The e-service Enter Finland can soon be used to submit applications based on family ties
The aim is to make it possible to submit applications based on family ties in the e-service during November of this year. We will separately inform our customers the exact date when they can start submitting their applications based on family ties in the e-service.
Online applications are faster to process. As applications cannot be submitted online without the required information, we do not have to make request for additional information because of incomplete applications.
The applicant can check the status of his or her application in the e-service in real time. A request for additional documents and information on when a decision has been made is immediately visible in the e-service. Previously, this information has been sent by mail.
Customers can already apply for several residence permits in the e-service Enter Finland, and after applications based on family ties are made possible online, customers can apply for almost all residence permits online.
Applicants still have to visit a Finnish mission
Even though the customer can submit his or her application online, he or she still needs to visit a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) in order for the authorities to confirm the identity of the person applying for a residence permit. The applicant must visit a Finnish mission to give the biometric identifiers required by law and show the original copies of the documents. If needed, the applicant also has to visit the mission for an interview.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the network of missions and decides which mission the applicant should visit.
Increased number of applications based on family ties
The Finnish Immigration Service estimates that the number of applications for residence permits based on family ties will increase by a fifth this year. The increase is mainly a result of applications made by family members of persons who have been granted international protection. An estimate of the number of applications that will be submitted next year will be given at the end of the year.
Further information for the media
Tiina Suominen, Director of Immigration Unit, tel. +358 295 430 431, e-mail: forename.surname@migri.fi
