Appointments can now be booked for identity checks at service points in early 2024 for applicants for new residence cards or for Finnish citizenship.
- From January 2, 2024, the time required for renewing a residence card, applying for citizenship or submitting a citizenship application at the service point will be 20 minutes.
- Until the end of 2023, 30 minutes must be allowed for these applications.
Applicants should note that applying for a new residence card is different from applying for an extension. An application for a new residence card can be made in the following cases:
- Permanent residence permit (P) holders whose residence card is about to expire or has expired; or
- Valid residence permit (A, B or P permit) holders if
- the residence card is lost; or
- the residence card is damaged and illegible; or
- the personal data on the residence card have changed.
Applicants should complete the application form in advance using the Enter Finland e-service.
- Those who log in to Enter Finland with, for example, their online banking credentials don’t necessarily need to visit a service point.
- Those applying for citizenship who cannot use Enter Finland should complete a paper application before visiting the service point. Applications for the residence card renewal are available online only.
Appointments should be booked via the appointment service. The appointment service will be updated on January 2, 2024. After that, all appointments for the renewal of the residence permit card, the citizenship application or the citizenship declaration will be 20 minutes.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.