Effective September 1, 2024, visitors to Finland can no longer apply for a residence permit from within the country.
Certain categories of applicant are exempt from this new rule and are permitted to apply to change their status from visitor to resident, including:
- a family member of a Finnish citizen
- someone applying for a residence permit for a child born in Finland;
- someone applying for a residence permit for studies or a family member of a student;
- those applying for a residence permit for a researcher or a family member of a researcher
As before, the following can be applied for only in Finland: an extended permit, a permanent residence permit, registration of an EU citizen, international protection, temporary protection, a residence permit for a victim of human trafficking, a residence permit due to misconduct of the employer and a residence permit on a discretionary basis on humanitarian grounds.
This requirement will also be applied to those applicants who submitted a residence permit application before the entry into force of the amendments on September 1, 2024 but have not yet received a decision.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share 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.