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FINLAND: Fast Track Service Introduced
July 6, 2022
From 1 June 2022, a Fast Track Service aiming to expedite the residence permit application process for specialists, start-up entrepreneurs, EU Blue Card, ICT residence permit applicants and their family members has been launched in Finland.
- Applicants would apply for a residence permit application on the Finnish immigration portal Enter Finland.
- If the application is completed, the applicants will prove their identity and have their fingerprints taken in the corresponding Finnish consulate abroad within 5 working days of submitting their application.
- Fast track lane also requires that the employer supplements the application with employment details in employer’s own Enter Finland account within 2 days from submission.
- Residence permit applications should be processed within 14 days.
Once approved, applicants have two options:
- Wait abroad to receive their residence permits to enter Finland.
- Visa-required nationals can apply for a long-stay (D) visa to enter Finland and a Schengen visa waiver would permit entry to Finland on their valid passport.
If choosing the second option, applicants will obtain their final residence card upon entry.
Newland Chase Insights
Finnish authorities are making this move amid an increase of labor shortages and with a view to attract talent to boost growth across sectors and regions. The introduction of the D visa at the consulate has been long awaited and will definitely facilitate and expedite moves to Finland as it will no longer be required to wait to receive the residence permit card abroad.
