who are citizens of Switzerland, the European Union, or a member of the European Economic Area;
• work permit holders;
• businesspersons;
• students;
• people traveling to Finland for medical care;
• real estate owners.

If you are not on the list above and want to immigrate to Finland from Russia, you can rely on our lawyers for legal support.

How to move to Finland from Russia based on a temporary visa

Russian citizens can apply for Schengen C visas which enables them to travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period inside the Schengen Area, including Finland. One can also apply for a D visa in order to enter Finland if their residence permit is still valid, but the Finnish residence permit card has been misplaced, stolen, or has expired.

Another way to relocate from Russia to Finland temporarily is through the limited territorial validity visas (VLTVs). They let holders to enter and exit one or more of the Schengen States that are indicated on the visa.

Feel free to address our lawyers for detailed information on how to immigrate to Finland.

Obtaining a work visa for Finland

Many Russian citizens decide to relocate to Finland based on employment. For this purpose, they need to apply for work visas.

To immigrate to Finland from Russia and perform the work specified in the visa, people can move just like persons who have residency. You can count on our Finnish lawyers for support in applying for an employment permit.

How to obtain residency in Finland as a Russian

If you are employed, studying, or have family member in Finland, you may apply for a residence permit. Please note that in this case, you will need to apply for the residence permit before you actually move to Finland from Russia.

Do Russians still immigrate to Finland?

According to news, Russians still come to Finland. Moreover:

• in 2022, the number of Russians entering Finland was one of the largest in the last 30 years;
• compared to 2021, when the number was Russian migrants was around 3,100, in 2022, more than 6,000 people entered Finland.

If you need support in immigration to Finland from Russia, do not hesitate to contact us.