Delays in processing Brexit applications

By the end of February, we had received more than 4,700 Brexit applications. Around 3,800 decisions have been issued, and most have been positive.

In our press release of 29 July 2021, we stated that decisions would be issued in the following 10–14 months for applications submitted six months prior. Unfortunately, we have been unable to meet this estimate due to our processing being overloaded. 

Of the applications submitted in 2020 and 2021, around 850 are still waiting for a decision. We apologise for the delay in the processing time. Our processing has been understaffed, which is the main reason for the overloading. 

More people will join our processing team in the spring, and we can start solving the situation. We estimate that 

• applications submitted in 2020 will be processed by the end of August and
• applications submitted in 2021 will be processed by the end of December.

Waiting for a decision?

Check that the information in your application is up to date. Your application is processed faster when it has all the required information. You can edit your application yourself, for example, if there have been changes to your income or family relationships. Edit your application

• in Enter Finland if you submitted your application online, or
• by mail, if you submitted your application on paper. Remember to include the covering note.

If you have not been issued a decision on your application, you can continue your life in Finland as usual

You have submitted a Brexit application and therefore:

• You are residing in Finland legally.
  • If you are not granted a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement and you receive a negative decision, you can reside in Finland legally until the decision is final.
• Your right to work is valid until you receive a decision.
  • If you are granted a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement, your right to work in Finland will continue without restrictions.
  • If you are not granted a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement and you receive a negative decision, your right to work will continue until the decision is final.
• You can continue your studies in Finland in accordance with your right of residence until you receive a decision.
  • If you are granted a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement, you can continue your studies in Finland.
  • If you are not granted a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement and you receive a negative decision, your right to study will continue until the decision is final. 

If you have applied for a Brexit permit in Enter Finland, you can track the processing of your application online. You will also be sent automated messages on the processing status of your application.