Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements for specialist and EU Blue Card permits in 2024.

‌Key Points:

  • The salary threshold for the specialist permit type increased to €3,638 per month (about US$3,911), an increase from €3,437 in 2023.
  • The EU Blue Card permit salary threshold increased to €5,457 per month, an increase from €5,209 in 2023.

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.

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 the extension of Ukrainian residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection until March 4, 2025.

‌Key Points:

  • The European Council agreed to extend the temporary protection directive for Ukrainian nationals fleeing the Russian invasion until at least March 4, 2025, and this extension will become binding on EU member states. The specific procedural aspects are determined at a national level, and variations may apply regarding which residents and dependents are considered eligible.
  • All Finnish residence permit cards issued on the basis of temporary protection are valid, even if their last day of validity is March 4, 2023, or March 4, 2024. Ukrainian nationals are allowed to stay in Finland even if they do not apply for a new card.
  • The right to work on the basis of temporary protection will also be valid 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.

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 that immigration offices are experiencing a significant backlog in processing applications based on family ties.

‌Key Points:

  • Officials stated that about 11,800 outstanding applications currently await a decision.
  • The number of applications has risen dramatically over the last two years, increasing about 50% over 2021 figures.
  • In 2023, more than 60% of applications based on family ties were decided in less than three months and 76% were decided in less than six months from the date of application.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Canadian and Finnish governments have announced plans to implement the Youth Mobility Agreement, allowing some Canadian and Finnish nationals to live and work in the two countries.

Key Points:

  • The Youth Mobility Agreement gives Canadian and Italian nationals between the ages of 18 and 35 an opportunity to live and work in each country for up to 12 months through three possible immigration categories:
    • Young workers category. Young Professionals participants receive an employer-specific work permit to gain targeted, professional work experience that is within their field of study or career path.
    • International internship category. International Co-op (Internship) participants receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain targeted experience in their fields of study.
    • Working Holiday category. Working Holiday participants receive an open work permit that allows them to work anywhere in the host country to support their travels.
  • Canadian and Finnish nationals can participate in the Youth Mobility Agreement twice, giving them up to 24 months to live and work in each country.
  • The Youth Mobility Agreement is expected to come into force in 2024.

Additional Information: Eligible Finnish nationals can find more information regarding the Youth Mobility Agreement through Canada’s International Experience Canada Program website; eligible Canadian nationals can find more information about the program through this website.

BAL Analysis: Canadian and Finnish authorities plan to introduce the Youth Mobility Agreement to improve bilateral relations and labor market access for their youth between 18 and 35 years old.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Finnish government recently advised travelers to obtain an A1 certificate for short business trips to countries in the European Union and European Economic Area.

Key Points:

  • Individuals must apply for an A1 certificate for regular and frequent business trips to countries in the EU or EEA.
  • A1 certificates allow individuals to travel to countries in the EU and EEA for business purposes for up to two years.
  • Individuals who conduct business in multiple countries in the EU or EEA are permitted to apply for an A1 certificate retrospectively.
  • More information regarding the A1 certificate is available here.

BAL Analysis: Individuals are advised not to apply for an A1 certificate preemptively or if they are traveling to only one country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Finnish government has announced that it will suspend tourist and transit travel for Russian nationals.

Key Points:

  • Beginning today, Russian nationals are not allowed to enter Finland for tourism purposes or to transit to another country.
  • Finnish authorities cited the invasion of Ukraine and the mobilization of the Russian military as reasons for the travel restrictions.
  • Russian nationals who hold Finnish residence permits or who are traveling for humanitarian reasons or for national interests will still be allowed to enter the country.
  • Detailed information regarding entry restrictions for Russian nationals is available here.

BAL Analysis: Russian nationals should expect continued difficulty in obtaining visas for travel to Finland and other countries in the Schengen Area. Employers should plan travel well in advance to avoid complications and delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Finnish government has announced that it will lift its COVID-19 border measures.

Key Points:

  • Beginning June 30, travelers from outside the EU or Schengen Area will no longer face COVID-related border measures.
  • Travelers will no longer be required to have proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or proof of a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter the country.
  • Those entering the country before June 30 are still subject to Finland’s current border measures.

Additional Information: More information regarding Finland’s COVID-19 border measures is available here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Finnish government has announced that it will provide fast-track processing for residence permits and D visas.

Key Points:

  • Beginning June 1, individuals can apply for a fast-tracked residence permit if they are entering Finland as a(n):
  • To be eligible for fast-track processing, individuals must apply while they are outside of Finland and submit their application through the EnterFinland website; the Finnish employer must complete the employee’s terms and conditions through EnterFinland within 48 hours of the application’s submissions; and payment for the application must be made online.
  • Foreign nationals who use the fast-track service should receive a decision within two weeks of submitting their application.
  • Foreign nationals coming from countries that require a visa to enter Finland will be able to apply for a D visa when submitting their residence permit application. Those who hold D visas can enter Finland and start working as soon as authorities approve their residence permit application.

Additional Information: More information regarding instructions for submitting specific application types through the fast-track service is available here. Instructions for applying for a D visa, with or without fast-track processing, are available here.

BAL Analysis: The Finnish government will provide fast-track processing and D visas to certain foreign nationals in order to streamline application processing and attract more skilled workers to live and work in Finland.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Finnish government has extended its current COVID-19 entry rules until July.

Key Points:

  • Until at least June 30, travelers from outside the EU or Schengen Area can enter the country without having to test for COVID-19 if they have proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have previously recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months.
  • Travelers who are not fully vaccinated against or have previously recovered from COVID-19 must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival and take a second COIVD-19 test within three to five days after arriving in Finland.
  • Finnish citizens, permanent residents of Finland and those who have essential reasons to enter the country will be exempt from the COIVD-19 border measures.

Additional Information: More information regarding Finland’s COVID-19 border measures is available here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.