Reminder UK citizens in Finland: Apply for Brexit permit by 30 Sept

The United Kingdom has left the European Union. For this reason, British citizens in Finland need to apply for a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement (also called 'Brexit permit') on 30 September 2021 at the latest.

This obligation affects British citizens and members of the family of British citizens residing in Finland since before 31 December 2020, according to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

According to Migri, when applications are submitted before the deadline, applicants can legally reside in Finland and their right to work or study will continue until they receive a decision.

Family members living abroad can apply for a Brexit permit at any time, provided that their family member is a British citizen and they meet the residence requirements laid down in the withdrawal agreement.

Submitting an online application is the fastest way to apply, the Finnish Immigration Service emphasized in a press release.

People moving now

People now moving to Finland must apply for a Brexit permit within three months of arriving in Finland.

In such a case, they do not need to apply before 30 September. Instead, they can submit their application also after 30 September.

In the case of family members, their family tie to a British citizen must have been formed prior to December 2020 and they must still be a family member of a British citizen when they move to Finland.