Key Points
- Finland will introduce new citizenship requirements and timelines beginning 1 October 2024
Finnish Citizenship Requirements
The government of Finland will introduce new citizenship requirements beginning 1 October 2024. As a result, the required residence period for Finnish citizenship extends from five to eight years. Additional changes include:
- Citizenship applications for beneficiaries of international protection will be processed urgently, with decisions made within one year.
- For children aged 15 or over, spouses of Finnish citizens, stateless persons, and applicants meeting language proficiency requirements, the residence period extends from four to five years.
- Nordic citizens and spouses of Finnish mission workers abroad remain unchanged at two years. Only periods of residence with a residence permit will be considered, excluding asylum application processing time. The total allowable absence abroad is one year, with no more than three months in the year preceding naturalization.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Finland’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
