Changes to the Finnish Immigration Service’s fees in 2026
The Ministry of the Interior has issued a new decree on the Finnish Immigration Service’s fees. The decree will enter into force on 1 January 2026 and remain in force until 31 December 2026.
The processing fees for residence permit applications will be increased in order to better reflect the costs of processing incurred by the Finnish Immigration Service. The increases range from EUR 50 to EUR 250.
For example, processing an electronic application for a permanent residence permit will cost EUR 380 (previously EUR 240) and processing a paper application will cost EUR 600 (previously EUR 350). The processing fees for electronic applications continue to be lower than those of paper applications. The reason is that processing electronic applications is less costly for the Finnish Immigration Service.
All applications concerning minors and the first residence permit applications are still subject to a fee lower than the processing costs (excluding the first residence permit application of an employee, a start-up entrepreneur, an entrepreneur and a student). However, these fees will also be increased closer to cost equivalence. For example, processing an electronic application for an adult’s first residence permit will cost EUR 750 (previously EUR 530) and processing a paper application will cost EUR 800 (previously EUR 580).
Applying for international protection continues to be free of charge. However, the processing fee for an application for an extension based on international protection is EUR 53.
Processing applications is more expensive than before
The fees will be increased, as the processing costs of almost all applications have increased compared to the previous year. The most significant reason for the increase in costs is the decrease in the number of residence permit applications, which is due to the general economic situation in Finland. In addition, legislative amendments have increased the workload in the processing of applications.
According to the legislation, fees charged for public services must, in principle, correspond to the costs arising from them.
Inquiries:
Katja Kaukonen, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 675, [email protected]