In response to an urgent need for skilled professionals across various sectors, Finland has streamlined its processing of work-based residence permits, especially for foreign nationals with specialized expertise.
This shift aims to address the country’s ongoing labour shortages in professions requiring advanced qualifications and skills, allowing quicker entry for those bringing essential knowledge and capabilities.
Faster Processing for Skilled Workers
According to the Finnish Immigration Service, the processing period for specialists’ residence permits has significantly decreased, offering quicker access to Finland’s workforce.
For those with exceptional expertise, the average processing time for a work-based residence permit is now just nine days. This is an improvement from September 2023, when similar applications took an average of 12 days.
Foreign nationals with specialized skills or advanced educational backgrounds now experience a smoother and faster application process, encouraging high-skilled professionals to contribute to Finland’s economy without lengthy waiting times.
Who Qualifies as a Specialist?
To qualify as a specialist under Finland’s revised process, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Hold an advanced degree or have acquired specialized skills through professional experience.
- Earn a minimum monthly income of €3,600.
These criteria ensure that the streamlined process attracts highly qualified professionals capable of meeting Finland’s workforce demands in areas requiring advanced knowledge and specialized skills.
Streamlined Processing for All Work Permit Applicants
The Finnish Immigration Service has also reduced processing times for other work permit applicants, ensuring a faster response for all workforce applicants:
- First-time work permit applications are now processed within 23 days on average, down from the 55-day average in September of last year.
- Rejections for work permit applications are issued within 87 days, a significant reduction from the previous 125-day timeframe.
These improvements signal Finland’s commitment to efficient workforce integration and responsiveness to applicants, helping address labour shortages with minimal delays.
Faster Processing for Study Permits
In addition to work permits, Finland has also accelerated the processing of residence permits for study purposes. First-time study permit applicants can now expect a decision within eight days on average, down from 36 days in 2023.
Prioritizing National Security
Ilkka Haahtela, Director General of the Finnish Immigration Service, emphasized that the faster processing times do not compromise national security. The authorities have intensified cooperation with other agencies to ensure thorough security checks.
Future Improvements on the Horizon
The Finnish Immigration Service aims to further improve processing times in the coming year, making Finland an even more attractive destination for skilled workers and students.
The goal extends beyond work permits, as the country also seeks to reduce waiting times for asylum applications, signalling a comprehensive approach to efficient migration management.
Final Words
As Finland continues to address labour shortages through immigration improvements, the nation is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for qualified foreign professionals and students, balancing efficiency and security to meet its economic and social goals.
