Attention: these changes haven’t been voted yet. It is just an announcement, but the law in force is still the old one.
In recent months, the Finnish government has unveiled a series of significant changes to the citizenship process, aimed at tightening the requirements for new applicants. These changes are set to roll out over the next few years, reflecting a shift towards stricter immigration and integration policies. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect from these upcoming changes.
Increased Residency Requirements
One of the most notable changes is the extension of the required period of residence in Finland from five to eight years. Importantly, only the time spent in Finland on a residence permit will count towards this requirement. Additionally, the exemption allowing individuals granted international protection to obtain citizenship after four years will be removed (Valtioneuvosto) (Helsinki Times).
New Language and Citizenship Tests
Future citizenship applicants will need to pass both a language test and a citizenship test. These tests aim to ensure that applicants have a good understanding of the Finnish language and the core values and principles of Finnish society. This move underscores the government’s focus on successful integration as a prerequisite for citizenship (Helsinki Times).
Stricter Income Requirements
The income requirements for citizenship applicants are set to become more stringent. Currently, applicants can rely on social security benefits to demonstrate a reliable source of income. However, under the new rules, this may no longer be possible. Applicants will need to provide other forms of proof to meet the income criteria (Valtioneuvosto).
Integrity and Criminal Background Checks
The Finnish government is also tightening the rules around applicants’ criminal records. The processing of applications may be suspended or discontinued for those found guilty of criminal offenses, and the waiting period for such individuals may be extended. Furthermore, the range of crimes that can disqualify an applicant from receiving citizenship may be expanded (Helsinki Times).
Changes for International Protection and Special Cases
Although the special path for those with international protection (which allowed for citizenship after four years) is being removed, the government plans to support these individuals in other ways. This includes potentially covering the costs of their citizenship applications. Moreover, there are specific criteria for expedited citizenship for high-income or highly educated individuals (Valtioneuvosto) (Maahanmuuttovirasto).
Revised Processing Fees
Effective January 1, 2024, there will be changes to the processing fees for citizenship applications. This is part of the broader reform efforts by the Finnish Immigration Service to streamline and update their procedures (Maahanmuuttovirasto).
Impact on Work-Based Immigration
Despite these tighter regulations, the government asserts that these changes should not negatively impact work-based immigration. Factors such as safety, services, and tax rates in Finland are believed to be the primary considerations for workers, rather than the specifics of the citizenship law (Valtioneuvosto) (Envoy Global Resource Center).
These upcoming changes to the Finnish citizenship process reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that new citizens are well-integrated into Finnish society. While the requirements are becoming more stringent, these measures are aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and shared values among Finnish citizens.
For further details and updates, you can refer to the Finnish Government’s official announcements and resources from the Finnish Immigration Service:
Stay informed and prepared for these changes if you are planning to apply for Finnish citizenship in the near future.