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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.
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.
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.
Key Points:
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.
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.
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.
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.
BAL Analysis: Individuals are advised not to apply for an A1 certificate preemptively or if they are traveling to only one country.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Finnish government has announced that it will suspend tourist and transit travel for Russian nationals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Finnish government has extended its current COVID-19 entry rules until July.