The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has announced the introduction of stricter criteria for foreigners applying for permanent residence permits. The new rules will come into force on January 8, 2026. This was reported by Yle, writes UNN.
Details
The main changes concern the length of stay in the country, the level of proficiency in the state language, and the availability of stable employment history.
New requirements for terms and integration
The main change in the Aliens Act is the extension of the required period of residence in the country from four to six years. In addition, the economic and linguistic integration of the applicant becomes a mandatory condition.
According to the government program, applicants will be required to comply with the rules of society, as well as work and learn the language.
The clarification from the relevant department states: "Applicants who have resided in Finland for six years may be granted a permanent residence permit provided that they are proficient in Finnish or Swedish at a satisfactory level and have worked in Finland for at least two years."
Exceptions and additional restrictions
For certain categories of applicants, the possibility of obtaining permanent status after four years of residence will remain, but the conditions have become stricter.
This is only possible with a confirmed annual income of 40,000 euros or more, a master's degree recognized in Finland and two years of work experience, or a high level of proficiency in the state language and three years of employment.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs pays special attention to the social responsibility of applicants.
If applicants meet the employment history requirements, they will also be required not to have received unemployment benefits or social assistance for more than three months.
In addition, any conviction to imprisonment automatically nullifies the period of residence. After serving the sentence, the foreigner will have to start counting the six-year period of stay in the country from scratch.