Finland•Europe3 months – 1.7 years
53 EUR
3 years
International protection status for individuals fleeing persecution, offering a 3-year renewable permit with no initial application fee and work authorization after 3-6 months.
Finland grants international protection to individuals facing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership, under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Applicants must be physically present and demonstrate a credible fear their home country cannot address. The grant is a 3-year renewable residence permit with a pathway to permanent residence.
Initial applications are free; extended permits cost EUR 53. Work is permitted after 3 months (with passport) or 6 months (without), but employees only. Processing varies: border 12 weeks, accelerated 3 months, normal 6 months, complex to 21 months. Family reunification is available; sponsors must have resided 2 years before new family members (except established refugee families) may apply.
This visa is ideal for individuals fleeing state persecution without safe alternatives who can document grounds for protection.
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
FinlandMust be physically present in Finland to apply.
Must have a well-founded fear of persecution in the home country based on origin, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Must be unable or unwilling to seek protection from the authorities of the home country.
Any available identity documents or travel documents.
Evidence supporting the claim of persecution (if available).
Biometric data (collected by authorities).
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