Finnish citizenship now easier to acquire

[The Ripper]

A change in legislation is shortening the required stay in Finland for those who wish to apply for Finnish citizenship. Speaking one of Finland's official languages is seen as an advantage under the new rules.

From September 1, the required stay in Finland for those who seek citizenship is five years without interruption, rather than six. A person who has satisfactory command of Finnish or Swedish can apply already after four years of continuous residence in the country.

Prospective applicants can also seek citizenship if they have lived in Finland for a total of seven years since their 15th birthday. Earlier, that requirement ran to eight years. As before, however, the last two years of this period must be without interruption.

According to the Finnish Immigration Service, these changes will result in a higher number of citizenship applications starting next year.

The amended legislation is also making it easier for former Finnish passport holders to reclaim citizenship. From now on, even if they are not residing in Finland, all that is required of them is a declaration.

More details on the revised legislation are available in English here.

YLE

[Moonbird]

A person who has satisfactory command of Finnish or Swedish can apply already after four years of continuous residence in the country.

Although I myself have Swedish as my mother tongue I think it's pretty naive to give citizenship to a person without him or her having satisfactory command of Finnish. Knowledge only of the Swedish language isn't enough in today's Finland. These people will have difficulties in getting jobs.

[The Ripper]

Although I myself have Swedish as my mother tongue I think it's pretty naive to give citizenship to a person without him or her having satisfactory command of Finnish. Knowledge only of the Swedish language isn't enough in today's Finland. These people will have difficulties in getting jobs.

Thank SFP, who have made it their policy to help perpetuate finlandssvenskheten.

[Moonbird]

Thank SFP, who have made it their policy to help perpetuate finlandssvenskheten.

Unfortunately while doing so they also in many ways strenghten the position of the immigrants in the country.

[The Ripper]

Unfortunately while doing so they also in many ways strenghten the position of the immigrants in the country.

What I meant is that they wish to boost the numbers of "Swedish speakers" by integrating immigrants into Svenskfinland.

I once read an article where they interviewed some immigrants who had been encouraged to learn Swedish instead of Finnish. Only later did they realize how limited the area is where you get by with Swedish only, and they were rather pissed.

[Moonbird]

What I meant is that they wish to boost the numbers of "Swedish speakers" by integrating immigrants into Svenskfinland.

I once read an article where they interviewed some immigrants who had been encouraged to learn Swedish instead of Finnish. Only later did they realize how limited the area is where you get by with Swedish only, and they were rather pissed.

I see. Yes, I'm aware of that this has been practised in some places. I don't approve of it (it will only raise the numbers of unemployed people), but it's not the biggest problem we have to face when it comes to immigrants.