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Ad-Hoc Query on Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Requested by UK EMN NCP on 11th
July 2013
Compilation produced on 27th
August 2013
Responses from Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovak Republic,
Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom plus Norway (14 in Total)
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of
the EMN. The contributing EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and
reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
1. Background Information
The UK is in the process of implementing new service standards for immigration customers. We would like to make the system clearer and more
straightforward for customers whilst also ensuring that we are able to meet the deadlines of the processing times set.
The UK NCP would like to know the standard processing times of different immigration applications in your Member State and how successful you
are at meeting these deadlines.
1) Please provide information in the table below detailing processing times and current performance for your Member State. We would like to
know the processing times when an application is made outside of the Member state and also within the Member State.
2) Does your Member State provide these figures to the general public? (if so, please provide a web link)
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
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We would very much appreciate your responses by 11th
August 2013.
2. Responses
Wider
Dissemination?
Bulgaria Yes According to the Law for the Foreigners in Republic of Bulgaria “Visa is a permission granted by the RB of entry and residence, transit or
airport transit”. Visas are issued by the diplomatic and consular authorities of Republic of Bulgaria. They are 3 types – for airport transit
(visa type “A”), for short-term residence (visa type “C”) and for long-term residence (visa type “D”). Visa applicant submits not earlier
than three months before the planned visit, the completed and signed application form, determined by the Council of Ministers. The
responsible institution for the visa issuance is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry of Interior-Migration Directorate participates in a
coordination procedure concerning visa type “D”.
The foreigners’ residence in the RB is carried out on the basis of issued visa, applied for outside the country and subsequent application
and issuance of a residence permit of the Services for administrative control of foreigners.
The last two columns in the requested table are not completed because of not enough or not available information on the topics.
Category of stay Standard processing
time (days)
Current
processing time
Other processing times
Visitor Visa
15 - N/A
FAMILY
Family (settlement)
(Outside MS)
15 - N/A
Family, spouse, partner
(within MS)
20 - N/A
WORK
Entrepreneurs and
Investors
(within MS)
14-60 - N/A
Entrepreneurs, Investors 35 - N/A
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
3 of 27
(outside MS)
Skilled workers
(within MS)
7 - N/A
Skilled workers
(outside MS)
15 - N/A
STUDENTS
Students
(within MS)
14 days - N/A
Students
(outside MS)
15 days - N/A
SPONSERSHIP
By Education or
employer establishments
(Within MS) N/A N/A N/A
PERMANENT
MIGRATION
Bulgaria
Citizenship/Nationality
240-360 - N/A
Third country citizens
related to citizens of EU
or EFTA member
countries
60 - N/A
Estonia Yes Category of stay Standard processing
time(according to the
relevant legislation)
Current processing time Other processing times
Visitor Visa
(outside MS)
Short-term visa (C) – up to 5
15 days C visas -15 calendar days or
up to 30 days, in exceptional
cases up to 60 days.
D visas- decision is made by
-
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
4 of 27
years
Long-term visa (D) –1 year
consulate officials in 30 days
FAMILY
(temporary residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
Family
(outside MS)*
N/A N/A N/A
Family, spouse, partner
(within MS)
In case an alien has been
married to a lawfully residing
in Estonia person for under 3
years the length of residence
permit may not exceed 1 year.
The permit may be prolonged
during the next three years for a
period of validity of no more
that 1 year at a time (3 x 1
year).
In case an alien has been
married to a lawfully residing
in Estonia person for at least 3
years the length of residence
permit may not exceed 3 years.
The permit may be prolonged
for 3 years at a time.
In case an alien has been
granted a temporary residence
permit as a family member of a
person residing in Estonia upon
temporary residence permit
then the period of validity of
2 months 60% in 28 working days N/A
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
5 of 27
the permit of a family member
shall not exceed the validity of
a permit of the spouse.
WORK
(temporary residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
Entrepreneurs and Investors
(within MS)
2 months 61% in 90 working days
Entrepreneurs, Investors
(outside MS)*
N/A N/A N/A
Skilled workers
(within MS)
2 months 63% in 29 working days
Skilled workers*
(outside MS)
N/A N/A N/A
STUDENTS
(temporary residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
Students
(within MS)
2 months 64% in 24 working days
Students
(outside MS)*
N/A N/A N/A
SPONSORSHIP
(temporary residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
(Within MS) 2 months 59% in 36 working days In case of short-term employment
(6 months in 1 year period)
working/vocational training/au-
pair/research/youth project etc
under D-visa is possible. In this
case the processing time of visa at
the foreign representation is
officially 15 days and the
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
6 of 27
registration of short-term
employment that takes place
within the member state takes
generally 10 working days)
PERMANENT MIGRATION
Estonian
Citizenship/Nationality
Declaration of intent – 1
month, processing time –
3 months, decision is
made at the Government
of the Republic – no
official processing
time/indefinite.
Average processing time is 3
months
N/A
European Casework – rights of
residence
The right of permanent
residence of an EU citizen –
indefinite
The right of temporary
residence of an EU citizen - up
to 5 years
The right of temporary
residence of a family member
of an EU citizen – up to 5 years
The right of permanent
residence of a family member
of an EU citizen – indefinite
The right of temporary
residence of an EU
citizen - place of
residence in Estonia must
be registered first, then in
order to certify the right
of temporary residence a
EU citizen must apply
for the ID-card within
one month from the
registration of place of
residence. ID-card
processing time 30 days;
The right of permanent
residence of an EU
citizen – 1 month; The
right of temporary
residence of a family
member of an EU citizen
– 3 months; The right of
permanent residence of a
family member of an EU
citizen – 1 month.
The right of temporary
residence of an EU citizen –
the notice of residence is
submitted to the municipal
or city government official
responsible for dealing with
the Population Register.
Also it is possible to register
the place of residence
online. In both cases the
registration is immediate if
the notice is justified.
The right of permanent
residence of an EU citizen –
70% in 9 working days
The right of temporary
residence of a family
member of an EU citizen –
60% in 23 working days
The right of permanent
residence of a family
An ID-card applied for in urgent
procedure shall be issued within 5
working days. Applicable in
Tallinn service bureaus only.
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
7 of 27
member of an EU citizen –
86% in 5 working days
* an application may not be processed at foreign representations of Estonia. While certain applications may be lodged at the foreign
representation all processing of residence permits, rights of residence, work permits, Estonian citizenship and international
protection as well as registration of short-term employment takes place within the Police and Border Guard Board of Estonia.
Finland Yes 1) - 2) As a rule the application for a first residence permit must be submitted to the Finnish embassy before entering Finland. Decisions
are made by the Finnish Immigration Service. Information on the average processing times (starting from the filing of an application until
the first decision) for the first residence permit applications is available at the web site of the Finnish Immigration Service:
http://www.migri.fi/services/processing_times/average_processing_times.
In 2012, the target and average processing times for the first residence permit applications were as follows:
Basis for application: target
processing
times
2012*
average
processing
times
2012
Adoption at once 32
Au pair 70/270 60
Self-employment 70/270 268
Former Finnish citizen, native Finnish citizen 210 427
Special expert 70/270 27
Special expert, Blue Card - 41
Trainee 70/270 28
Residence permit for a victim of trafficking in human beings at once 146
Guardian of a recipient of international protection 270 674
Child of a recipient of international protection 210 352
Other relative of a recipient of international protection 270 629
Spouse of a recipient of international protection 270 450
Other grounds 270 263
Other employment 70/270 72
Guardian of a person with a Finnish residence permit 270 458
Child of a person with a Finnish residence permit 210 186
Other relative of a person with a Finnish residence permit 270 661
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
8 of 27
Spouse of a person with a Finnish residence permit 270 211
Studying 40 20
Residence permit for an employed person 40 113
Long-term EC status in another Member State - 35
Returnee, residence permit on the basis of remigration 210 230
Guardian of a Finnish citizen 210 116
Child of a Finnish citizen 210 92
Other relative of a Finnish citizen 210 303
Spouse of a Finnish citizen 210 119
Scientific research 70/270 22
Sports or coaching 70/270 69
* In case the Finnish Immigration Service has set two different targets (e.g. 70/270) the first one is for positive decisions and the second
for negative decisions
Family members of Finnish citizens may, however, file the first residence permit application on the basis of family ties in Finland or
abroad. In case the application has been filed in Finland the District Police issues the residence permit. Information on the average
processing times is available on the web site of the police:
http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/home.nsf/ExternalFiles/Poliisin%20lupahallinnon%20tilastot%20(media)%20tammi-
huhtikuu%202013%20END/$file/Poliisin%20lupahallinnon%20tilastot%20(media)%20tammi-huhtikuu%202013%20END.pdf
In 2012, the average processing time (days) of the first residence permit applications (filed by the family members of Finnish citizens in
Finland) was as follows:
Guardian of a Finnish citizen 53
Child of a Finnish citizen 59
Spouse of a Finnish citizen 78
Finland does not issue D-visas. As far as tourist visas (valid for a maximum of three months) are concerned the Finnish embassies abroad
have been able to issue visas within the time limits set forth in the Visa Code (art. 23) and visa facilitation agreements (e.g. EU-RU VFA,
art. 7). Only the Consulate General in St. Petersburg/Russia has faced some difficulties at peak periods – in 2012 the Consulate General
processed 1,04 million visa applications.
France Yes 1. The Directorate of Visa of the French Ministry of Interior cannot distinguish between the processing times for the different types of
visas, because it varies from a case to another.
There are processing times only for visa issuance abroad; visa issuance at the border is immediate.
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
9 of 27
Theoretically, the situation is the following:
- Regarding short term visas, article 23 of Regulation (EC) n° 810/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of 13 July
2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas states that "1. Applications shall be decided on within 15 calendar days of the
date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with Article 19. 2. That period may be extended up to a
maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of
representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. 3. Exceptionally, when additional
documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days."
Besides the foreseen exceptions, the Community Code on Visas imposes a processing time of maximum 15 days for a decision to be
taken. In most cases, French consulates respect these provisions and issue the visa within the 15 days.
- Regarding long term visas, the provisions of the Code on Entry and Residence of Foreigners and Right of Asylum (Ceseda) and
the administrative jurisprudence, state that "when there are no conventional, legislative or regulatory provisions defining when a
visa can be refused to a foreigner willing to come to France, and regarding the nature of such a decision, the French authorities
have a large appreciative power in this respect, and can base their decision not only on reasons linked with public order, but also
on any consideration of general interest" (Conseil d'État, 25 July 2008, M. and Mme. Issaiden, n° 305697, based on a consistent
jurisprudence).
In this regard, the consular authority can proceed to the "verification of any foreign civil status certificate under the conditions defined in
article 47 of the Civil Code" (article L. 111-6 of the Ceseda). In this respect, article R. 211-4 of the Ceseda states that "to undertake the
verification provided in article L. 111-6, and as a departure to the provisions of article 21 of law n° 2000-321 of 12 April 2000 related to
the rights of the citizens in their relation with the administration, diplomatic and consular authorities stay proceedings on the visa
application made by the person who owns the litigious civil status certificate during a maximal length of four months. When the
verifications did not result in, suspension can be extended for a strictly necessary length which cannot exceed four months".
Therefore, for some categories of applicants (for the cases having as object the family settling in France and thus calling for verifications
of the civil status certificates given with the visa application), the proceeding times can last up till 8 months. In this case, the applicants are
notified of the opening of a procedure of verification of their civil status certificates.
2. The processing times of consular post are not public.
Italy Yes The terms for issuing a Schengen visa are listed in Article 23 of the Visa Code: 15 days, to be extended in individual cases up to 60 days.
The terms for issuing national visas have been defined in art. 5, c. 8 of Presidential Decree No 394 of 31.8.1999 (as amended by D.P.R.
334/2004), which states that the diplomatic-consular mission, “after ascertaining that the application can be entertained, and after
conducting the necessary investigations in relation to the visa, including the preventive security checks, shall issue the visa within 90 days
of the date of application” (30 days for paid employment, 120 days for self-employment). Pursuant to article 6(2) and (3) of Ministerial
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
10 of 27
Decree 171 of 3 March 1997, these deadlines may be exceeded whenever it is necessary to carry out investigations or acquire information,
documents and opinions from foreign authorities.
Please note that Visas can only be issued outside Italy. In fact, the responsibility for issuing visas lies with the Italian diplomatic and
consular offices with territorial jurisdiction over the place of residence of the applicant, which is responsible for ascertaining possession of
all requisites (art. 4, paragraph 2, of Consolidated Act 286/1998).
I confirm that all visas must be applied from abroad. Concerning processing times for the different types of visas please note that
deadlines are usually met and the incidence of visas released in relation to the number of applications is very high (over 90%). People
willing to become Italian citizens do not need to apply for a visa because their application can be submitted from abroad and it is not
requested to come to Italy. Processing times may vary according to the consular representation. In those consular seats located in countries
where large Italian communities are based (such as in some Latin American countries) processing time can be slightly more slow due to
the high amount of requests. No further information is available.
Latvia Yes Category of stay Standard processing
time (days)
Current
processing time
Other processing times
Visitor Visa
Short-term Schengen visa
can be from 1 day up to 5
years (90 days within a
period of 180 days)
15 days 98% in 15 days
FAMILY
Family (settlement)
(Outside MS)
N/A
Family, spouse, partner
(within MS)
Outside Member State the
first permit, within
Member State – the
repeated permits
30 days – ordinary
procedure
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
within standard processing times
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months.
WORK
Entrepreneurs and 30 days – ordinary 100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
11 of 27
Investors
(within MS)
non-visa citizens and
investors whose country
of origin is not a country
of increased risk of
terrorism are allowed to
apply within.
procedure
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
within standard processing times
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months
Entrepreneurs, Investors
(outside MS)
30 days – ordinary
procedure
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
within standard processing times
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months
Skilled workers
(within MS)
Up to 5 years (depending
on the term of labour
contract)
30 days – ordinary
procedure
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
within standard processing times
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months.
Skilled workers
(outside MS)
N/A N/A N/A
STUDENTS
For a time period,
indicated in the study
contract
Students
(within MS)
State only students who
apply for a master or
doctor’s program and
exchange students
30 days – ordinary
procedure
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
within standard processing times
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months.
Students
(outside MS)
30 days – ordinary
procedure
100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
within standard processing times
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
12 of 27
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months.
SPONSERSHIP
By Education or
employer establishments
(Within MS)
For a time period,
indicated in the study
contract or other
agreement.
30 days – ordinary
procedure
10 working days or 5
working days –
accelerated procedure
100% in 30 days If the decision cannot be made
within standard processing times
due to the lack of some
documents or information, the
deadline of decision can be
prolonged up to 4 months.
PERMANENT
MIGRATION
Latvian
Citizenship/Nationality
Permanent residence
permit for not less than 5
years to acquire
citizenship through
naturalisation
1 year - according to
the Citizenship Law,
but in practice from 2
to 5 months
depending on the
individual case.
100% in 240 days After submission of application
for citizenship within two months
time person must apply for
naturalisation test (set the date for
the test).
Following the completion of
naturalisation test the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs
examines the application
(according to the Law 1 year for
application process as information
about the person is requested also
from other institutions).
European Casework N/A N/A N/A
Lithuania Yes 1. In Lithuania, a third country national may be admitted to Lithuania having a visa (Schengen or national), a residence permit
(temporary or permanent) or a permit/visa issued by another EU MS, if a visa regime is applied. According to the legal acts, a
national and Schengen visa shall be issued in 15 working days (Target time) and in exceptional cases the time can be extended to
30 or 60 days. Data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demonstrates that 95 percent of national and Schengen visas are issued
within 5-7 working days. Residence permits are issued within 6 months (for all categories) or within 2 months (for highly skilled
workers). In practice, residence permits are issued in a shorter period but the Migration department does not have data on the
performance time.
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
13 of 27
2. Yes. Only target times are provided. http://keliauk.urm.lt/index.php/index-home-page/first/visas
Luxembourg Yes 1. The General Procedure that Luxembourg follows for the issuance of a Visa C (short-term visa) is the one that is contemplated in the
Visa Code1 and the handbook for the organization of visa sections and local Schengen cooperation. The long-term visas are issued for
the other type of authorisation of stay foreseen by the Law of 29 August 2008 on free movement of persons and immigration.
Luxembourg has a limited number of diplomatic representations abroad and depends in another Member States for the processing of
the Visas C and D. All applications for authorisation of stay and visas has to be made abroad (only with the exception foresees by
article 39 of the Las of 29 August 2008).
The table below reflects the standard processing times foreseen in the law.
Category of stay Standard processing time Current processing time Other processing times
Short stay visa 15 days Nevertheless, in cases were
further scrutiny is needed or
when is the diplomatic mission
of another Member States that
handles the application on
behalf of Luxembourg the
delay is of 30 days.
Exceptionally the delay may be
extended up to a maximum of
60 calendar days in case
additional documents are
needed.
Authorisation of stay
- Salaried worker 4 months N.I. Can be extended in exceptional
circumstances linked to the
complexity of the study of the
application.
- Highly qualified
worker
90 days
- Self-employed worker 3 months N.I.
- Sportsmen 3 months N.I.
1 Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas.
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
14 of 27
- Student 3 months N.I.
- Pupil 3 months N.I.
- Trainee 3 months N.I.
- Volunteer 3 months N.I.
- Researcher 3 months N.I.
- Family reunification 9 months N.I. Can be extended in exceptional
circumstances linked to the
complexity of the study of the
application.
Once the authorisation of stay is approved and if the applicant is a national from a country that requires an entry visa s/he must applied for
a long-term residence (D visa) at the diplomatic mission of its country of origin.
In Luxembourg, it is difficult to give a performance time because we have very few diplomatic missions abroad. Most of the visas are
handled by other MS (i.e. BE, NL, FR, DE, ES, PT and HU) so the performance times are not easy to compute.
2. The standard processing times are publicised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
http://www.mae.lu/Site-MAE/VISAS-Immigration/Long-sejour-superieur-a-trois-mois/Remarques-preliminaires
Poland Yes Category of stay Standard processing
time (days)
Current processing time Other processing times
Visitor Visa
15
SV/NV – VC
15
SV/NV – VC
-
FAMILY
Family (settlement)
(Outside MS)
30
NV – VC
30
NV – VC
In exceptional cases, it
can take up to 3 months
Family, spouse, partner
(within MS)
30 30 1, 9 months
WORK
Entrepreneurs and
Investors
(within MS)
N/A N/A -
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
15 of 27
Entrepreneurs, Investors
(outside MS)
SV/NV – VC SV/NV – VC -
Skilled workers
(within MS)
30 30 1, 9 months
Skilled workers
(outside MS)
30 30 -
STUDENTS
Students
(within MS)
- 2 months -
Students
(outside MS)
- 2 months -
SPONSERSHIP
By Education or
employer establishments
(Within MS) - - -
PERMANENT
MIGRATION
Polish
Citizenship/Nationality
3 months 1) Not specified (when
Polish citizenship is granted
by the President, it is
President’s constitutional
prerogative)
2) One month up to two
months (when a foreigner is
recognized as a Polish
citizen based on
administrative decision of
voivode – only for those
who live in Poland and
fulfill conditions specified in
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
16 of 27
the Act on Polish
Citizenship
European Casework 3 months - -
NV – National Visa; SV - Schengen Visa; VC – accordance with the Visa Code
Slovak Republic Yes Category of stay Standard processing
time(according to the relevant
legislation)
Current processing
time
Other processing times
Visitor Visa
(outside MS)
up to 15 days from the
reception of the complete
application
95% in 15 days - up to 60 days from the reception of the
complete application in justified cases
in line with the article 23 of the visa
code
- up to 10 days for citizens of countries
where a Visa facilitation agreement
between EU and this respective
country was signed.
FAMILY
(temporary
residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
Family
(outside MS)
up to 90 days from the
reception of the application by
the Aliens Police
Department
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
Up to 30 days from the reception of the
application by the Aliens Police
Department to:
-a spouse of a TCN or a child younger than
18 years of age of a TCN who represents or
works for a foreign investor in the SR and at
the same time is the citizen of the OECD
member state;
-to a spouse of a TCN or a child younger
than 18 years of age of a TCN who
represents or works for an important foreign
investor in the SR (according to relevant
law)
Family, spouse, up to 90 days These data are not Up to 30 days to:
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
17 of 27
partner
(within MS)
available in the
Slovak Republic.
-a spouse of a TCN or a child younger than
18 years of age of a TCN who represents or
works for a foreign investor in the SR and at
the same time is the citizen of the OECD
member state;
-to a spouse of a TCN or a child younger
than 18 years of age of a TCN who
represents or works for an important foreign
investor in the SR (according to relevant
law)
WORK
(temporary
residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
Entrepreneurs and
Investors
(within MS)
up to 90 days
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
Up to 30 days to:
- a TCN who represents or works for a
foreign investor in the SR and at the same
time is the citizen of the OECD member
state;
-to a TCN who represents or works for an
important foreign investor in the SR
(according to relevant law)
Entrepreneurs,
Investors
(outside MS)
up to 90 days from the
reception of the application by
the Aliens Police
Department
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
Up to 30 days from the reception of the
application by the Aliens Police
Department to:
- a TCN who represents or works for a
foreign investor in the SR and at the same
time is the citizen of the OECD member
state;
-to a TCN who represents or works for an
important foreign investor in the SR
(according to relevant law)
Skilled workers
(within MS)
up to 30 days
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
NA
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
18 of 27
Skilled workers
(outside MS)
up to 30 days from the
reception of the application by
the Aliens Police
Department
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
NA
STUDENTS
(temporary
residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
Students
(within MS)
up to 30 days
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
NA
Students
(outside MS)
up to 30 days from the
reception of the application by
the Aliens Police
Department
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
NA
SPONSORSHIP
(temporary
residence permit in
case of Slovakia)
(Within MS) It is not possible that the
education institution applies
on behalf of her/his student
for the residence permit.
As for the work in this
institution or other
employment the employer can
file the application on behalf
of his/her employee and it is
up to 90 days unless it does
not concern cases mentioned
in the previous columns (e.g.
investor, Blue Card).
PERMANENT
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
19 of 27
MIGRATION
Slovak Republic
Citizenship/Nation
ality
up to 24 months
These data are not
available in the
Slovak Republic.
NA
European
Casework
up to 24 months
up to 6-12 months NA
The application is sent to the Aliens Police Department by the diplomatic mission. The diplomatic mission receives the application and
conducts the initial interview with the applicant. Then the application package together with the summary of the interview is sent to the
Aliens Police Department. This process may take from 3-8 weeks, depending on the diplomatic mission, there is no fixed period set by the
law.
According to the Act on Administrative Procedures it is possible to interrupt the procedure for the purposes of e.g. providing missing
supporting documentation or additional information from other institutions. Thus the whole procedure may in some cases take longer as
set by the law and in the column „standard processing time“.
2. The general information on the periods for the issuance of visas and/or residence permits (according to the national legislation) are
provided on the websites of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic (http://www.minv.sk/?pobyt-cudzinca) and the Ministry of
Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic (http://www.mzv.sk/en/consular_info/visa) or the respective diplomatic missions or
consulates.
Slovenia Yes According to the Alien Act applicant for visa could apply for three types of visas; Transit visa (Visa type A), Short-stay visa (visa type C)
and Long-stay visa (visa type D).
Visa and Residency permit are two documents under which, in case they are valid, aliens are allowed to reside and work in Slovenia.
Category of stay Standard processing time Current processing time Other processing times
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
20 of 27
Transit Visa (Visa type
A)
At the border
Immediately Not applicable Under Article 18 of the Alien
Act and cases specified in the
Visa Code, Short-stay and
Airport transit visas may be
issued by the border
authorities of the Republic of
Slovenia or a diplomatic or
consular representation of
another state party to the
Convention implementing the
Schengen Agreement of 14
June 1985 with which the
ministry responsible for
foreign affairs has concluded a
representation agreement on
visa processing.
A short-stay visa may be
extended by the ministry
responsible for foreign affairs
in the circumstances and
manner provided for in the
Visa Code.
Short-stay Visa
(Visa type C)
Outside Member State:
at the diplomatic
missions and consular
posts of the Republic of
Slovenia abroad
According to the Visa
Code 15 working days
with possibility of
extension for 30 and
than 60 days
1.) 75% in 5-6 working days when
consultation is not needed;
2.) 90% in 15 working days when
consultation with authority is
needed
As above
Long-stay Visa
(Visa type D)
Outside Member State:
According to the
National Administrative
legislation is 30working
days
Majority (in 2012 508 visas type D
were issued) of applications in 15
working days;
Under Article 20 (2) of the
Alien Act a long-stay visa
may also be issued to an alien
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
21 of 27
at the diplomatic
missions and consular
posts of the Republic of
Slovenia abroad
who already resides in the
Republic of Slovenia and who
was exempted from the visa
requirement upon entry, but is
obliged to extend his three-
month legal period of stay in
the Republic of Slovenia, as
specified in the second
paragraph of Article 14 of this
Act, for any of the following
reasons: urgent hospital
treatment; death or the serious
health condition of a family
member residing in the
Republic of Slovenia; natural
disaster; urgent prolongation
of a business trip due to
unforeseen circumstances in
order to prevent the
occurrence of major economic
damage or devastating
environmental consequences;
the obligation to participate in
proceedings conducted by a
state authority of the Republic
of Slovenia.
Sweden Yes 1.) Please see table below for Sweden’s responses.
Category of stay Standard processing time Current processing time Other processing times
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
22 of 27
Short Stay Visa
Schengen Visa (type C,
for short-term visits):
max. 3 months in a six-
month period.
National Visa (type D,
for longer-term visits) or
residence permit:
flexible
No information available Average 2012: 21 days
(95% within 3 months)
Processing times for short-
term visas (processed by
Swedish missions abroad) are
shorter than for national visas
or residence permits or when
both the Swedish missions
abroad and the Swedish
Migration Board are involved
in decision-making.
Average processing time for
short-term visas was 7 days in
2012, 92% within 15 days)
FAMILY
Family
Residence permit
(Visas usually not used)
(outside MS)
No standard processing
time. Objective: as
quickly as possible
Average 2012: 152 days
(37% within 3 months)
The average processing time
of 152 days includes 116 days
processing by the Swedish
Migration Board and 36 days
at the Swedish mission abroad
Family, Spouse Partner
(within MS)
Not applicable. With
certain exceptions,
applications for
residence permits for
family reasons usually
need to be lodged
outside Sweden
WORK
Entrepreneurs
(within MS)
Not applicable.
Applications for
residence permits for
entrepreneurs and
investors usually need to
be lodged outside
Sweden
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
23 of 27
Entrepreneurs,
Investors
(outside MS)
Residence permit: max.
2 years, possibility of
extension
No standard processing time.
Objective: as quickly as possible
Average 2012: 301 days
(22% within 3 months)
Skilled workers
(EU Blue Card Directive
– Within MS)
Not applicable.
Applications for
residence permits for
work purposes usually
need to be lodged
outside Sweden. Sweden
only has data for all
categories of workers.
No statistical difference
is made between skilled
and unskilled workers
Skilled workers
(EU Blue Card
Directive-
Outside MS)
Not applicable. Sweden
only has data for all
categories of workers.
No statistical difference
is made between skilled
and unskilled workers
Average processing time for all
first-time applications for a work
and residence permit in 2012 was
96 days (63% within 3 months).
This includes all categories of
workers, skilled and unskilled.
STUDENTS
Students
(Within MS)
Not applicable.
Applications for
residence permits for
education reasons
usually need to be
lodged outside Sweden
Students
(Outside MS)
Schengen visas for short-
term stays (up to 3
months); Residence
permits for stays
exceeding 3 months.
No standard processing
time. Objective: as
quickly as possible
Average 2012: 44 days
(90% within 3 months)
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
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24 of 27
Permit validity: flexible,
depending on the period
of studies foreseen;
usually approx. 1 year
with possibility of
extension
SPONSERSHIP
By Education or
employer
establishments
Not applicable. This is
not a known category in
Sweden. See above for
categories “students” or
“workers”, respectively.
Applications for
residence permits
usually need to be
lodged outside Sweden
PERMANENT
MIGRATION
Acquisition of
Citizenship/Nationality
(third-country nationals)
No standard processing
time. Objective: as
quickly as possible
Average 2012: 180 days
(38% within 3 months)
Acquisition of
Citizenship/Nationality
(European Casework)
No standard processing
time. Objective: as
quickly as possible
(Processing of applications for
Swedish citizenship lodged by EU
nationals is not generally faster or
slower than the processing of
applications by third-country
nationals. Thus, the average can be
assumed to be comparable to the
value given above for third-country
nationals).
2.) Most of the figures provided in the Table are also provided to the general public through the Swedish Migration Board’s Annual
Report (årsredovisning), please see:
http://www.migrationsverket.se/download/18.43648b4513b902d4269732b/%C3%85rsredovisning+2012.pdf
Applicants can find up-to-date information on current average processing times at the website of the Swedish Migration Board:
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
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25 of 27
http://www.migrationsverket.se
United Kingdom Yes
Category of stay Standard processing
time
Current
processing time
Other processing times
Visitor Visa
15 90% in 15 3 to 5 days priority application
(depending on location of application)
FAMILY
Family
(outside MS)
12 Weeks 6 weeks priority application
Family, spouse,
partner
(within MS)
40 Working Days 65% in 4 Weeks N/A
WORK
Entrepreneurs and
Investors
(Within MS)
80 Working Days 90% in 4 Weeks N/A
Entrepreneurs,
Investors
(Outside MS)
3 Weeks 90% in 15 days
(in general)
3-5 Days (Depending on location of
application)
Skilled workers
(within MS)
80 Working Days 90% in 4 weeks
Skilled workers
(Outside MS)
3 Weeks 90% in 15 days
(in general)
STUDENTS
Students
(Within MS)
40 Working days 85% in 4 Weeks
Students
(Outside MS)
3 Weeks 90% in 15 Days
(in general)
3-5 Days (Depending on location of
application)
SPONSERSHIP
By Education or 90 Working days Processed in 5 N/A
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
EMN NCPs have provided, to the best of their knowledge, information that is up-to-date, objective and reliable. Note, however, that the information provided does
not necessarily represent the official policy of an EMN NCPs' Member State.
26 of 27
employer
establishments
(Within MS)
weeks – no
current standard
set
PERMANENT
MIGRATION
British Citizenship/
Nationality
26 Weeks 99% in 26
Weeks
N/A
Third country
citizens related to
citizens of EU or
EFTA member
countries
180 Working days 99% in 26
weeks
N/A
Norway Yes Applicants will find expected case processing times for the different types of permits on http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-
Immigration/Oversiktsider/Case-processing-times/
Category of stay Standard processing
time
Current
processing time
Other processing times
Visitor Visa
2 weeks
FAMILY
Family
6 months At least 80% 8 – 9 weeks if accompanying an applicant
for work permit
Family, spouse,
partner
6 months At least 80% 8 – 9 weeks if accompanying an applicant
for work permit
WORK
Entrepreneurs and
Investors
3 months At least 80%
EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Processing Times and Service Standards for Visas
Disclaimer: The following responses have been provided primarily for the purpose of information exchange among EMN NCPs in the framework of the EMN. The contributing
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27 of 27
Entrepreneurs,
Investors
3 months At least 80%
Skilled workers
3 months At least 80% 10 days for applications made at a Service
Centre for Foreign Workers
Skilled workers
3 months At least 80%
STUDENTS
Students
6-8 weeks At least 80%
Students
6-8 weeks At least 80% Au pair: 5 months for applications made
before Sept 2013, 8 – 10 weeks thereafter
PERMANENT
MIGRATION
Norwegian
Citizenship/Nation
ality
6 Months
(if applied after Sep
2012)
At least 80% Applies also to applications for a permanent
residence permit
Third country
citizens related to
citizens of EU or
EFTA member
countries
6 months (residence
card)
8-9 months
(permanent
residence card)
At least 80%
Length of Visa is one year or shorter depending on duration of contract (for work) or course (for study) Applies also to applications for a
permanent residence permit.
The expected times are based on recent actual processing times for the 80 percent ‘fastest’ decisions, adjusted for known changes to future
work load and capacity, to give most of the applicants a realistic understanding of how long they may have to wait. The information is
updated regularly.
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