The Finnish Immigration Service has reported a slight increase in the number of applications for residence permits in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this increase, the processing times for permits have significantly shortened, making it easier and faster for individuals to obtain the necessary documentation to live and work in Finland.
In the first part of 2024, a total of 15,959 people applied for their first permit, a slight increase from the 15,493 applications received during the same period last year. The number of first work-based residence permit applications also saw an uptick, with 9,047 individuals applying for the permit compared to 8,765 applicants in the previous year. This growth was most notable in permits for seasonal work, but there was also an increase in residence permits for employed persons, particularly in industries such as cleaning, industrial sectors, and care and health services.
However, there was a decrease in the number of applications for the first residence permit for a specialist, with only 636 applications received in the first half of 2024 compared to 902 applications in the previous year. On the other hand, applications for extended work-based residence permits saw a significant increase, with 11,664 individuals applying for an extended permit in 2024 compared to 9,350 applicants in the same period last year. Both extended residence permits for employed persons and specialists experienced growth.
Additionally, there was an increase in applications for residence permits for students, with 6,912 individuals applying for the permit in the first half of 2024 compared to 6,728 applicants in the previous year. Notably, 25% of all first work-based residence permits came from Finland’s partner countries in international recruitment, including India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brazil.
One of the most significant improvements noted by the Finnish Immigration Service was the decrease in processing times for residence permits. In August 2024, an applicant for a first work-based residence permit received their permit in an average of 24 days, compared to 55 days in 2023. The average processing time for a first residence permit for an employed person was 27 days, while a permit for a specialist took only 10 days to be granted. Extended permits and student permits also saw faster processing times, with averages of 21 days and 7 days, respectively, in 2024.
Overall, the data from the Finnish Immigration Service highlights the increasing demand for residence permits in Finland, particularly in work-based and student categories. The improved processing times are a positive development for individuals seeking to live and work in the country, making the application process more efficient and accessible. For more information on residence permits and processing times, individuals can contact the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment or the Finnish Immigration Service directly.
