question regarding residence permit

[skall]

Hi everyone.

I'm a dual American/Irish citizen that worked in Finland from January 2006-April 2008 in sales. After I left that position (there were too many problems to list with that job), I stayed and tried to find something else, but unfortunately found nothing. I've taken some Finnish courses during my time there, but my Finnish is still pretty basic (I'm still practicing though!). In August, I ultimately decided that in this point and time that I should leave the country and go home searching for work. I notified all the authorities (maistraati, vero, KELA, etc) and returned my KELA card.

Now I decided I'd like to go back to Finland (I really do miss it), continue my studies, and pursue my Master's degree. I was just wondering if my residence permit (which I still have with me and is obviously based on my Irish citizenship) is still valid since I have worked and paid taxes for over 2 years? Or is it not valid anymore since I've left the country? Also, would I be able to qualify for any student money? It's fine if I'm not as I have planned to save enough money before coming back to Finland anyway, but I was just wondering.

Thanks for your help!

-Sean

[Pursuivant]

Well as you are an EU and "returning" it isn't as if you are in the need for any permit as such. Basically you inform the maistraatti you're back, and your ID number switches back into active mode. Now then it depends of how they switch it back on, but you should be able to fall back in without having to do the EU registration all over. And if you've not been out of the country long enough to have dropped off KELA you can get your card back... Now if you're still on KELA you might be able to get the benefits as well... it depends on how the computer likes you. And yes you are the same person with the same number.

[skall]

Well as you are an EU and "returning" it isn't as if you are in the need for any permit as such. Basically you inform the maistraatti you're back, and your ID number switches back into active mode. Now then it depends of how they switch it back on, but you should be able to fall back in without having to do the EU registration all over. And if you've not been out of the country long enough to have dropped off KELA you can get your card back... Now if you're still on KELA you might be able to get the benefits as well... it depends on how the computer likes you. And yes you are the same person with the same number.

Okay, thanks for the info. I appreciate it!