In one of our recent and most challenging cases, our client faced multiple serious criminal allegations spanning several years, including stalking, unlawful threats, and alleged sexual offenses.

The case attracted significant scrutiny, as the accusations involved events said to have occurred between 2019 and 2022. The prosecution alleged a pattern of harassment and made deeply sensitive claims. However, as always, we focused on the facts, the law, and the rights of our client.

Our legal team conducted a comprehensive defense, carefully dismantling the prosecution’s narrative and highlighting the lack of reliable evidence. After a thorough review, the prosecutor made the only just decision: All charges were dropped.

The final ruling was clear — there was no probable cause to pursue prosecution. The case was dismissed, and our client was formally cleared of all allegations.

At our law office, we believe in the presumption of innocence, and we fight relentlessly to uphold it. Beyond legal strategy, early action can help minimize stress and protect your reputation. Legal proceedings can be lengthy and emotionally taxing, often affecting both personal and professional life. By addressing the matter early, we not only save time but also prevent unnecessary damage to your name and career.

At our law firm, we understand the importance of proactive defense. Our experienced team is prepared to step in at the earliest stage of your case to ensure it does not escalate. If you are under investigation or suspect that you may face charges, do not wait—contact us immediately. The sooner we act, the greater the chances of a favorable outcome.

Significant changes to the Finnish Aliens Act came into effect on 6 May 2025. These new amendments redefine the boundaries between legal and illegal residence in Finland and may have a direct impact on your right to stay in the country especially if you have received a negative decision on your residence permit or asylum application, or if your current residence permit is about to expire.

It is important to note that the manner in which the Finnish Immigration Service has been drafting its press release has led to unnecessary confusion and misinterpretation regarding the actual measures being implemented and the groups they affect.

According to the Finnish Immigration Service press release: 

“When you receive a negative decision 

If you are in Finland and receive a negative decision on your residence permit or asylum application, you must leave Finland. Usually, a negative decision is accompanied by a decision on your removal from the country, meaning either a decision on denial of admittance or stay or a deportation decision. You cannot extend your stay in Finland by submitting a new residence permit application. If you wish to apply for a new residence permit, you must leave Finland and apply for a first residence permit abroad. 

If you get a negative decision on your asylum application and apply for asylum again, the Finnish Immigration Service decides whether or not your application can be admitted for examination. You may not necessarily be allowed to continue residing in Finland even if you have submitted a subsequent asylum application.”

The phrasing used in the above text oversimplifies key details to such a degree that it verges on being misleading. When an individual is in Finland after the changes of 01.09.2024, it means that they already have a residence permit (in most cases). When you already had a residence permit and you have extended your residence permit before your previous residence permit expires but you receive a negative decision which is accompanied by a decision on denial of admittance or stay or a deportation decision, you always have the right to appeal the case to the Administrative Court within 30 days in most cases.

In case you have a deportation order, once the appeal is lodged by you, or our lawyer or any other lawyer; the Administrative Court is tasked with making an interim decision on whether you are allowed to remain in the country during the appeal process (if positive) or the Police can execute your deportation order (if negative), in which case you will have to wait for the decision of the appeal in your country of origin.

If the appeal is successful, and after returning the case to the Finnish Immigration Service for re-evaluation, the Finnish Immigration Service decide to amend their initial decision and issue you a residence permit, the entire time of the appeal and re-assessment is considered legal, in which case a residence permit is issued with initial valid date the immediate next date of your previous residence permit expiration date.

However, it is essential to emphasize that the following paragraph serves as a reminder not to make broad generalizations and to always seek professional guidance when faced with a negative decision, regardless of the reason.

“Each application will always be examined individually

When we make a decision on your residence permit or asylum application, all facts and circumstances affecting your situation will be taken into account. When we make a decision on your application, the protection of family life, when relevant, and a child’s best interests will be taken into account.“

Given these stricter interpretations of immigration law, it’s now more important than ever to seek professional legal advice. Don’t let misconceptions or misunderstandings of the law jeopardise your future in Finland. Whether you’re facing deportation, planning to reapply, or simply unsure about your current legal status, our team is here to support you with expert legal advice and strategic solutions tailored to your situation.

Our office will continue providing high-quality legal and administrative services, understanding that immigration matters can significantly impact lives and futures. If you’re facing challenges with your residence permit, do not hesitate to reach out to us for professional assistance.

We were approached by parents living in Finland who wished to bring their child, still residing in their home country, to join them and continue their life together as a united family.

After carefully reviewing the family’s situation and confirming the eligibility for family reunification, we launched a first-time residence permit application for the child based on family ties. Our goal was to ensure a smooth process that respected the family’s right to live together in Finland.

During the processing of the application, the Finnish Immigration Service issued two Additional Information Requests. We responded quickly and thoroughly to both, providing all the required documentation and explanations to support the case.

As a result of our careful preparation and timely communication with the authorities, the child was granted a residence permit with an unrestricted right to work in Finland as a family member.

We are proud to have helped our clients achieve this positive result and grateful for their trust in our expertise. If you are facing a negative immigration decision, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Our office will continue providing high-quality legal and administrative services, understanding that immigration matters can significantly impact lives and futures. If you’re facing challenges with your residence permit, do not hesitate to reach out to us for professional assistance.

Our client initially came to us not for immigration matters, but for urgent legal representation. They were facing a criminal charge and needed strong, strategic support to navigate the court process. We immediately took action to represent the client in court, aiming to minimize the legal consequences while preserving their future in Finland.

As the case progressed, the client informed us that they had both a permanent residence permit application and a Finnish citizenship application pending with the Finnish Immigration Service. This added a whole new level of complexity to the situation.

Understanding how a conviction could impact both applications, we tailored our legal strategy to protect their immigration status. When the case concluded in court, our client received only a fine—a favorable outcome considering the circumstances.

But we knew our work wasn’t done.

Because the Immigration Service was waiting for the court’s verdict to decide on the permanent residence permit, we acted immediately. We drafted a strategic statement requesting that, instead of denying the application outright, the authority issue a four-year fixed-term residence permit. Our aim was to prevent a negative decision, which could interrupt the client’s legal stay and jeopardize both the permanent residence and citizenship paths.

This case perfectly illustrates how legal and immigration expertise must work hand-in-hand. When time is critical and your future is at stake, the right move at the right moment can make all the difference.

We are proud to have helped our clients achieve this positive result and grateful for their trust in our expertise. If you are facing a negative immigration decision, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Our office will continue providing high-quality legal and administrative services, understanding that immigration matters can significantly impact lives and futures. If you’re facing challenges with your residence permit, do not hesitate to reach out to us for professional assistance.

Our client came to us after waiting over four months for a decision on their residence permit extension based on employment. The prolonged delay had caused considerable uncertainty, both personally and professionally.

Upon reviewing the case, we found that all necessary documents had already been submitted and there were no clear reasons for the delay. We immediately drafted and submitted a formal statement to the Finnish Immigration Service, clearly outlining the status of the application and urging them to process the matter without further delay especially that our client has contacted the Finnish Immigration Service several time before seeking a professional advice.

On the very same day we submitted the statement, a positive decision was issued. The client was granted a four-year residence permit, with the right to work in their professional sector.

We are proud to have helped our clients achieve this positive result and grateful for their trust in our expertise. If you are facing a negative immigration decision, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Our office will continue providing high-quality legal and administrative services, understanding that immigration matters can significantly impact lives and futures. If you’re facing challenges with your residence permit, do not hesitate to reach out to us for professional assistance.