Finland has announced changes to its work-based residence permits process in a bid to attract skilled professionals to address ongoing labour shortages in key sectors.
The changes announced will speed up the entry process for foreign nationals with specialized skills; reduce waiting time for those who want to work in Finland and make the application process quicker.
These adjustments is said to be part of a broader strategy to attract high-skilled professionals to Finland’s workforce.
Under the recent changes, first-time study permit applicants can now expect decisions within eight days on average, significantly lower than the previous average of 36 days in 2023.
Also, specialists, that is individuals with high expertise and a monthly income of at least €3,600, can now receive permits in just 9 days. This is a shorter period than in September 2023, when foreign specialists receive a decision on their application within 12 days on average.
Ilkka Haahtela, Director General of the Finnish Immigration Service, noted that these expedited processing times do not compromise national security. “We prioritize the safety and security of our nation while facilitating the entry of skilled professionals,” Haahtela stated.
“Automation has enabled a broader and more efficient monitoring system, particularly for categories with higher risk for labor exploitation,” said Haahtela.
This automated system, introduced in 2023, has since processed nearly 9,400 permits and selected 2,359 for closer examination. The system checks if permit holders, including students and specialists, continue to fulfill their permit requirements, such as study progress or income levels.
However, 1,200 residence permits have been withdrawn a year after launching the automation-supported post-decision monitoring as the permit holders failed to meet the conditions.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
