This article was originally published on December 20, 2022, and was updated on June 2, 2022, and June 21, 2022, to reflect new information.
June 21, 2022 Update: On June 16, 2022, the government of Finland announced that it would introduce additional long-term visa types in April 2023. These visa types are expected to support the government’s aim to increase education-based and work-based immigration to the country. They will expand on the D visa introduced for specialists and high-growth startup entrepreneurs in June 2022. The government is expected to release additional information in the coming months.
June 2, 2022, Update: The government of Finland launched a new fast-track service for specialists, start-up entrepreneurs, Blue Card applicants, and their family members on June 1, 2022. Specialists include information technology experts and applicants holding a higher education degree. The sponsored roles must require expert knowledge of the work undertaken in Finland.
According to the government, the processing time for a fast-track application will be a maximum period of two weeks. This service will be open to applicants who pay, apply online, and can prove their identity at a service point abroad within five working days of submitting the initial application. The applicant will then have their biometric data collected before receiving a residence permit card.
The government of Finland also introduced a new type of permit called the national D visa. The D visa will allow foreign nationals to travel to Finland as soon as a residence permit has been approved and the applicant has proven their identity to obtain their residence permit card. Previously, applicants must receive their residence permit card before traveling to Finland. The residence permit card will be sent to the applicant’s address in Finland that they have provided on their initial application.
Original Post From December 20, 2021:
Key Points
- Fast-track service route for specialists and start-up entrepreneurs opening in June 2022
- Launch of the D Visa in June 2022
Overview
In June 2022, the government of Finland will launch a fast-track service route for specialists and start-up entrepreneurs entering Finland and open a new visa type called the D Visa. To use the fast-track service route, applicants must submit and pay for the application online. The process will be partially automated to ensure a processing time of around two to three weeks.
The D Visa will allow individuals to travel to Finland as soon as a residence permit has been granted. Before entering Finland, the applicant must prove their identity abroad and take fingerprints for the residence permit card.
What are the Changes?
The government of Finland plans to launch a new fast-track service route for processing applications from specialists and start-up entrepreneurs. In addition to adding a new visa type to its immigration processes. The government aims to use the route and new visa type by June 2022.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Finland’s website for additional updates and information.
Source: Finnish Immigration Service
