The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has initiated a project aimed at defining more rigorous criteria for obtaining permanent residency permits in the country.
The objective of this project is to encourage immigrants in Finland to integrate into society by adhering to Finnish norms, actively participating in employment, and learning the language. Successful integration is emphasized as pivotal for securing a permanent residency permit.
As part of the project, the duration of residency required to qualify for a permanent permit will be extended to six years, up from the current four-year requirement.
These measures stem from a report by the Finnish Immigration Service, revealing a significant increase in residence permit applications in 2023. Notably, there were 16,999 work-related first residence permit applications, 12,867 for studies, and a record 21,523 based on family connections.
The new criteria for obtaining a permanent permit include proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, demonstrated through language examinations. Additionally, applicants must have a two-year employment history with minimal reliance on unemployment or income support, and stricter standards for personal integrity will be applied.
Verification of identity is now mandatory, with applicants expected to proactively establish their identity.
However, exemptions to the six-year residency prerequisite are possible. For instance, a permanent residence permit may be granted after just four years if the applicant earns a minimum annual income of 40,000 euros or possesses a higher education degree recognized in Finland, along with a two-year employment history with minimal welfare or unemployment support.
Moreover, applicants demonstrating exceptional language skills or a three-year work history without significant dependence on welfare or unemployment benefits may also qualify for early permanent residency.
Furthermore, Finland is tightening conditions for family reunification.
The Ministry of Interior announced plans to align with the EU Family Reunification Directive, requiring the sponsoring spouse to be at least 21 years old, introducing a new rule in the Finnish Aliens Act.
