Recent amendments to Finland's Citizenship Act, which came into effect on 1 October 2024, have raised concerns and confusion within Finland's international community, particularly regarding the length of residency required to apply for citizenship. While official statements have indicated an increase in the residency requirement to eight years, most residents will still be able to apply for Finnish citizenship after five years.
Image created with the photos by Robin Higgins and Yle.fi
The Legal Amendment and Confusion Over Residency Periods
The changes are part of a broader reform package introduced by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s right-wing government aimed at tightening immigration regulations. One of the key adjustments included extending the required period of residency for citizenship. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) updated its guidelines accordingly, stating that the required period of residence is now eight years.
However, in practice, this has caused confusion. Despite the shift to an eight-year residency period for some, many applicants will still qualify to apply for citizenship after five years of residence in Finland.
Exceptions to the Eight-Year Requirement
Migri clarifies that while the general rule may have extended to eight years, there are several important exceptions. Applicants who meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating sufficient language skills, can still apply for citizenship after five years of residency. This shorter residency period also applies to spouses of Finnish citizens, stateless individuals, and Nordic citizens. Furthermore, spouses of Finnish diplomats can apply after just two years of residence.
Previously, individuals with strong language skills could apply for citizenship after four years, but this has now been extended to five years under the new law. According to Migri, the increase from four to five years is expected to affect around 500-700 people annually.
Language Skills Requirement and Exemptions
Language proficiency remains a significant factor for almost all citizenship applicants, who must typically demonstrate competence in Finnish or Swedish. Nonetheless, Migri has the authority to grant exemptions from the language requirement in specific circumstances. These exemptions apply to applicants over 65, individuals with health issues that prevent them from learning the language, those who arrive in Finland as illiterate adults, or people with other valid reasons.
Despite this possibility, Migri has stated that exceptions to the language skills requirement are rarely granted. When Yle News inquired about the frequency of such exemptions, Migri reported that its data services could not provide statistics on how often exemptions have been granted in recent years.
The Path Forward
While the Citizenship Act changes have caused uncertainty, the reality for most applicants is that the pathway to citizenship remains accessible after five years of residency. This reflects a more nuanced implementation of the new rules, particularly for those who meet specific criteria, such as language proficiency or family ties to Finnish citizens.
As Finland continues to navigate these legal changes, those seeking citizenship are encouraged to review their eligibility carefully and ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The Finnish Immigration Service remains the primary source of information, and applicants are advised to follow updates closely as the reform process evolves further.
