Finland plans to extend the residency criteria for individuals applying for citizenship to a duration of 8 years.

Finland plans to extend the residency criteria for individuals applying for citizenship to a duration of 8 years.

Summary:

  • Finland aims to extend the residency prerequisites for citizenship candidates from five to eight years.
  • These adjustments are estimated to impact around 10,000 foreigners annually.
  • Additionally, Finland seeks to deter individuals from transitioning between different types of residence permits.

The Finnish government has put forth a proposal to extend the residency criteria for foreign residents in Finland seeking citizenship. Under this proposal, individuals aspiring for Finnish citizenship would need to reside in the country for a minimum of eight years, as opposed to the current requirement of five years. Furthermore, during the residency period applicable for citizenship application, individuals can spend only up to one year outside Finland. It's emphasized that only the duration spent within Finland while holding a valid residence permit would count towards the qualifying residency period for citizenship.

The Ministry of Interior of Finland has outlined that the proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act aims to elongate the residency duration necessary for obtaining Finnish citizenship from five years to eight years. Moreover, it specifies that only time spent in Finland under a residence permit would be considered in calculating the residency period.

In accordance with the proposed changes, the residency period requirement would also be extended for children and spouses of Finnish citizens and stateless individuals. They would be required to legally reside in Finland for five years, up from the current four, to be eligible for Finnish citizenship. However, the existing two-year requirement for Nordic citizens and spouses of Finnish embassy staff seeking citizenship would remain unchanged.

Mari Rantanen, the Minister of Interior of Finland, highlighted the intention to introduce best practices through these immigration adjustments. The government foresees these citizenship measures affecting approximately 10,000 individuals annually.

Furthermore, alongside the tightening of citizenship regulations, the Finnish government has suggested implementing stricter protocols for individuals seeking to change their residence permit and for foreigners applying for international protection. The proposal includes plans to restrict asylum seekers from transitioning to education or work-based permits. Additionally, measures to deny asylum or withdraw asylum status for refugees deemed a threat to society, and the ability to reject asylum claims at the border, are also under consideration. In terms of international protection, the government is proposing to reduce the duration of international protection permits.

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