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New Biometric Residence Permit Card Requires In-Person Registration

January 20, 2012— On January 1, 2012, the Finnish government began issuing a new biometric residence permit card that replaces the residence permit sticker previously in use. Foreign nationals filing for an initial residence permit or a permit extension must apply in person to submit biometrics for the new card. Due to the change, employers may no longer apply for residence permits on behalf of foreign employees.

Foreign nationals who have a valid residence permit affixed as a sticker to their passport are not immediately required to obtain the new biometric card, but must apply for the card as soon as possible following their passport’s expiration.

Foreign nationals who have a pending residence permit extension application that was submitted in Finland prior to January 1 must submit biometric information at a Finnish police station to supplement their application. However, foreign nationals who have a pending initial application at a Finnish embassy or consulate that was submitted prior to January 1 need not submit their biometric information at the consular post.

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