Residence Permit on Compassionate Grounds (Oleskelulupa yksilöllisestä inhimillisestä syystä)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 months – 1 year

Estimated Cost

EUR €240

Stay Duration

Varies (Maximum duration for transfer; extensible if transfer continues)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Residence permit for individuals unable to return home due to severe health, family ties, or humanitarian crises, with unrestricted work rights.

The Residence Permit on Compassionate Grounds is Finland's discretionary pathway for individuals whose asylum claims were denied but whose return would be unreasonable or inhumane. It addresses cases outside formal protection—severe untreatable illness, deep social ties, or deteriorated home conditions—where human suffering exceeds standard legal categories.

Processing typically takes 4 months, though complex cases may reach 12 months. The application fee is EUR 240. Successful applicants gain unrestricted work rights and access to social services. Dependents are allowed. The permit is non-renewable, contingent on the humanitarian circumstances remaining valid.

This visa is ideal for asylum seekers whose applications were denied but face life-threatening health crises, family separation, or circumstances making return untenable.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid reason for staying in Finland that does not meet the criteria for international protection.

Granted on a discretionary basis when return to the home country is not possible or would be inhumane.

Often considered when an asylum application is denied but there are individual humanitarian reasons (e.g., severe illness, lack of treatment in the home country).

Must be applied for separately if not part of an ongoing asylum process.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Salary documentation

Passport photos

Transfer notification (sponsor)

Company registration (sponsor)

Parent company verification (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Unrestricted right to work in Finland without employer restrictions or sponsorship
Access to public services and social support during authorized stay
Spouse can work without restrictions or separate permits
Dependents are allowed to accompany the permit holder
Pathway to permanent residency for those facing humanitarian hardship
Can stay legally in Finland when deportation would be inhumane

Worth Knowing

Discretionary permit—approval is not guaranteed even when grounds are presented
Requires separate application if not part of an ongoing asylum process
May take up to 12 months in complex cases; timeline depends on individual circumstances
Does not provide the same rights and security as international protection status
Discretionary basis only—individual humanitarian assessment required; no objective qualifying criteria