Finnish authorities announced that applicants for citizenship or residence cards can now book appointments for early 2024.

Key Points:

  • Officials stated that the appointment service will also be updated starting Jan. 2, 2024.
  • The time required for renewing a residence card, applying for citizenship or submitting a citizenship application at the service point will now take 20 minutes.
  • All other types of applications will still require 30 minutes, so it is important to select the appropriate appointment type in the application form.

Additional Information: Applicants can fill in the application form in advance using the Enter Finland e-service website. If you are applying for citizenship and cannot use Enter Finland, fill in a paper application before visiting the service point. Applications for the renewal of residence cards may be completed by either filling out an application online using strong e-identification or by visiting a service point and bringing the necessary documents and payment to complete the application in-person.

BAL Analysis: Applicants that need to go to a service point to identify themselves for a new residence permit card or Finnish citizenship can now book their appointment for 2024. Individuals should check eligibility criteria before applying and make sure to select the appropriate type of application when booking online. The change should improve the application process and ease an applicant’s ability to apply for citizenship and residence permit cards.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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