Starting from 1 January 2026, the government of :Finland has officially increased immigration-related application fees. These changes affect work permits, residence permits, and study permits processed by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
The increase applies to both online and paper applications, with some fees rising by up to €250 depending on the permit type.
Why Finland Increased Immigration Fees in 2026
The Finnish government adjusted immigration fees to better reflect processing costs and reduce reliance on public funding.
- Lower number of applications in recent years
- Higher administrative processing costs
- Government goal to make immigration services “cost-neutral”
- Encouragement of digital applications over paper-based ones
These changes are part of a broader immigration policy shift in Finland focusing on efficiency and tighter regulations.
New Finland Immigration Fees (From 2026)
1. Work Permit (Employed Person)
- Online application: approx. €750
- Paper application: higher than online (up to €800–€950 in some cases)
This is a significant increase compared to previous years, where fees were around €590 for online applications.
2. Permanent Residence Permit
- Online application: €380
- Paper application: around €600
This reflects one of the biggest percentage increases under the 2026 update.
3. Study Residence Permit
- Online application: around €600–€750
- Paper application: higher depending on processing type
4. Other Permit Categories
- Entrepreneur permits: increased to around €750 (online)
- Family permits: moderate increases
- Extensions: also increased (around €200+ range)
Note: International protection (asylum applications) remains free of charge.
Key Changes at a Glance
- Fees increased between €50 to €250 depending on application type
- Online applications remain cheaper than paper submissions
- Work and study permits saw major increases
- Permanent residence permit increased significantly
What This Means for Applicants
If you are planning to move to Finland for work or study, you should prepare for higher upfront costs in 2026 and beyond.
- Budget more for visa and permit applications
- Apply online to reduce costs
- Prepare documents carefully to avoid re-application fees
- Expect stricter processing standards in some categories
Processing Time Still Remains Similar
Despite the fee increase, processing times are generally expected to remain similar. However, high application volumes may still cause delays depending on the season and permit type.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Always use the official Enter Finland online portal
- Check updated fee structure before applying
- Keep financial proof ready (especially for student permits)
- Submit complete applications to avoid delays
Conclusion
The 2026 increase in Finland immigration fees marks a major change for foreign workers and students. While the costs are higher, Finland continues to offer strong opportunities for skilled migrants, especially in technology, healthcare, and education sectors.
Planning ahead and applying correctly can help reduce unnecessary expenses and delays.
