Applying for international protection and the processing of the applications changes as of 12 June

The procedure for applying for asylum (international protection) and the processing of such applications changes in Finland as of 12 June 2026 as Finland starts applying the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and as amendments to legislation related to the Pact enter into force.

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum harmonises the processing of asylum applications across the Member States and allows the EU to strengthen the control of its external borders.  

The changes affect all applications for international protection submitted on or after 12 June 2026. Applications that have been submitted before 12 June 2026 will be processed in accordance with the old legislation. One exception to this are applications that are currently being processed to determine the Member State responsible. These applications will be processed as of 12 June 2026 in accordance with the new responsibility determination procedure, which replaces the old Dublin procedure. 

Applying for asylum

If you apply for asylum 12 June 2026 or later, you must complete a three-stage process before the Finnish Immigration Service can start processing your application. The three stages of the application procedure are making of an application, registering of the application and lodging of the application. It is very important that you meet the time limits set for each step. Learn more about applying for asylum.

Subsequent applications

Your application is considered a subsequent application if you make an application for international protection after having received a final decision from Finland or another EU Member State. See the page Subsequent applications for more information on the making and processing of a subsequent application.

Applications are processed in different procedures

The Finnish Immigration Service will process applications for international protection in different procedures. Which procedure your application is referred to will affect your rights and obligations and the processing time of your application.

Under law, your application will be referred to one of the following procedures:

• Border procedure
• Admissibility procedure
• Accelerated procedure
• Normal procedure
• Responsibility determination procedure

Guidance and legal counselling for asylum seekers

As of 12 June 2026, you will have a greater responsibility for advancing your matter and for meeting certain time limits. Despite your increased responsibility, support and instructions are available. 
Instruction for asylum seekers

You will be given a set of client instructions by the time you register your application. You must confirm with your signature that you have received the instructions. The instructions contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read the instructions thoroughly. You will need to follow the instructions at the different stages of the processing of your application. The instructions are also available on our website: 

Legal counselling

You will also have access to legal counselling. There are different types of legal counselling:

• Free legal counselling provided by Legal Information Officers of the Finnish Immigration Service. 
• Legal aid provided by legal aid offices, law firms and lawyers. Legal aid is usually subject to a fee, unless the legal aid office decides otherwise.
• Other counsels.

If you have the right to receive free legal counselling, the Finnish Immigration Service invites you to a group meeting for counselling. Usually, you may also request free legal counselling for you personally at any stage of the processing of your application for international protection. 

Withdrawing an asylum application

Your application for international protection may be declared as: 

• explicitly withdrawn by you if you submit a written notification stating that you wish to cancel your application 
• implicitly withdrawn if the authorities cancel your application because you have not complied with your obligations. The processing of your application will then be discontinued, and a decision on removing you from the country will be made.

See the page Withdrawing an asylum application for more information on the situations that may lead to having your application withdrawn.

Read more 

• Press release by the Ministry of the Interior: EU Pact on Migration and Asylum to become applicable in June - Ministry of the Interior
• Customer bulletin of reception services: Changes in legislation affecting reception services as of 12 June 2026 | Maahanmuuttovirasto