During the past year, many changes have occurred in the operating environment surrounding immigration. This has affected the number of work-based residence permit applications and their processing times.
The number of work-based residence permit applications submitted this year by the end of June 2025 was 15,491, which is approximately 25% less than in the corresponding period in 2024. One change affecting the number of applications for a residence permit for an employed person is the amendment to the Seasonal Workers Act that entered into force in February 2025. Most of the customers who applied for a residence permit for an employed person for wild-berry picking in 2024 have applied for a seasonal work visa this year.
This year, 13,619 decisions have been made on work-based residence permit applications, of which 82% were positive and 15% negative. The proportion of negative decisions has increased. Between January and June 2025, approximately 23% of the decisions on applications for a first work-based residence permit were negative. Last year, the corresponding number was 19%.
“The slow economic recovery and high unemployment rate in Finland, and the uncertainties faced by companies due to an unstable global situation are significantly affecting the development of work-based immigration. Currently, Finland has a high number of jobseekers and good workforce availability for many tasks. This is also reflected in the decisions made on applications for a residence permit for an employed person, as around 14 per cent of the negative decisions have been made based on labour market testing,” says Director of Development Johannes Hirvelä.
Legislative amendments have affected negative decision rates and processing times
The legislative amendments that entered into force this year and last year, as well as the tightening of immigration policy, have contributed to the processing times of permit applications and the increase in the number of negative decisions.
“A growing number of applications require more in-depth investigation and, ultimately, an increasing number of applicants have received negative decisions. Meanwhile, this is reflected in longer average processing times, as negative decisions often involve demanding overall assessment and various investigations,” Hirvelä says.
The average processing time for all work-based residence permits has been 61 days in 2025. On average, positive decisions have been made within 40 days. The average processing time for residence permits for an employed person (TTOL) has been 57 days in 2025 when the decision has been positive.
In addition to legislative amendments, the processing times have also been affected by the fact that the Finnish Immigration Service replaced the TE Offices as the competent authority responsible for processing applications for a residence permit for an employed person at the turn of the year. As of the beginning of 2025, the Finnish Immigration Service has been assessing all conditions for residence permits for employed persons.
“The change has brought challenges, as average processing times have not yet returned to the excellent level that preceded the change. The processing of applications is being continuously developed. We aim to reach the target times achieved earlier as soon as possible. However, based on estimates, it will take several months for the situation to improve. The promotion of smooth and controlled immigration is at the core of developing the processing of all work-based residence permit applications,” Hirvelä says.
The Finnish Immigration Service also engages in strong cooperation between the authorities to support a safe Finnish society and working life.
“When processing work-based residence permit applications, combating labour exploitation and human trafficking is important not only for protecting workers’ rights but also for preventing distortions of competition between companies. This is evident in the distribution of decisions on residence permits for employed persons, with around 19% of negative decisions made based on a risk of exploitation or the employer’s actions,” Hirvelä says.
Fewer applications from specialists while the number of applications from entrepreneurs remains stable compared to 2024
The number of residence permit applications submitted by specialists has decreased. This year, specialists have submitted around 1,300 applications for first residence permits and extended permits by the end of June 2025, which is 25% less than in 2024.
The residence permit applications submitted by specialists accounted for approximately 8% of all applications for a first work-based residence permit submitted between January and June 2025. This year, specialists have submitted 527 applications for a first residence permit, 28 fewer than in the previous year.
“Based on the first half of this year, the downward trend in the number of applications seen in previous years appears to have levelled off. The decline has probably been influenced by the poor economic situation in sectors employing specialists, the global competition for top experts and the low number of applications for a first residence permit submitted by Russian citizens,” Hirvelä says.
During the first half of the year, the Finnish Immigration Service issued 1,249 decisions for specialists. Of the decisions, 98% were positive and 2% negative. On average, specialists have received a positive decision in nine days this year. The 14-day target time set for the fast-track service has been reached throughout the year.
The total number of permits granted to startup entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs has remained at the 2024 level. By the end of June 2025, startup entrepreneurs had submitted 175 applications, which is 34% fewer than in 2024. The proportion of negative decisions on applications has increased from five per cent in 2024 to around 15 per cent. The average processing time of applications has increased from 23 to 45 days.
This year, the Finnish Immigration Service has received 611 applications from entrepreneurs and issued 507 decisions of which 54% have been positive and 42% negative. Most of the negative decisions were based on a negative partial decision by the ELY Centre.
The number of applications submitted by researchers has remained unchanged compared to 2024. This year, researchers have submitted 586 applications for a first residence permit by the end of June, compared to 590 applications in 2024 during the corresponding period. In total, 1,335 residence permits for researchers were issued in 2024. The average processing time for applications for a first residence permit submitted by researchers has been 15 days this year.
Number of applications from persons who have completed a degree growing
An increasing number of students stay in Finland after completing their studies.
“In the first half of 2025, the number of applications from persons who had completed a degree or conducted research in Finland increased by approximately 59 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2024. These applicants are primarily persons who have completed a degree. This growth was expected as a result of growth in the number of foreign students,” Hirvelä says.
In total, 1,261 decisions have been made for persons who have completed a degree or conducted research. Most of the decisions have been positive (99%). On average, those who have completed a qualification or degree or conducted research receive a decision in two months.
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