I'm Finnish, he's American. Anyone with a similar story?

[FinnishSanna]

Hey all, I'm new here. I'm so glad I came across this forum because from the looks of it you guys can be very helpful.
My name's Susanna, I'm 24 and still in school. I'll graduate Dec. 2006.
My fiance Jim is American, and we've been together 3 years. Last year we applied for a residency permit for him (while he was in the States), and had to wait 9 months to get a NO from Finnish immigrations (they had his passort so he couldn't even come here for a visit). Their reasoning was that our reasons for applying weren't "strong" enough since we weren't engaged or married.
We got engaged in April of this year, and are getting married on January 13th, 2006. After that we will apply for a residency permit for him through the local police. And all we can do is hope that they approve it.
I was wondering if anyone's had a similar experience, and what the outcome of that was? And does anyone know how it works, can he apply for a work permit when/if the residency permit is approved? Does he have to have a job already lined up before he can apply for the work permit?
I find it hard to find information about these things over the internet, and I've given up on calling immigrations (uvi) in Helsinki. They aren't very helpful at all...
We thought it would be easier for him to move over here and that the process wouldn't be as much of a hassle as it is to move to the States... I'm starting to think it's the other way around...

I would appreciate any help that anyone can offer us!

Thank you.

Susanna

[Jussi]

Hei Sanna/Susanna,
Congrats on your engagement. I have had a very similar situation to yours in that I am an Australian citizen and my wife is finnish. we moved here while we were married and had no problems getting a residence permit. the law basically says that they have to give it to you if you are married. the residence permit that you get when you are married is also a full work permit as well. so once you have that, he can work, study and even get Kela. (which i do). so things look good for you. if you have any other questions feel free to email or private message me, ill do my best to help.
also where are you from?
Hope this helps


Cheers






Jussi
PS have a look at http://europa.eu.int/youreurope/nav/en/ ... ly/en.html

[soledad]

Sort of similar but messier.
So Finnish - Texan combination but stuck elsewhere in Europe. Same problems though. 90 days this and 90 days that, so to live and work in the same country (whichever it would be) pretty much have to get married.

[Naomi]

hi there, yes im also interested on the subject of residents permits-im planning to move to finland soon and wold like to know if i need a residents permit to live in finland even if im an eu citizen????

If so how do i go about getting one??

[Hank W.]

Its a formality, EU people don't apply, they register for. Basically you have to do it within 3 months at your local police station, usually people do it in the process of getting themselves settled, get your tax sheet etc. The local magistrate requires a visit also as they then give you your ID number to become a "resident" to be found in the computer... then you can... hmmm... wait for the next municipal elections and get a voting slip

[Naomi]

so you have to be married or engaged to a finn just to register yourself???

[Hank W.]

Where did it say that, do I write in invisible ink again?

[soledad]

Naomi if you are EU citizen (like Sheffield would suggest) no reason to marry a Finn for getting permits.

So just marry one if you find one that you reaaaally love.

[Hank W.]

Yeah, theres a few big hairy ones out there

[soledad]

Nah .. for hunting for hairy examples of the males, Finland isn't the best place... try Greece or Southern Italy for more hairy variables if the hair turns you on.

[Hank W.]

Not enough hair?