Residence Permit for a Newborn in Finland (For Indian Parents)

How to Apply for a Residence Permit for a Newborn in Finland (For Indian Parents)

If you are an Indian citizen living in Finland and have just had a baby here—congratulations! 🎉 Along with the happiness of welcoming your little one, you’ll also need to take care of some official paperwork. One of the most important steps is applying for a residence permit for your newborn in Finland.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, with a timeline checklist, FAQs, and required documents to make things easy for you.

Step 1: Register Your Baby’s Birth in Finland

📌 Tip: Keep multiple copies, as you’ll need it for both passport and residence permit applications.

Step 2: Apply for Your Baby’s Indian Passport

Since your child is an Indian citizen by descent, you must apply for an Indian passport at the Embassy of India in Helsinki.

You will need:

  • Baby’s Finnish birth certificate

  • Parents’ valid passports and residence permits

  • Baby’s passport photos (as per Indian standards)

  • Completed application form and fee receipt

Once processed, your child will receive their passport.

Step 3: Apply for Residence Permit (Migri – Enter Finland)

With the Indian passport in hand, apply for a residence permit for the child via the Enter Finland portal.

Upload:

  • Child’s Indian passport

  • Child’s Finnish birth certificate

  • Parents’ passports and valid residence permits

  • Proof of family ties (marriage certificate, etc.)

  • Proof of income (if required)

💡 Usually, the application is based on family ties with the parent(s).

Step 4: Visit Migri with the Baby

  • Book an appointment at a Migri service point.

  • Bring your baby and all original documents.

  • Biometrics will be taken (for infants, usually just a photo).

Step 5: Wait for the Decision

  • Track your application status via Enter Finland.

  • Processing times vary, but newborn cases are often prioritized.

  • Once approved, you’ll get the baby’s residence permit card.

📋 Required Documents Checklist

Here’s a quick summary of the documents you’ll typically need:

For the Baby

  • Finnish birth certificate (from DVV)

  • Indian passport (issued by the Indian Embassy in Helsinki)

  • Passport-sized photos (as per standards)

For the Parents

  • Valid passports (both parents)

  • Valid residence permits in Finland

  • Proof of family ties:

    • Marriage certificate (if married)

    • Or proof of parenthood (if unmarried)

  • Proof of income/financial resources (may be required depending on the residence status)

Other Supporting Documents

  • Filled application forms (online via Enter Finland)

  • Payment receipt of application fee

📌 Note: Always carry original documents + photocopies when visiting Migri.

📅 Sample Timeline Checklist for Parents

  • Week 1–2 → Baby’s birth is registered with DVV → receive Finnish birth certificate.

  • Week 3–4 → Apply for Indian passport at the Embassy of India, Helsinki.

  • Week 5–7 → Receive the Indian passport.

  • Week 8 → Submit residence permit application via Enter Finland + book Migri appointment.

  • Week 9–10 → Attend Migri appointment with baby and originals.

  • Week 11 onwards → Wait for decision (usually a few weeks to a few months).

FAQs: Residence Permit for Newborns in Finland

1. Do newborns need a residence permit in Finland?

Yes. Even if your baby is born in Finland, they are not automatically Finnish citizens. As Indian citizens, they need a residence permit to stay.

2. Can I apply before the baby gets a passport?

No. A valid Indian passport is required for the residence permit application.

3. How long does it take to process?

It depends, but children’s permits based on family ties are often processed faster than other categories.

4. What if the parents have permanent residence permits?

If either parent holds a permanent residence permit or EU long-term residence status, the child’s application may be simpler and approved more quickly.

Useful Links

👉 By following these steps, preparing the required documents, and using the sample timeline, your newborn will be properly registered, hold an Indian passport, and have a valid residence permit to stay in Finland with you.