Proposal on Extended and Permanent Residence Permit Processing

Why We Advocate Using EnterFinland Instead of Paper Applications

1. Grounds for Residence Remain the Same

We are legally verified descendants of Finnish citizens who have been granted remigration permits by the Finnish government. These fundamental connections — ancestry, family ties, and historical links to Finland — do not change whether the application is submitted on paper or online. When we applied for remigration permits, we supplied legally verified proof of both our Finnish ancestry and our identity. Using EnterFinland does not alter eligibility; it simply modernizes the process while keeping the criteria intact.

2. Long Paper Processing Times Are Unreasonable

Paper applications for remigration permits can take up to 14 months for extended permits and 12–15 months for permanent residence in “most” and “minority” cases.

Such extended waiting periods can:

• Prevent family reunification or complicate travel for family members abroad.

• Interfere with employment obligations, particularly for those whose work requires international mobility.

Extended delays may be disproportionate and unreasonable under administrative and human rights principles protecting family life and freedom of movement. EnterFinland provides a faster, more predictable timeline, respecting both personal and professional obligations.

3. Paper Applications Are More Expensive

Current fees make paper applications significantly more costly than online submissions. For example:

Extended Residence Permit

• Paper Fee: €430

• EnterFinland Fee: €170

Permanent Residence Permit

• Paper Fee: €350

• EnterFinland Fee: €240

Not only does the remigration permit applicant pay more, but they also wait longer. In comparison, work-based permits processed via EnterFinland are completed in a fraction of the time at lower fees, demonstrating a clear inefficiency in the paper system.