Finland launches automated post-decision monitoring of permits granted to start-up entrepreneurs

Starting entrepreneurs in Finland who obtained a residence permit after January 2023 will have their documents monitored from April 24 due to the launch of a post-decision monitoring system.

According to a press release from the Finnish Immigration Service, the new practice is applied to check whether the start-up entrepreneurs with a residence permit continue to meet the requirements even after obtaining the document, SchengenVisaInfo reports.

Post-decision monitoring has been implemented in Finland since 2017, with authorities using it for the first time in 2023 to monitor student residence permits.

Starting entrepreneurs have to deal with home monitoring

How this works is that the authorities monitor what happens to starting entrepreneurs after they have received a residence permit. The post-decision monitoring focuses on the requirements that apply to this category, including whether the entrepreneur has moved to Finland.

Ex-post surveillance is an important tool to ensure internal security, prevent abuse of the permit system and prevent illegal entry into and residence in Finland. Post-mortem monitoring will also help us detect labor exploitation and human trafficking.

With the exception of place of residence, other information requested by authorities for residence permit holders in Finland includes how holders support themselves during their stay in Finland, and whether they have a criminal record.

While students are required to make public information about their study performance and whether their right of residence is still valid, a similar requirement applies to entrepreneurs. They must share information about their startup achievements to maintain residency permits in the country for such purposes.

We supervise the residence permits after the decision. Monitoring after the decision means that we check whether you still meet the requirements for your residence permit.

The subsequent decision on the supervision of residence permits is carried out so that holders of such documents can continue to be used for the exact purpose for which they were granted; This can be for study, business, work or family purposes.

If residence permit holders do not meet the requirements, authorities may consider revoking the document, which can later be accessed by the Finnish Immigration Service. During their vetting process, the authorities will also inquire with the individual and their family member living in Finland for their views on the possible withdrawal.