Finland Now Processing Work Permit Applications for Foreign Specialists in Just 9 Days
Key Points
1. Finland now processes work-based permit applications for foreign specialists within an average of nine days.
2. Processing times have also decreased for other permit types and extensions.
3. Study permit applicants in Finland are currently receiving decisions within an average of eight days.
In response to ongoing labor shortages, particularly in fields requiring highly skilled professionals, Finland has streamlined the processing of work-based residence permits.
According to the Finnish Immigration Service, the biggest improvement has been for foreign specialists. These applicants, who are highly educated or possess specific expertise gained through work experience and earn a minimum of €3,600 per month, now receive permit decisions in an average of nine days, a significant reduction from the 12-day average in September 2023.
"Specialist applicants can now expect work-based residence permits in an average of nine days," reported the Finnish Immigration Service (compared to 12 days in September 2023).
Streamlined Processing for Other Categories
Improvements extend beyond specialists. Applicants for first-time work-based residence permits now receive positive decisions in 23 days on average, down from 55 days in September of the previous year. Rejected applicants are notified within an average of 87 days, down from 125 days.
Extensions are also being processed faster, with the average time reduced to 20 days from 63 days a year earlier.
Residence permits for students have seen a significant decrease in processing time. First-time study permit applications are now processed within an average of eight days, compared to 36 days last year.
Focus on Efficiency Without Compromising Security
Ilkka Haahtela, Director General of the Finnish Immigration Service, emphasized that faster processing does not compromise security. He highlighted enhanced collaboration with other authorities to ensure national security concerns are thoroughly addressed.
"Speeding up the process does not mean overlooking security. On the contrary, we’ve reinforced our security protocols through closer cooperation with other agencies," said Haahtela.
The Finnish authorities are committed to further improving permit processing times next year and have plans to expedite the handling of asylum applications.