Due to the restrictions on entry caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) will not grant any residence permits valid before 14 May 2020 at the earliest. According to Migri's custommer bulletin, this change willl be valid "until further notice."
First residence permits are usually granted for one year and become valid immediately after a positive decision.
Migri says that the aim of this change is "to ensure that the period of validity of your permit will not be spent while you are waiting to move to Finland."
Possible further delays
The immigration service explained that if the restrictions on entry into Finland continue for longer than that, the starting date of the permits granted will be further delayed.
The change does not apply to all residence permits. The change does not apply to you, if:
- You have applied for a residence permit for duties that are central to the security of supply and to the functioning of the labour market.
- You will move to Finland later, for example for studies. A residence permit for studies is usually granted to start in August or September.
- You are applying for the permit in Finland.
