The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) rang in the New Year with a sharp across-the-board increase in immigration processing charges. As of 00:00 on 1 January 2026, the fee for an electronic permanent-residence application jumped from €240 to €380, while a paper submission now costs €600—an increase of 58 percent. First-time work- and study-based permits rose to €750 online and €800 on paper, and even extensions now attract a €210 charge. Only applications for international protection remain free.
Migri says the hike is necessary to reach the government’s goal of running immigration services on a “cost-neutral” basis. Application volumes fell by almost 30 percent in 2025 as Finland’s economy cooled, pushing up the agency’s per-case cost. The Interior Ministry argues that higher user charges are preferable to larger taxpayer subsidies and will keep pressure on Migri to streamline its back-office processes.
Navigating these new requirements can feel overwhelming, but VisaHQ can simplify the process. The platform provides step-by-step guidance, document checks and deadline reminders for Finnish residence-permit applications, helping both individuals and HR teams avoid costly mistakes. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/finland/.
![Finland Raises All Residence-Permit Processing Fees as 2026 Tariff Takes Effect]()
For employers, the higher fees come at a delicate time. Talent shortages persist in the technology, nursing and forestry sectors, yet budget holders now face hundreds of euros in extra outlay per assignee. Large corporations with in-house mobility functions told local media they placed a rush of filings in December to beat the deadline, but they worry that smaller subcontractors “may simply skip bringing in needed specialists,” said one HR director at an Oulu-based electronics manufacturer.
Applicants already close to qualifying for permanent residence under the old four-year residence rule have a six-month grace period to file at the higher price but under the previous eligibility terms. Everyone else must prepare not only for steeper fees but also for stricter criteria that enter into force on 8 January (see separate story). In practical terms, advisers recommend budgeting at least €1 000 for a typical family-of-four first-time work-based filing, excluding translation and legal costs.
Businesses should also audit mobility policies: while many global firms reimburse government fees, smaller Finnish employers often expect the assignee to pay. “If you are trying to sign a senior software architect tomorrow, you may need to sweeten the offer to cover the extra €220 her permit now costs,” warned a Helsinki relocation consultant. The Interior Ministry has hinted the tariff could be reviewed in late 2026 once application volumes stabilise, but no automatic rollback is planned.
Migri says the hike is necessary to reach the government’s goal of running immigration services on a “cost-neutral” basis. Application volumes fell by almost 30 percent in 2025 as Finland’s economy cooled, pushing up the agency’s per-case cost. The Interior Ministry argues that higher user charges are preferable to larger taxpayer subsidies and will keep pressure on Migri to streamline its back-office processes.
Navigating these new requirements can feel overwhelming, but VisaHQ can simplify the process. The platform provides step-by-step guidance, document checks and deadline reminders for Finnish residence-permit applications, helping both individuals and HR teams avoid costly mistakes. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/finland/.
For employers, the higher fees come at a delicate time. Talent shortages persist in the technology, nursing and forestry sectors, yet budget holders now face hundreds of euros in extra outlay per assignee. Large corporations with in-house mobility functions told local media they placed a rush of filings in December to beat the deadline, but they worry that smaller subcontractors “may simply skip bringing in needed specialists,” said one HR director at an Oulu-based electronics manufacturer.
Applicants already close to qualifying for permanent residence under the old four-year residence rule have a six-month grace period to file at the higher price but under the previous eligibility terms. Everyone else must prepare not only for steeper fees but also for stricter criteria that enter into force on 8 January (see separate story). In practical terms, advisers recommend budgeting at least €1 000 for a typical family-of-four first-time work-based filing, excluding translation and legal costs.
Businesses should also audit mobility policies: while many global firms reimburse government fees, smaller Finnish employers often expect the assignee to pay. “If you are trying to sign a senior software architect tomorrow, you may need to sweeten the offer to cover the extra €220 her permit now costs,” warned a Helsinki relocation consultant. The Interior Ministry has hinted the tariff could be reviewed in late 2026 once application volumes stabilise, but no automatic rollback is planned.
