Becoming a Finn Could Get Easier with New Law
Image: YLE
Foreigners who permanently reside in Finland may be able to obtain Finnish citizenship more quickly in the future. The government is proposing new legislation that would reduce the number of years applicants are required to live in Finland from six to five.
In addition, foreigners living in Finland could become naturalised after a shorter amount of time if they have lived in Finland for various periods over the past seven years. However, the applicant must reside in Finland for the two previous years before applying. Currently, officials take applicants into consideration if they have lived in Finland for various stretches over the past eight years.
The proposal also calls on authorities to consider an applicant's time spent as a temporary resident when reviewing a citizenship application. This would particularly help foreigners who come to Finland as students or for employment.
Residency requirements for applicants who speak Finnish or Swedish fluently would also be shortened.
Furthermore, the reforms would help former Finnish citizens regain citizenship. For example, they could apply for citizenship whether they live in Finland or not.
The proposal has been sent to parliament for review. The new law could come into effect in the autumn of 2011.
YLE