Backlogs in the processing of residence permit applications based on family ties

There are currently backlogs in the processing of residence permit applications based on family ties. At the moment, there are about 10,500 applications pending a decision. We apologise for the delay.

Most applications are processed within three months

The backlogs do not apply to most of the applications based on family ties. Of all the applications based on family ties submitted in 2022, more than 60% have received a decision within three months of submitting the application. 

Most applicants have received a positive decision. In 2021, there were a total of 11,281 decisions made on first residence permit applications based on family ties and 12,599 on extended permits. About 87% of first-time applications and about 96% of extended permits received a positive decision.  

If you have not yet received a decision on your application, do not worry. We will contact you if additional information is needed for your application.

When processing applications, we always pay attention to the best interests of children and the protection of family life. The average processing times for applications of minors are shorter.

What to do when applying for a residence permit based on family ties:

1. Pay attention when filling in the application.
   • If you fill in the application thoroughly and accurately and remember to include all the required additional information, we will be able to process it faster. 
   • Having to ask for additional information causes backlogs. Check that you have delivered all the required attachments. Check that you have also delivered legalised documentation on family ties and additional information on your income as instructed. 
2. Legalise the documentation before submitting your application.
   • You must have legalised documentation on family ties, such as a marriage certificate or your child’s birth certificate. Bring the original documentation with you when you visit a mission (embassy or consulate) or a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity.
3. If there are any changes in your family ties, notify the Finnish Immigration Service.
   • Changes in family ties include divorce, marriage, the birth of a child and changes in the custody of a child. For instructions on notifying changes in family ties, please visit Changes in your family ties. 
4. Remember to renew your passport if it is about to expire.
   • A residence permit cannot be granted if your passport has expired. If your passport is about to expire, be sure to renew it in good time.
   • An expiring passport cannot be used as grounds to expedite the processing of a residence permit application.

Why are there backlogs?

In recent years, the number of applications based on family ties has increased significantly.

In 2020, the number of new residence permit applications on the basis of family ties was 8,400. In 2021, a total of 13,700 applications were submitted. In 2022, already more than 12,700 applications for a first residence permit on the basis of family ties and more than 8,600 applications for an extended permit were submitted by the end of September.

We are doing our best to clear the backlog. We have recruited more staff and we are developing the processing of applications.