Finland Introduces Higher Fees for Residence Permit Applications in 2025

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has announced revised fees for residence permit applications, effective January 1, 2025. The updated pricing impacts various permits, including permanent residence and seasonal work, and introduces changes to reception services and income requirements.

Higher Fees for Permanent Residence Applications

Starting in 2025, the processing fees for permanent residence permits will rise:

• Online applications: EUR 240 (up from EUR 220)
• Paper applications: EUR 350 (up from EUR 270)

Applicants submitting their requests before December 31, 2024, will be charged the current rates. For convenience and cost savings, electronic submissions via the Enter Finland platform are recommended. The platform allows users to track their applications and update information easily.

Also Read: Work in Finland Made Easier: New Streamlined Visa Process for 2025

Temporary Pause on Certain Applications

From January 1 to January 8, 2025, decision-making for some residence permits will be temporarily halted. This includes:

• Residence permits for employed persons
• Seasonal work permits exceeding six months

This pause affects both initial and extension applications.

Changes for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection

While applying for international protection remains free, renewing residence permit cards for beneficiaries of temporary protection will incur a fee:

• Online renewal: EUR 20
• Paper renewal: EUR 40

The first residence permit card remains free and valid for the entire duration of temporary protection. Authorities can verify the validity of expired cards through their information systems, making renewal optional.

New Fees for Voluntary Return Extensions

A EUR 100 fee will now apply for extending the deadline for voluntary return, effective January 1, 2025, and valid until December 31, 2025. Although historically rare, the Finnish Immigration Service expects an increase in such applications.

Also Read: Finland Raises Income Threshold for Work Permits: Key Changes for 2025

Increased Fees for Reception Services

Reception centres will raise daily service fees for customers with regular income or significant assets:

• New maximum fee: EUR 12 per day (up from EUR 9)

The decision marks the first fee increase since 2011, reflecting a rise in operational costs from EUR 9.60 per day in 2010 to EUR 20.17 in 2023.

This move aims to reduce the reception system’s financial burden and encourage temporary protection beneficiaries to transition to private accommodations or apply for municipality residency.

Updated Income Requirements for Employed Persons

The minimum monthly income for a residence permit for employed persons will rise to EUR 1,600, starting January 2025. This adjustment aligns with Finland’s broader efforts to streamline immigration policies and manage costs.

Why These Changes Matter

The fee adjustments and policy updates reflect Finland’s strategic effort to balance immigration processing costs while maintaining efficient services. Applicants are encouraged to use the Enter Finland platform to save costs and expedite processing.