Finland Introduces New Citizenship Rules to Obtain Finnish Citizenship by Increasing Residence Period From 5 to 8 Years

In a recently released update, Finland introduces new citizenship rules, effective from October 1. Under the new rules, applicants must have lived in the country for a minimum of eight years to be eligible for Finnish citizenship. This new criterion represents a shift from previous residency requirements, aiming to streamline the process and ensure long-term residency before citizenship is granted.

When Do Finland's New Citizenship Rules Apply?

The rule applies to all applications submitted after October 1, meaning that any foreign nationals hoping to obtain Finnish citizenship will now need to meet the new residency threshold. The adjustment reflects Finland's broader approach to integrating long-term residents into its society.

However, for those who submitted their citizenship applications before the October deadline, there’s a transitional measure in place. These applications will be processed under the old Citizenship Act, providing a smoother transition for those who were already in the application process.