Helsinki, Finland – The Finnish government announced on Thursday that it is extending temporary residence permits for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine for an additional year, ensuring continued protection until March 4, 2026. This decision, implemented through amendments to the Aliens Act, aligns with the European Union's directive to prolong temporary protection.

The amendments, slated for final approval in early March 2025, are designed to create a seamless continuation of protection for Ukrainians who sought refuge in Finland following Russia’s invasion in 2022. The legislation addresses the need to maintain valid residence permits and cards, which will now remain in effect for the duration of the government’s temporary protection policy.

"With the crisis in Ukraine persisting, it's vital that we provide stability and security for those who have sought safety in Finland," stated a representative from the Ministry of the Interior.

Key aspects of the updated legislation include:

Automatic Extension:Existing residence permits and cards will remain valid, eliminating the need for individual renewals.
Future Policies:All temporary protection permits issued going forward will be explicitly temporary. Those wishing to obtain perminant residency must apply for residency through traditional channels such as work and study permits.
Eligibility Criteria:The extension covers Ukrainian citizens, their families, and third-country nationals who held permanent residence or international protection status in Ukraine.
However, approximately 200 third-country nationals who fled Ukraine without these statuses will see their temporary protection end on March 31, 2025. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has contacted the people affected by this decsion.
Application numbers:Since 2022, approximately 79,000 applications for temporary protection have been submitted by Ukrainians in Finland.
It is also of note that during 2024, Finland has seen a decrease in Ukrainian people seeking temporary protection within its borders.

EU context:This action by the finnish goverment is because of the EU council decisions, made in june of 2024, to extend the temporary protection through to the 4th of march of 2026.

This decision reflects Finland’s ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protection to those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.