The Finnish Immigration Service has announced upcoming changes to processing fees for residency applications, set to take effect from January 1, 2024.
According to a recent press release by the authority, these changes, governed by a decree issued by the Ministry of the Interior, will apply to various application types, further encouraging online submissions for cost savings and efficiency.
More specifically, the new changes are especially evident between online and paper applications. Online submissions through the Enter Finland platform are cheaper and faster than filing paper applications.
Enter Finland not only streamlines the application process but also enables applicants to monitor the progress of their submissions and swiftly submit any additional documents.
Whenever possible, it is advisable to submit an online application to the online service Enter FinlandLink to an external website. Online applications are almost always more affordable than paper applications. An additional benefit of Enter Finland is that it is the fastest way to apply. If you apply to Enter Finland, you can use your Enter Finland account to follow the progress of your application. Submitting any additional documents is swift and easy.
Applications for permanent residence permits will cost from €160 to €220 for online applications and €270 for paper applications.
Similarly, the citizenship application will cost €490 for online applications, up from €460, while first resident permits for employer persons will have to pay €540 for online applications instead of €490.
In order to have their extended permit, foreigners will pay €540 instead of €490, while the renewal of residence permit card costs €170, around €10 more than in 2023.
The processing fee for an online application will be €60. Without an online application, the processing fee will be €75. Previously, the fee was €54 in both cases.
Service Point Application (without prior online submission) will cost €75, up from €54). Applicants are encouraged to review the comprehensive list of processing fees and payment methods available on the official Processing Fees and Payment Methods page.
The Finnish Immigration Service also clarified that for individuals whose applications become pending by December 31, 2023, the existing fees will remain effective. This ensures that those already in the application process will not be affected by the upcoming changes.
In general, the interest in filing applications for residency in Finland rose in 2023, with applications submitted, being 1,400 applications on average per week. Even though the number of applications has decreased from last year, it is still at a higher level than in 2018–2021.
