Key Takeaways:
- From October 2024, Finnish citizenship requires eight years of residence instead of five, affecting all applicants including asylum seekers.
- Only periods with a valid residence permit count towards residency for citizenship; asylum application time excluded.
- Urgent applications for protected persons prioritized; decisions within one year despite stricter residency requirements.
What Changes in Finnish Citizenship Rules are Coming in October 2024?
Starting from October 1, 2024, foreign citizens aiming to acquire Finnish citizenship will face stricter rules. The Finnish Parliament has approved a bill to amend the Citizenship Act, extending the required period of residence from five to eight years for those seeking Finnish citizenship. This change impacts all applicants, including those who have received international protection in Finland.
Why is Finland Introducing Stricter Rules for Citizenship?
The Finnish government aims to assess applicants’ suitability for citizenship over a longer period, encouraging better integration into Finnish society. The reform aligns with the Government Programme’s objective to tighten citizenship requirements. According to VisaVerge.com, Finland is set to implement these changes in three legislative stages.
How Do the New Residency Period Rules Affect Asylum Seekers?
The amendments also redefine what counts towards the period of residence for asylum seekers. Only periods spent in Finland with a valid residence permit will be considered. Previously, the time taken to process an asylum application would count towards this period, but this is no longer the case. For beneficiaries of international protection, the period of residence starts only once a residence permit is issued. Any time spent in Finland without a residence permit will not contribute to the required period of residence.
What Happens to Urgent Citizenship Applications for Protected Persons?
While the new rules eliminate the possibility of derogating the residence requirement based on international protection, the government stressed that citizenship applications from protected persons would still be prioritized. Decisions on these applications must be made within one year of submission.
Has Finland Implemented Such Stringent Measures Before?
Proposals for these changes were first submitted to the Finnish Parliament during a government session on April 18, 2024. One of the primary goals is to ensure that foreign nationals are thoroughly assessed for their suitability for Finnish citizenship over a more extended period.
How Many Applicants Received Finnish Citizenship Last Year?
In 2023, Finland granted citizenship to 12,224 foreign nationals. This was an increase from 2022, which saw 2,026 fewer people granted Finnish citizenship. The majority of new Finnish citizens were Russian nationals, who comprised 6% of the total.
Are There Other Notable Changes to Finland’s Immigration Policies?
Yes, the recent amendments also address the residence period calculation for various applicants. The changes stipulate that factors such as age, state of health, or other similar reasons will no longer justify considering a period of residence without a valid residence permit. This approach standardizes the process, making it more streamlined and clear-cut.
What Should You Do if Applying for Finnish Citizenship After October 2024?
For those planning to apply for Finnish citizenship after October 1, 2024, it’s crucial to understand the new requirements:
- Ensure your residence period in Finland is valid. Only periods with a residence permit will be counted.
- Plan for a longer assessment period. The required residency duration has increased from five to eight years.
- Be aware of the urgency policy. If you are a beneficiary of international protection, your application will still be processed faster, with a decision made within a year of submission.
These modifications represent a significant tightening of the rules for acquiring Finnish citizenship, aligning with the country’s broader objectives to foster deeper integration of immigrants into Finnish society.
For more detailed information on the new regulations and application procedures, refer to the official website of Finnish Immigration Service.
Understanding these changes is vital for prospective applicants to navigate the process smoothly and successfully.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Terms
1. Citizenship Act: A legislative document that outlines the requirements and processes for acquiring citizenship in a country. For Finland, amendments to this act were made to introduce stricter citizenship rules effective from October 1, 2024.
2. Residence Permit: An official authorization allowing a foreign citizen to live in Finland for a specified period. As per the new rules, only time spent with a valid residence permit counts towards the required period of residence for Finnish citizenship.
3. International Protection: A status granted to individuals (such as refugees or asylum seekers) who need protection from persecution, granted under international law. The new rules change how periods of residence are counted for these individuals.
4. Derogating: The act of deviating from a standard rule or requirement. The new Finnish citizenship rules eliminate the possibility of derogating the residence period based on international protection status.
5. Integration: The process by which immigrants become accepted and active members of the host society. The changes in Finnish citizenship rules aim to improve this process by extending the assessment period before citizenship is granted.
This Article In A Nutshell:
In October 2024, Finland will change its citizenship rules, requiring foreign residents to live in the country for eight years instead of five. This amendment aims to ensure greater integration into Finnish society. The period will only count if spent in Finland with a valid residence permit.
— By VisaVerge.com
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