A Work-Based Permit Granted in Time

Our client received a negative decision from the Finnish Immigration Service that not only refused the requested residence permit but also placed her right to remain in Finland at risk. In situations like this, it is rarely sufficient to rely on a single procedural path. A negative decision must be challenged, but at the same time, it is often necessary to act pragmatically to secure the client’s legal stay while that challenge is pending.

We appealed the negative decision to the Administrative Court, contesting both the refusal and the related consequences. At the same time, we submitted a new residence permit application on different grounds, this time based on employment. These two processes were handled in parallel, each serving a different purpose. The appeal addressed the legality of the original decision, while the new application focused on ensuring that our client’s residence in Finland would not be interrupted while the matter was being resolved.

The employment-based application was assessed independently by the Finnish Immigration Service. After reviewing the application, Migri issued a positive decision on 13 January 2025, granting our client a continuous residence permit on employment grounds. The permit is valid for four years and includes the right to work in the client’s professional field as well as in labour shortage sectors, as provided by law.

Despite the earlier negative decision and the ongoing appeal process, our client retained the right to live and work in Finland without interruption. From a legal perspective, this is often the most important result. Appeals can take time, and during that time, a person’s life cannot be put on hold. Securing a new permit removes uncertainty and allows the client to continue working, supporting themselves, and maintaining their place in Finnish society.

A negative decision does not automatically mean that all options are exhausted. In many cases, different legal and administrative avenues can and should be pursued at the same time. While the details of how these strategies are built remain part of our professional work, the outcome speaks for itself. Our client received a new residence permit, her stay in Finland was secured, and the immediate consequences of the negative decision were neutralised.