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Criteria for automated decisions

Our data system may issue an automated decision on certain types of applications. An automated decision is possible if your application meets the criteria for automated decision-making.

See the criteria for automated decisions on the following types of applications:

The official decisions on the use of automated decision-making at the Finnish Immigration Service are available on this page as pdf files. The decisions describe the details of automated decision-making at the Finnish Immigration Service and explain when an automated decision is possible on a certain type of application.

First residence permit for studies

You can receive an automated decision on your application if 

  • you apply for the first residence permit for studies abroad
  • you have been admitted to a Finnish university (okm.fi) as a degree student or to a Finnish educational institution as an exchange student
  • you will not participate in a mobility scheme of the European Union while the permit you are applying for is valid. One such scheme is the Erasmus+ programme
  • you have submitted your application online in Enter Finland and paid the processing fee 
  • you have submitted your application on 19 October 2023 or later.
  • you have carefully filled in the application and submitted all the required information and attachments
  • you meet all the requirements for the residence permit. Your application does not require individual assessment, such as granting an exemption from a requirement
  • a member of your family is not applying for a permit at the same time as you
  • you have not yet started your studies
  • you do not have a non-disclosure order for personal safety reasons
  • you have not applied for or been granted international protection
  • you have not previously received a decision to deport you from Finland
  • you have not selected Swedish as your language of contact
  • you have not applied for a residence permit for an overly long period. By an overly long period we mean a time period that clearly exceeds the target schedule for completing the degree.

In addition, you need to prove your identity.

From 23 May 2024: The decision on using automated decision-making in processing students’ residence permit applications (pdf)

19 October 2023–23 May 2024: The decision on using automated decision-making in processing students’ residence permit applications (pdf)

Renewal of residence permit card and residence card

Your card may possibly be renewed automatically if:

  • you hold a permanent residence permit or a permanent residence card for an EU citizen’s family member
  • your right of residence is not based on the withdrawal agreement conducted between the European Union and the United Kingdom (the Brexit permit)
  • you have applied for a new card on 25 April 2024 or thereafter
  • you have submitted all the information and documents required for renewing the card
  • you do not have a non-disclosure for personal safety reasons (dvv.fi).

Decision on the use of automated decision-making: Renewal of residence permit card and residence card (pdf)

Finnish citizenship

You can receive an automated decision on your application if you meet the following conditions:

  • you have submitted your application online in Enter Finland and have paid the processing fee there
  • you have submitted the application on 2 May 2024 or thereafter
  • you have completed the application with due care and have submitted all the required information and attachments
  • you meet all the requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship. Your application does not require individual assessment, such as granting an exemption from a requirement
  • you are at least 18 years old
  • you have not added any co-applicants to your application
  • you do not have a non-disclosure for personal safety reasons (dvv.fi)
  • we do not need to ask for additional information from other authorities to process your application
  • you hold the citizenship of a country other than Finland.

Decision on the use of automated decision-making: Citizenship applications (pdf)

EU registration on the basis of work

You can receive an automated decision on your application if you meet the following conditions: 

  • You submit the application on or after 21 November 2024.
  • You meet all the registration requirements. Your application does not require case-by-case discretion.
  • You do not have a non-disclosure order for personal safety reasons.
  • The basis for your registration does not change during the processing of the application.
  • No family members are applying together with you.
  • You are at least 18 years old.
  • You have already started the work in Finland.
  • You attach to your application a current document about your work (an employment contract, for example).

Decision on the use of automated decision-making: Registration of the right of residence of EU citizens on the basis of work (pdf)

EU registration on the basis of studies

You can receive an automated decision on your application if you meet the following conditions: 

  • You submit your application via the Enter Finland online service on or after 21 November 2024.
  • You meet all the registration requirements. Your application does not require case-by-case discretion.
  • You do not have a non-disclosure order for personal safety reasons.
  • No family members are applying together with you.
  • The basis for your registration does not change during the processing of the application.
  • You are at least 16 years old.
  • You are a degree student or an exchange student and study in a Finnish higher education institution or secondary education institution.
  • Your studies in Finland have started.

Decision on the use of automated decision-making: Registration of the right of residence of EU citizens on the basis of studies (pdf)