Last Updated:September 13, 2025, 12:20 IST

Conceptualised 26 years ago, the 51.38 km railway line traverses one of India’s most difficult terrains and includes 48 tunnels stretching almost 13 kilometres in total

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Finland, known as the happiest country in the world, is offering Indians a chance to apply for permanent residency. From work and study benefits to family sponsorship, PR opens the door to a secure and fulfilling life in Europe.

Did you know that Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for eight years in a row? From the magical Northern Lights to the modern city of Helsinki, the country is famous not only for its beauty but also for its quality of life. Now, Indians have the opportunity to become permanent residents of Finland. The Finnish government has made it possible for eligible candidates to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PR), which allows them to live, work, and settle in the country for good.

WHY CHOOSE FINLAND FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY?

• Getting PR in Finland comes with several benefits:
• You can live and work in Finland indefinitely.
• You can sponsor your family members to join you.
• PR holders get access to Finland’s social security, healthcare, education, and pension schemes.
• Travel becomes easier as PR allows short visits to most Schengen countries.
• Access to housing benefits, unemployment support, and better credit options.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FINLAND PR

• To qualify, you must meet specific conditions:
• You should have lived in Finland for at least 4 years on a continuous residence permit (A permit). From January 2026, this period will increase to 6 years.
• You must have lived at least 2 years physically in Finland during this time.

Additional requirements include:

• Minimum annual income of 40,000 (about 41.3 lakh), OR
• A recognised master’s/postgraduate degree with 2 years of work experience, OR
• High-level Finnish/Swedish language skills with 3 years of work experience.
• Applicants must also have a clean criminal record.

DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO APPLY

Before applying, make sure you have:

• A valid passport and passport photos
• Proof of financial stability
• A copy of your passport’s ID page
• Consent form if applying as a child
• Any documents proving education, employment, or language skills.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINLAND PR

The application process is straightforward:

1. Check your eligibility and gather all required documents.

2. Fill out the application form online via Enter Finland or submit a paper application.

3. Pay the application fee ($240 online / $350 paper / $180 for under 18).

4. Book an appointment at the Finnish Immigration Service or VFS Global to give biometrics.

5. Track your application online for updates.

6. Once approved, collect your residence card from the embassy or service centre.

COST OF APPLYING FOR PR

• Electronic application: 240 (24,800 approx)
• Paper application: 350 (36,100 approx)
• Under 18 applicants: 180 (18,600 approx)

Finland’s Permanent Residency program is a golden chance for Indians who dream of living in Europe. With its strong social systems, beautiful environment, and welcoming culture, Finland offers not just a home but a better quality of life.

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Fourth largest national park of India, located in Arunachal Pradesh of Northeast India. Most popular for its enormous biodiversity and untouched tropical rainforests. The park features about 1,000 floral and 1,400 fauna species. Namdapha is, infamously, the only world protected area where all four Indian big cats — tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard — coexist. Other animals that inhabit it include Asiatic black bears, Malayan sun bears, dhole (wild dogs), and more. It is a botanical wonderland and a wildlife conservation haven of Northeast India and also been declared an eco-sensitive area.