🛂D visa and residence permit in Finland: entry before receiving the card, rights and special cases
We often hear about D visas, but it's not always clear why they're needed if a residence permit has already been approved. Don't worry - it's actually really straightforward! A D visa isn't a substitute for a residence permit or a separate permit. It's a really handy 'accelerator' for getting started, helping you to begin a new life in Finland without having to wait for ages for a plastic card from abroad.
🛂 Why do you need a D visa if your residence permit has already been approved?
A D visa lets you come to Finland before your residence permit card is ready. This means that you can get started right away: sign up, begin your studies, start working (if your residence permit type allows it).
If you don't apply for a D visa, you'll have to wait for your plastic card outside the country. You don't always have to wait, especially if you already have plans, a contract or the start of the semester.
To enter Finland immediately after your residence permit is approved — without waiting for the plastic card. This is a quick start: registration, work, study.
🧩 Can I apply for a D visa without a residence permit?
No, a Finnish D visa cannot be used on its own and is not the same as a regular national visa from other countries. You can only get it when you have already been approved for a residence permit so that you can enter Finland and wait for your plastic card to arrive.
It is a short wait between the immigration service's decision and the actual move.
💼 Does a D visa allow you to work?
This point often causes confusion. All employment rights are determined by the residence permit itself, not the D visa.
If your residence permit says you can work, you can start working on a D visa. If it doesn't, the D visa won't give you any extra opportunities.
It only allows you to enter the country and does not expand your options
✈️ Can I enter the country without my residence permit card?
Yes, and that is exactly why the D visa exists. You don't need to have the card itself to use it.
If you don't have a D visa, you won't be allowed into the country without the plastic card. You'll have to wait for the card to be made abroad and enter the country with it
🪪 Lost your residence permit card abroad — what should you do?
If your residence permit is valid but you lost your plastic card while you were away, you can apply for a D visa to return. This is the fastest and most official way to re-enter Finland and get your documents back.
Apply for a D visa to return. It confirms your right to enter with a valid residence permit and helps you to restore your card in Finland.
🌍 Can I travel within the Schengen area with a Finnish residence permit?
Yes. If you have a residence permit from Finland, you can spend up to 90 days in other Schengen countries without needing any extra visas.
All you need for travel is your passport and your residence permit card. This is known as 'Schengen mobility for residents' — a nice bonus of living in the EU
📝 Can I apply for my first residence permit while I'm already in Finland?
Usually, no.
The first application is usually submitted outside Finland, at a visa centre or consulate.
There are some exceptions, but these are very limited and depend on the reason for the change. For example, a change of status or special family circumstances. When applying for a residence permit, it's important to focus on the specific type that applies to you
🩺 Do I need insurance for my residence permit application?
For some categories, it is mandatory. This is usually for students, some employees and family members.
The insurance requirements depend on the type of residence permit. The minimum coverage amounts, list of risks, validity period and country of coverage must comply with official instructions. So, it's always best to check the requirements for your exact category, rather than just the 'general' ones
It is mandatory for students and a number of other categories. Check the requirements for your type of residence permit — coverage amounts vary.
A D visa saves time when a residence permit has been approved. Remember: this does not replace the residence permit itself or extend your right to work — it only speeds up entry.
❓FAQ
It depends on your nationality—some passports require an airport transit (A) visa even without leaving the zone.
You need a short-stay Schengen visa if you pass passport control or leave the transit area (including terminal changes landside).
No—going into the city counts as entering Schengen and requires a regular Schengen visa if you are visa-required.
Only if you are visa-exempt; otherwise you need the same Schengen visa rules as any entry.
Yes—each day in or returning to Schengen still counts toward the 90/180 calculation.
Staying beyond your allowed days can lead to fines, database notes, and possible future entry bans.
Extensions are rare and usually only granted for exceptional reasons like humanitarian grounds or serious disruptions.
Yes, the decision letter explains the deadline and procedure for submitting an appeal with supporting documents.
Many travelers use two passports: the new one for identity and the old one as the visa holder (check with the airline).
It lets you enter Finland quickly after your residence permit is approved, without waiting abroad for the plastic card.
0 comments
Log in to leave a comment