As announced in December 2024, Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has been drafting several changes to legislation on residence permits for temporary protection, which have now been adopted.
Key Changes
- Residence permits will be valid for the entire duration of temporary protection
In the future, residence permits and residence permit cards for persons who have been granted temporary protection will continue to be valid for as long as the government decision on granting temporary protection is in force. Previous legislation set the maximum duration of temporary protection at three years.In the future, a residence permit for temporary protection would always be temporary. Those who intend to settle in Finland permanently can apply for a residence permit.
- Temporary protection of certain third-country nationals will end on March 31, 2025
Third-country nationals who fled Ukraine and who did not have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine or who were not granted international protection in that country will no longer have temporary protection. This concerns around 200 people. The Finnish Immigration Service has sent a letter about this to the customers whose temporary protection will end.Temporary protection will still apply to Ukrainian nationals and their family members, and also to third-country nationals who have obtained a permanent residence permit in Ukraine or been granted international protection in that country.
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.