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The Finland Ministry of the Interior has initiated a project to establish stringent criteria for obtaining a permanent residence permit.
The project’s goal is to encourage immigrants in Finland to conform to Finnish societal norms, participate in employment, and learn the language, emphasizing that successful integration is pivotal for securing a permanent residence permit.
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As part of the initiative, the project proposes an extension of the residency duration required for a permanent residence permit to six years, up from the current four-year requirement.
These modifications were prompted by a report from the Finnish Immigration Service, revealing a notable increase in residence permit applications in Finland for the year 2023.
The figures encompass 16,999 work-related first residence permit applications, 12,867 for studies, and a record 21,523 based on family connections.
Key elements of the new criteria include a language examination to demonstrate proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish, a two-year employment history with minimal reliance on unemployment or income support, and stricter standards for personal integrity.
Applicants are also required to verify their identity actively.
As per the Finnish government’s program, the six-year residency prerequisite may be waived under specific conditions.
A permanent residence permit could be granted after four years if the applicant earns a minimum of 40,000 euros annually or holds a higher education degree obtained or recognized in Finland, along with a two-year employment history with minimal use of income or unemployment support.
Moreover, the six-year residency requirement may be relaxed for applicants showcasing exceptional Finnish or Swedish language skills coupled with a three-year work history, without significant dependence on welfare or unemployment benefits.
In parallel, Finnish authorities are tightening conditions for family reunification, aligning with the EU Family Reunification Directive. A new rule in the Finnish Aliens Act requires the sponsoring spouse to be at least 21 years old.
