The Finnish Investor Visa Scheme To Know

A quiet, picturesque Nordic country with some of the best standards of living in the world is what Finland is in a nutshell. For years, Finland has been a top performer on multiple indices, especially in terms of political stability and Press Freedom. Reports suggest that it is the world’s happiest country and has been so for the last four consecutive years. Over here, the economy maintains a per capita output on par with many influential European counterparts such as Germany and the United Kingdom. All in all, there are a lot of opportunities that investors can exploit through contribution – and Finland knows that.

The Finnish Investor Visa scheme is a forward step toward attracting foreign investments in economic development. Through this scheme, one can obtain permanent residency and even citizenship, provided certain conditions are met. To understand better, I have enumerated all the necessary pointers about the scheme. If you have been reading about these kinds of schemes, you will notice many similarities. Yet, you can always learn more. 

You will have to apply for a residence permit

You start by applying for a residence permit. Initially, you receive a temporary residence permit. It is only after four years you are eligible to apply for a permanent permit. There are certain requirements that must be met for a successful application. These requirements include the applicant being an entrepreneur involved in an active business, possession of a valid passport, no serious health ailments that can endanger public health, evidence of income from the business, and clean criminal background. 

Procedure and fees

Of course, there is more to the application process. You will have to understand how you can apply for the scheme. To obtain a residence permit, you will have to satisfy all the conditions I mentioned in the first point. Whatever documents you are required to submit to the authorities should be translated into English, Finnish, or Swedish.

While there is an option to fill up the physical form, online application forms are also rolled out for those who cannot physically come to the country. The application form, however, does not come for free. There is also a significant difference in the fee for online and physical forms submission. In the former, you have to pay EUR 490, but in the latter, the fee rises to EUR 640. Even for the extension of the residence permit, a fee is levied. 

How much time does it take?

Investors look at these schemes with a glint of excitement in their eyes. Why? There are varied reasons, and one of them is the fact that these schemes are relatively quick in processing applications. Under the Finnish scheme, the time taken is around 5 to 9 months in the case of an online application form. The processing time does elongate, otherwise to 11 to 15 months. Note that the time of stay in the country starts from the day you visit Finland. There could be delays in the application processing; you may not have filled some entries properly or requested exemptions from certain requirements. 

What makes Finland a catch

I think I made this point clear already, but there is a scope for elaboration. From the point of view of an investor, there is more to a country than just its natural landscape and peaceful lifestyle. There must be opportunities to expand and explore. With an investor visa, you will have access to all EU countries without any restrictions. You will gain eligibility to acquire a Finnish passport. The country recognizes dual citizenship, so you don’t have to forsake your existing citizenship. The healthcare and education system here is top-quality, to which you will have unbridled access. Your family members can enjoy similar benefits as well. 

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