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Temporary Protection Permit (Tilapäinen suojelu)
FinlandFinland•Europe
Open

Temporary Protection Permit (Tilapäinen suojelu)

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 week

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

4 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Humanitarian protection for those fleeing armed conflict, with rapid approval, immediate work authorization, and no processing fees.

The Temporary Protection Permit (tilapäinen suojelu) provides rapid-track residence for those fleeing armed conflict or mass displacement. Established following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, it implements the EU's Temporary Protection Directive through Finland's national Aliens Act, bypassing lengthy traditional asylum processing to offer immediate legal status and protection.

Processing typically takes one week or less. The permit is free. Holders gain unrestricted work authorization and access to healthcare and social welfare. Spouses can work independently and dependents may reside with the holder. Though temporary, after four years of continuous residence holders may convert to permanent residency.

This visa is ideal for Ukrainian nationals and family members of Ukrainian citizens, plus those who held international protection in Ukraine, seeking rapid fee-free shelter and legal work authorization.

Eligible Nationalities (1)

UkraineUkraine

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

TTOL — Residence Permit for an Employed Person (Työntekijän oleskelulupa)
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TTOL — Residence Permit for an Employed Person (Työntekijän oleskelulupa)

Validity1 year
Processing3 weeks – 2 months
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Specialist Residence Permit (Erityisasiantuntijan oleskelulupa)
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Specialist Residence Permit (Erityisasiantuntijan oleskelulupa)

Validity2 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
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Entrepreneur Residence Permit (Yrittäjän oleskelulupa)
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Entrepreneur Residence Permit (Yrittäjän oleskelulupa)

ValidityVaries (Maximum duration for transfer; extensible if transfer continues)
Processing1–2 months
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Student — Residence Permit for Studies (Opiskelijan oleskelulupa)
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Student — Residence Permit for Studies (Opiskelijan oleskelulupa)

ValidityGranted for the entire duration of studies; extendable via extended permit application.
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Primarily for Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Also available to family members of Ukrainian citizens, and persons who have received international protection in Ukraine.

Must have arrived in Finland on or after February 24, 2022.

No specific income requirement.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid identity document

Asylum declaration

Medical examination

Background information

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Processing completed within approximately 1 week with no additional information needed
  • Immediate right to work without restrictions upon approval and registration
  • Free of charge with no application or processing fees required
  • Pathway to permanent residency after 4 years of continuous permit holding
  • Spouse and dependents can accompany and work without restrictions
  • Access to reception centre services including social and healthcare
  • No income or education requirements to qualify

Worth Knowing

  • Limited to Ukrainian nationals and those holding prior international protection in Ukraine
  • Temporary nature requires continuous renewal and ongoing valid travel documentation
  • If suspended for traditional asylum claim, may need to reapply for another residence permit type
  • Must have arrived in Finland on or after 24 February 2022 to be qualifying

Application Process

1

Arrive in Finland

Enter Finland and reach border control

2

Declare asylum

Inform police or border control of asylum intent

3

Registration

Registered as asylum seeker

4

Submit application

File formal asylum application

5

Interview

Immigration office interviews applicant

6

Decision

Asylum decision issued

7

Receive permit

If approved, residence permit issued

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