Fast-track processing, D visas to be made available

The Finnish government has announced that it will provide fast-track processing for residence permits and D visas.

Key Points:

• Beginning June 1, individuals can apply for a fast-tracked residence permit if they are entering Finland as a(n):
  • EU Blue Card holder.
  • Specialist or a specialist with an intra-corporate transfer (ICT) residence permit.
  • Start-up entrepreneur who holds an approved Eligible Statement from Business Finland.
  • Family member of someone in one of these categories.
• To be eligible for fast-track processing, individuals must apply while they are outside of Finland and submit their application through the EnterFinland website; the Finnish employer must complete the employee’s terms and conditions through EnterFinland within 48 hours of the application’s submissions; and payment for the application must be made online.
• Foreign nationals who use the fast-track service should receive a decision within two weeks of submitting their application.
• Foreign nationals coming from countries that require a visa to enter Finland will be able to apply for a D visa when submitting their residence permit application. Those who hold D visas can enter Finland and start working as soon as authorities approve their residence permit application.

Additional Information: More information regarding instructions for submitting specific application types through the fast-track service is available here. Instructions for applying for a D visa, with or without fast-track processing, are available here.

BAL Analysis: The Finnish government will provide fast-track processing and D visas to certain foreign nationals in order to streamline application processing and attract more skilled workers to live and work in Finland.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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