We will publish instructions concerning the extension of temporary protection early in 2025 – changes are being planned
Temporary protection has been extended by decision of the Council of the European Union until 4 March 2026. The Finnish Immigration Service intends to extend the residence permits issued on the basis of temporary protection early in 2025. In this customer bulletin, we inform you of the legislative amendments that are being prepared.
The legislative amendments listed in this bulletin are being prepared by the Ministry of the Interior of Finland. The information in this bulletin can be updated later. The most recent information is available on the website of the Ministry of the Interior. For the time being, the legislative amendments are expected to come into force early in 2025.
We will publish instructions for our customers on our website early next year. At this stage, our customer service is not able to answer questions about this topic.
The following changes to temporary protection are being planned
1. Residence permit cards issued on the basis of temporary protection may become subject to a fee
So far, residence permit cards issued on the basis of temporary protection have been free of charge. In the future, the cards may become subject to a fee. Provisions on the matter are laid down in the Ministry of the Interior decree on fees, which will enter into force on 1 January 2025.
2. Residence permit cards would be valid for as long as temporary protection is in effect
It is proposed that the Act be amended so that the residence permit cards issued on the basis of temporary protection would be valid for as long as temporary protection is in effect in the EU.
3. Residence permits issued on the basis of temporary protection to certain third-country nationals will expire
After the legislative amendment has entered into force, temporary protection will end for third-country nationals who have resided in Ukraine under a temporary residence permit and who are not family members of Ukrainian citizens. Temporary protection for these approximately 200 people is planned to end on 31 March 2025. If temporary protection ends, the residence permit card issued on the basis of temporary protection will no longer be valid.
The Finnish Immigration Service will extend the residence permits that have been issued on the basis of temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens, their family members and third-country nationals who have had a permanent residence permit or a residence permit on the basis of international protection in Ukraine.
More information:
- Web page of the Ministry of the Interior: Tilapäisen suojelun jatkaminen (intermin.fi) (in Finnish and Swedish only)
- Press release by the Ministry of the Interior: Legislation on temporary protection to be reformed (intermin.fi)
