Migri extends deadline for identification due to coronavirus

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has extended the deadline for the identification of applicants for residence permits, citizenship or right of residence until 30 April, 2021. This extension applies both to the procedures to be carried out at the service points of the migration agency and the Finnish missions abroad.

Normally an applicant applying for a residence permit, registration of right of residence or for citizenship is required to visit a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) or one of the service points of Migri in Finland within three months from submitting the application in the online service Enter Finland. This deadline for identification has now been extended until 30 April 2021.

As explained by Migri in its customer bulletin, the aim is "to make the situation easier for applicants who have a pending application in the Enter Finland online service, but whose identification visit is delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic."

Identification is mandatory before applications can be processed by the Finnish Immigration Service. Identification means that applicants must visit a Finnish mission or a service point, where their fingerprints will be taken and their identities and necessary documents verified.

Lack of appointments

Migri admits at the moment there is a shortage of available appointment times at the service points through the online system, and apologizes for the backlog. "We are constantly trying to find solutions to ease the situation," the agency adds.

According to the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, reception activities relating to residence permit applications have been gradually resumed in the Finnish missions as of 16 June 2020. The up-to-date situation at different missions can be followed through the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs finlandabroad.fi

Migri also reminds customers that they can only apply for extended residence permits if they are in Finland.