The Finnish government has announced that, since May 6, 2025, changes to the Aliens Act have entered into force, aiming at regulating some aspects of migration in the country.
According to a press release by the Finnish Immigration Service, these changes will impact those who receive a negative decision on their application or those whose permit has expired, Schengen.News reports.
The Aliens Act will be amended from May 6, 2025. The amendments may affect you, for example, if you receive a negative decision on your application for a residence permit or asylum, or if your current residence permit expires.
These Categories Must Leave Finland If Their Residence Permit Expires
The authorities have clarified that it is considered as residing illegally in Finland if a foreign national has received a negative decision on their residence permit or asylum application. This means that people in this category have to leave the country immediately or carry on with other procedures.
A negative decision usually has a decision for deportation, which asks foreigners to turn back or be expelled from Finland, without the right to extend their stay in the country by filing a new application for a residence permit.
In addition, applicants whose residence permit expires and do not apply for extension within the allowed period, could also risk being ‘illegally” staying in the country.
Appealing Allowed but Preferably Outside Finland
Applying for an extension permit late can be rejected, but a negative decision may mean you might be turned away or deported.
Those whose visa, which they entered Finland with, is about to expire are also at risk.
When we make a decision on your application for a residence permit or asylum, we always take into account all the factors and circumstances affecting your situation. We take into account the possible protection of family life and the best interests of the child when making a decision.
Moreover, the authorities point out that if you stay in Finland after being ordered to leave, you can appeal the decision, but preferably outside Finland. Staying in the country while appealing for a leave order is considered an illegal stay.
However, if you receive a deportation decision, you will usually be allowed to stay in Finland during the appeal process.
In addition, the authorities clarify that the period of stay will not be counted towards your period of residence later, for example, if you apply for a permanent residence permit, and you may not be able to return to Finland if you travel abroad during the appeal process.