Are you applying for a residence permit abroad? Due to the coronavirus situation, your permit will be granted starting from 14 May

Until further notice, the Finnish Immigration Service will grant first residence permits to start on 14 May 2020 at the earliest. This is due to the restrictions on entry into Finland because of the coronavirus epidemic that are valid until 13 May.

Usually, the first residence permit becomes valid immediately after a positive decision. With the change, we want to ensure that the period of validity of your permit will not be spent while you are waiting to move to Finland. The first residence permit is usually granted for one year.

If the restrictions on entry into Finland continue for longer than that, we will also change the starting date of the permits granted. Your residence permit decision states when your permit starts. The starting date of your residence permit will not change after the change has been made. 

The change does not apply to all residence permits

We estimate the starting date of your residence permit as based on your residence permit application. You do not have to take any action.

The change does not apply to you, if

• you have applied for a residence permit for duties that are central to the security of supply and to the functioning of the labour market. 
• you will only arrive in Finland later. For example, a residence permit for studies is usually granted to start in August or September.
• you are applying for the permit in Finland.

You can find more information on applying for a residence permit during the coronavirus epidemic on the page migri.fi/you-are-not-in-finland.

Further information

Updates on our website: migri.fi/coronavirus. Keep checking the website for the latest information about the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on our services, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.