Finland has raised processing fees for permanent residence permit applications. Learn about the new fees, application process, and other important updates effective from January 2025.
Finland Raises Fees for Permanent Residence Permit Applications in 2025
Finland has officially announced an increase in processing fees for permanent residence permit applications starting from January 1, 2025. These changes apply to both online and paper applications, with electronic submissions remaining more affordable due to their lower processing costs.
New Processing Fees for Permanent Residence Permits
The new processing fee for an online application for a permanent residence permit is now EUR 240, up from the previous EUR 220. On the other hand, the processing fee for a paper application has increased to EUR 350, compared to the prior cost of EUR 270.
It’s important to note that if your application is submitted by December 31, 2024, you will pay the 2024 fee. However, all applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, will follow the updated fee structure.
Online Applications Remain the Most Cost-Effective Option
For foreign nationals looking to apply for a permanent residence permit, submitting your application online via the Enter Finland platform remains the most cost-effective and efficient option. The Enter Finland portal offers an easy-to-use platform where applicants can track the status of their application and update details as needed.
In contrast, paper applications come with a higher processing fee, and although they are still accepted, they are not as efficient as online applications. The Enter Finland website provides a faster processing time and a more streamlined process for immigrants.
Other Fee Changes for Foreign Workers and Immigrants
In addition to the increased permanent residence permit fees, Finland is introducing several other fee adjustments for immigrants:
- Temporary Protection Residence Permits: A processing fee of EUR 20 for electronic applications and EUR 40 for paper applications will apply for residence permit card renewals for beneficiaries of temporary protection.
- Voluntary Return Fee: Applicants can now request an extension for voluntary return with a fee of EUR 100. This fee was previously not in place, but it is expected to grow as the number of applications increases.
Increased Fees for Reception Services
Starting January 2025, Finland will also raise the fee for reception services for immigrants with regular income or significant assets. The new fee for reception services will range from EUR 9 to EUR 12 per day. This increase marks the first hike since 2011, despite rising costs in reception services.
The aim of this fee increase is to better reflect the actual cost of reception activities while maintaining the quality of services for immigrants. The daily price of reception services has grown significantly, from EUR 9.60 in 2010 to EUR 20.17 in 2023.
Adjusted Income Requirement for Employed Workers
Another significant change is the increased income requirement for individuals applying for a residence permit based on employment. The new income threshold for 2025 is now EUR 1,600 per month, up from previous years. This adjustment ensures that foreign workers can support themselves adequately while living in Finland.
Finland’s decision to raise processing fees for permanent residence permit applications and other immigration-related services is set to affect many foreign nationals. The updated fees, which took effect on January 1, 2025, reflect the increasing costs of immigration processes and services.
Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new fees and utilize online submission options via Enter Finland for a quicker and cheaper application process. If you’re planning to move to Finland or renew your residence permit, be sure to check the updated guidelines to avoid any surprises.
