Current information: Routes for challenging a negative Migri decision vary by decision type. Each decision's valitusosoitus (appeal instructions) states which court to apply to, within what time and by what method. For some decisions the appeal route may be limited or different.
First checks on a negative Migri decision
- Read the decision in full together with the valitusosoitus annex.
- Separate the grounds for refusal point by point.
- Record the appeal deadline and the date of service.
- Check whether the decision contains maastapoistaminen, karkotus or maahantulokielto.
- Distinguish a missing document from an incorrect legal or factual assessment.
The Administrative Court process
For residence permits and many Migri decisions, the appeal goes to the relevant hallinto-oikeus. An effective appeal does more than say "I disagree with the decision": it answers each ground of the decision, explains where existing records were assessed incorrectly and, where necessary, submits new, relevant documents in an organised way.
Enforcement of removal decisions after 12 June 2026
Under the changes in force since 12 June 2026, in some non-criminal karkotus decisions an appeal no longer automatically suspends enforcement in every case. According to Migri's current statement, the decision may become enforceable when the appeal period ends — in most cases about 30 days after service. Whether a täytäntöönpanokielto or täytäntöönpanon keskeyttäminen should be requested from the hallinto-oikeus must be assessed separately in the specific case.
The right to work must be checked separately
If an extended permit has been refused, or a valid permit withdrawn and a karkotus decision issued on that basis, when the right to work ends must be checked separately under the 2026 rules. If the court prohibits enforcement, the right to work may sometimes continue until the court's decision.
ENB Consulting's role
ENB Consulting can support general information, organising the decision and document set, preparing a chronology of events and documents, drawing up the official process timetable and, where needed, coordinating with an independent, qualified legal professional.
Important: ENB Consulting should not be assumed to provide legal services, court representation or a guaranteed outcome. If legal argument, court representation or the nature of the case requires it, a case-specific legal opinion should be obtained from a competent, qualified legal professional in Finland. The final decision is made by the relevant authority or court.