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Finnish authorities announced that decision-making on certain residence permit applications will be paused Jan. 1-8, 2025.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Effective Jan. 1, work permit services will be transferred from TE Offices (Employment and Economic Development) to the Finnish Immigration Service. The Finnish Immigration Service will inspect and assess all the requirements for work-based residence permits at once as part of a reforming of the application processing structure. Currently, applications for certain residence permits are processed in two stages: the TE Office first issues a partial decision before forwarding the application to the Finnish Immigration Service for further processing. The pause in decision-making on certain work-based permits in January will allow the government to make the necessary changes to automation and data systems.
BAL Analysis: The government hopes to reform employment and economic development services in Finland, and the reorganization of responsibilities is designed to support that effort and enhance the customer experience, ensuring a more seamless process.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Finnish authorities announced updated requirements for issuing residence permits through amendments to the Aliens Act.
Additional Information: Some applicants may still apply for a first residence permit in-country, such as family members of Finnish citizens, children born in Finland and family members of a student or researcher who are applying for a residence permit for study or research. Officials stated that each application will be examined individually.
BAL Analysis: All residence permit applications submitted before Sept. 1 that have not yet received a decision will have the new requirements applied. The government hopes to prevent evasion of provisions on entry into the country more effectively and enhance the reliability of identity verification to prevent situations of abuse.
Finnish authorities announced increased salary threshold requirements for certain applications, effective Nov. 1.
Additional Information: Regional differences are factored into decision-making regarding the income threshold required. The new income thresholds will be updated every year in the form of index increases. The income thresholds for permits for students, au pairs and working holiday will also increase Nov. 1.
BAL Analysis: Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements to ensure applicants have sufficient financial resources or secure means of support to live and work in Finland. Employers should be aware of and consider the increased thresholds in their business planning for calendar year 2025.
Finnish authorities have approved the first set of amendments to the Citizenship Act, which will enter into force on Oct. 1.
Additional Information: Only periods of residence with a residence permit are considered when it comes to determining an applicant’s period of residence. An applicant may reside outside the country for one total year as part of the required period of residence, as long as it is not more than three months during the year preceding naturalization.
BAL Analysis: There are currently backlogs in the processing of citizenship applications and limited appointment availability at service points. Applicants should make sure they meet all requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship and be aware of their application-specific period of residence required for approval.
Finnish authorities have introduced an automated post-decision monitoring system for specialist residence permits.
Additional Information: A specialist residence permit is granted to foreign nationals who work in expert duties that require specialized expertise in Finland. The requirements to qualify can be found here. A first residence permit for a specialist is granted for a maximum of two years. The permit is valid for the duration of the employment relationship even if the employment lasts for less than two years.
BAL Analysis: The Finnish Immigration Service has conducted post-decision monitoring since 2017, and automated post-decision monitoring is already being used to monitor the permits of students and startup entrepreneurs. The government hopes to expand the scope of this system to cover work-based residence permits to combat labor exploitation.
The Finnish government updated EU Blue Card regulations, including new salary requirements.
Additional Information: Eligible highly skilled workers must also have confirmed employment for at least six months before applying for the permit. An EU Blue Card can be issued for a maximum of two years, and applicants in Finland can apply via a fast-track service and receive a permit in two weeks. Applicants can apply for a D visa concurrently with a residence permit, which allows an individual to travel to Finland immediately once the residence permit and D visa sticker have been attached to their passport. More information about obtaining an EU residence permit for highly qualified employment can be found here.
BAL Analysis: The government is implementing the requirements of Directive (EU) 2021/1883 to restructure and widen the migration possibilities with an EU Blue Card. The new immigration initiatives are designed to make it easier for skilled workers to live and work in Finland and will take immediate effect.
Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements for specialist and EU Blue Card permits in 2024.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Additional requirements such as minimum employment periods and education duration are considered along with salary thresholds to determine an employee’s eligibility for either an EU Blue Card or specialist permit. The new salary levels apply for first residence permits and extensions. In certain circumstances, immigration authorities will process an application as a specialist permit application if an EU Blue Card applicant’s salary does not meet the requirement. Applications that do not meet the specialist minimum salary requirement will be processed under a different category, residence permit for an employed person.
BAL Analysis: Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements for these two permit types to ensure applicants have sufficient financial resources or secure means of support to live and work in Finland. Additional details on the income requirements can be found here. Employers should be aware of and consider the increased thresholds in their business planning for 2024.
Finnish authorities announced the extension of Ukrainian residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection until March 4, 2025.
Additional Information: Finnish authorities recommend that eligible individuals apply for a new residence permit card even though the current permit has been extended. Ukrainian nationals can apply for a new card as of Feb. 17, and the updated validity period of the residence permit will be printed on the new card. The fastest way to receive a new residence permit card is via online service.
BAL Analysis: The Finnish Immigration Service stated that it will send a letter confirming the extension of permits on the basis of temporary protection. Various non-EU countries have introduced similar protection programs, along with the EU temporary protection directive, and more countries are expected to extend protected status for Ukrainian citizens.
Finnish authorities announced that immigration offices are experiencing a significant backlog in processing applications based on family ties.
Additional Information: Authorities provided a few tips to improve processing times when applying for a residence permit based on family ties. Applicants should be sure to fill in the application carefully, legalize documents appropriately, inform Finnish immigration authorities if there are any changes in family relationships and remember to renew passports in a timely manner.
BAL Analysis: The Finnish Immigration Service confirmed it is recruiting additional staff and improving application processing procedures to clear the backlog as quickly as possible. BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Finnish authorities announced that applicants for citizenship or residence cards can now book appointments for early 2024.
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.