Requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship to be tightened

The requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship will be tightened in accordance with the Government Programme. Amendments are proposed to the provisions on the establishment of identity, the integrity requirement and the requirement for sufficient financial resources. The government proposal to amend the Citizenship Act was sent out for comments on 27 November.

The aim is successful integration as a prerequisite for being granted citizenship. The purpose of the legislative amendments is also to place greater emphasis on security-related risks and compliance with the rules of society.

“Finnish citizenship is not something that can be granted automatically. It requires successful integration, work, and compliance with the rules of Finnish society,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

More stringent requirements for integrity and sufficient financial resources

The integrity requirement will be made more stringent, which means that committing offences will have a more substantial impact on whether the applicant can be granted citizenship. The importance of national security as part of the procedure for granting citizenship will also be emphasised.

More attention will be paid to sufficient financial resources as an indicator of integration into Finnish society. This means that persons who do not have any income other than unemployment benefit or social assistance will no longer meet this requirement.

More emphasis will be placed on the applicant's active help in establishing their identity and providing documentary evidence. The amendments will only apply to those who can be reasonably expected to present their national passport. The amendments will not apply to beneficiaries of international protection.

Amendments also proposed to legislation on loss of citizenship

Legislative amendments related to the loss of citizenship will apply to situations where a person has given false information when applying for citizenship or has committed offences that violate Finland's vital interests. In such situations, the loss of citizenship can become more common in future. For example, a larger number of terrorism-related offences can lead to the loss of citizenship.

The proposal is circulated for comments until 14.1.2025. The government proposal is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament in spring 2025.

Inquiries:
Roope Jokinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 362, [email protected] 
Hanna Pihkanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 217, [email protected]