How do you get a residence permit card in Finland in 2026?

Apply for the underlying permit first through Enter Finland: Apply for a residence permit. Everyone over six gives fingerprints when submitting the application. Abroad that happens at a Finnish embassy or consulate; in Finland it happens at a Migri service point. The chip stores a facial image and two fingerprints.

When the decision is positive and you receive the card in Finland, Migri sends it to a collection point near the Finnish address on your application, usually within two weeks. You get an email and text arrival notice with the consignment number, collection address, and last pick-up day. Bring that notice. Another person can collect for you with the same notice. You cannot change the collection point after the notice arrives. Applications filed abroad often collect through the Finnish mission that handled biometrics. Fast-track and D-visa routes can let you travel before the card arrives, but you must still collect the card on time once it lands in Finland.

Card markings show citizenship, permit type (A continuous, B temporary, P permanent, or P-EU long-term resident), and the card’s end date. English as your Enter Finland contact language still prints the card text in Finnish. Living without a valid card while you need one can breach the Aliens Act.

Carry the card as everyday proof of stay for employers, landlords, and travel under the rules that apply to your status. Migri is explicit: the card is not an official identity document, so it does not replace a passport for identity checks. A henkilötunnus, DVV address and kotikunta, bank account, and public health enrolment still run on parallel calendars: Paperwork after moving.

If the permit itself expires, apply for an extended permit. Ordering a new card alone does not extend stay rights. Permanent-permit holders renew the plastic card about every five years without re-applying for permanent status: Get permanent residence. EU/EEA citizens usually register right of residence rather than hunting this card type.