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Processing of applications

The Finnish Immigration Service grants several kinds of permits. Although the application process for each permit is slightly different, this is a broad outline of how we process applications.

For first-time residence permit applicants:

  • If you submit your application abroad, you cannot come to Finland while your application is being processed to wait for a decision and get your residence permit card here.
  • If you arrive in Finland while your application is being processed and you wish to wait for a decision here, you need to cancel the application that you submitted outside Finland and submit a new residence permit application in Finland. We will charge you a new processing fee if you submit a new application.
  • If you were in Finland when you submitted your application, you may wait in Finland while your application is being processed. You may wait in Finland even if your visa-free period of residence ends or your visa expires while you are waiting.