Finland: Fast-Track Processing and D Visa Now Available
June 6, 2022
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At a Glance
- Fast-track processing is now available for eligible employment-based permit types, reducing processing times to two weeks for certain application types.
- Visa nationals can now seek a D Visa to enable travel to Finland, instead of having to wait for the creation of their residence permit card, which can take up to three weeks.
- The proposed changes to visas are intended to attract skilled workers to Finland as labour shortages in key sectors continue to hamper growth across Europe, by facilitating and streamlining the immigration process.
The situation
Fast-track processing and D Visas are now available in Finland, following an announcement by the government prior to implementation.
A closer look
| CHANGE | DETAILS | IMPACT |
| Fast track processing. Two-week fast-track processing is now available for specialists, start-ups, EU Blue Card and EU Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Permit applicants; and family members of these applicants. |
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| D Visa scheme now open. Visa nationals can now apply for a D Visa. |
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Background
- Emphasis on attracting talent. The proposed changes to visas are intended to attract skilled workers to Finland as labour shortages in key sectors continue to hamper growth across Europe, by facilitating and streamlining the immigration process.
- D Visas. National D Visas, which have been introduced in many European countries, are based on the Schengen Convention and allow for a longer stay than the short-term Schengen visas.
Looking ahead
The Finnish government is exploring various methods of attracting and retaining foreign talent, including the recent introduction of a jobseeker permit, measures to improve integration of migrants already resident in Finland, and ongoing efforts to reduce immigration processing times for all employment- and study-based permits (including those ineligible for fast-track processing).
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
