Finland has announced significant changes to its treatment of work-related residence permits, aiming to attract skilled professionals to address persistent labor shortages in key sectors.

This change will speed up the entry process for foreign nationals with specialized skills; making the application process faster and reducing waiting times for those who want to work in the Finnish economy.

According to TravelBiz, the Finnish Immigration Service has significantly reduced processing times for residence permits for specialists. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to attract highly qualified professionals to the Finnish workforce, thereby meeting urgent demands in different fields.

What to know

• The Finnish Immigration Service has reported that the processing time for residence permits has improved. For specialists, the average processing time fell from 12 days to nine days.
• This now allows people with exceptional expertise to enter Finland more quickly, making it easier for them to contribute to the economy without unnecessary delays.
• By streamlining these processes, Finland says it is opening the doors to qualified professionals who can meet the demands of our labor markets. This new approach aims to support sectors that require advanced qualifications

Eligibility Criteria

• Reports indicate that to qualify as specialists under the revised regulations, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must have an advanced degree or possess specialized skills acquired through work experience.
• In addition, they must earn a minimum monthly income of €3,600. This ensures that only highly qualified people are attracted to Finland who are able to meet labor demands.
• This emphasis on advanced qualifications aims to align the influx of professionals with the specific needs of the Finnish labor market.

Improved processing times for all work permit applicants

• In addition to specialists, the Finnish Immigration Service has improved processing times for other work permit applicants.
• First-time work permit applications now take an average of 23 days, a reduction from the previous average of 55 days. Refusals of work permit applications are processed within 87 days, compared to 125 days previously.
• The goal, as noted, is to ensure that applicants receive responses in a timely manner, which helps address labor shortages.

Expedited processing of study permits

Finland has also accelerated the processing of residence permits for study purposes.

First-time study permit applicants can now expect decisions within an average of eight days, a notable decrease from the previous average of 36 days in 2023.

Ensuring national security of processing

Ilkka Haahtela, director general of the Finnish Immigration Service, stressed that these accelerated processing times do not compromise national security.

He noted that collaboration with various agencies has increased to ensure thorough security controls are maintained.. “We prioritize the safety and security of our nation while facilitating the entry of qualified professionals,” Haahtela said.

Continuous Improvements for Immigration Efficiency

• Reports indicate that the Finnish Immigration Service plans to further improve processing times.
• The aim is to make Finland an even more attractive destination for skilled workers and students.
• Additionally, efforts are underway to reduce waiting times for asylum applications, reflecting a comprehensive approach to migration management.

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