Finland•Europe3–6 months
53 EUR
4 years
Protection for asylum seekers who face death, torture, or armed conflict threats but don't qualify as refugees, with work authorization and renewable permits.
Subsidiary protection in Finland bridges the gap in international asylum law for individuals who do not meet the strict refugee definition but face serious harm—death penalty, torture, or life-threatening violence—in their home country. Granted under the EU's Qualification Directive, this permit protects asylum applicants whose initial refugee claim was denied yet who remain unsafe if returned.
Permits are initially free, with an extended permit fee of EUR 53 from January 2026. Processing takes 90–180 days typically; complex cases may extend to 15–21 months. Holders have the right to work, access social services, and bring dependents. The one-year permit is renewable based on country-of-origin conditions and may lead to permanent residency after four years of continuous hold.
This visa is ideal for individuals fleeing indiscriminate violence, armed conflict, or state-tolerated human rights violations who could not establish grounds for standard refugee protection.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
FinlandMust be an asylum seeker in Finland whose application for asylum (refugee status) has been denied.
Must face a real risk of serious harm in the home country or country of permanent residence.
Serious harm is defined as: death penalty or execution, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or serious and individual threat to life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.
Must not be excluded due to serious crimes, threats to national security, or acts contrary to UN principles.
Must not have an internal protection alternative available in the home country.
Valid identity document
Asylum declaration
Medical examination
Background information
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