Finland Implements New In-Country Immigration Status Restrictions

As of September 1, 2024, Finland has introduced new regulations impacting foreign nationals' ability to change their immigration status while in the country. Here’s a summary of the key updates:

Affected Applicants

Under the new rules, visa-exempt nationals and Schengen Visa holders are no longer permitted to apply in-country for a Finnish Residence Permit for a Specialist or EU Blue Card.

Exceptions

Certain categories of applicants are exempt from this restriction:

• Family members of Finnish citizens
• Applicants for a residence permit for a child born in Finland
• Students and their family members
• Researchers and their family members

Key Changes and Implications

This latest restriction adds to recent changes, including:

• Passport Requirements: Applicants must now present a valid passport issued by their country of nationality, as opposed to using passports from other countries, including Finland.
• Residency for Citizenship: The residency requirement for Finnish citizenship has increased from five to eight years.

For those affected by the new in-country status change restrictions, transitioning to work authorizations will require leaving Finland and applying from abroad. This shift introduces additional administrative challenges and reduces onboarding flexibility.

Proposed Future Restrictions

Additional immigration proposals currently under review include:

• Job Search Requirements: A proposed law could mandate unemployed work-based residence permit holders to secure a new job within three to six months or face deportation.
• Real Estate Purchases: A potential ban on foreign nationals buying property in Finland.
• Asylum Seekers: Legislative changes that might prevent asylum seekers from switching to work-based or education-based residence permits.

Conclusion

Finland's new immigration restrictions reflect a broader trend toward tighter control over foreign nationals’ status. These changes, along with potential future policies, will impact work permit holders, property buyers, and asylum seekers. Staying informed and adapting to these evolving regulations will be essential for navigating Finland’s increasingly complex immigration landscape.

For those affected, proactive planning and understanding of the new rules will be crucial in managing their immigration status and related processes.

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