Changes to the asylum procedure enter into force on 12 June 2026

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The Finnish Immigration Service informed that the procedure for applying for asylum and processing applications changes in Finland with the entry into force of the Pact for Migration and Asylum. 

The amendments of the Aliens Act reflect the changes needed for implementation of the Pact and concern mainly the following aspects:

  • Applicants must complete a three-stage process of making, registering and lodging an application within the prescribed time-limits for each step, before the Finnish Immigration Service can start processing it.
  • Applications that are submitted after a final decision in Finland or in another Member State are deemed subsequent applications.
  • The Finnish Immigration Service will process an application in one the following procedures: border, admissibility, accelerated, normal or responsibility determination procedure, each affecting differently the rights and obligations of applicants.
  • Applicants will receive a set of instructions and will hold more responsibility for advancing their application and respecting stricter deadlines.
  • Free legal counselling will be provided by the Legal Information Officers of the Finnish Immigration Service whereas legal aid provided by legal aid offices, law firms and lawyers is subject to a fee.
  • Applicants entitled to free legal counselling will be invited to a group session organised by the Finnish Immigration Service, but individual legal counselling can also be requested. 
  • An application will be deemed explicitly withdrawn when the person submits a written notification stating the wish to cancel the application.
  • An application will be deemed implicitly withdrawn when the applicant failed to comply with their obligations, thus the application will be discontinued, and a return decision will be issued. 

These changes affect applications submitted on 12 June 2026 or after. Old legislation will apply to applications submitted before 12 June 2026, except those which are in the stage of determining the responsible Member State and for which the Asylum Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) will apply. 

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