Criminal Records to Heavily Influence Finnish Citizenship Applications Under Proposed Amendments

Finnish lawmakers are working on amendments to the Citizenship Act, aiming to tighten the requirements for obtaining Finnish citizenship.

These proposed changes, announced in a press release from the Finnish Interior Ministry, are set to be sent for review on November 27, 2024. The new rules will introduce stricter criteria regarding applicants’ integrity and financial resources.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposed amendments, Finland’s Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen, emphasized the significance of meeting societal standards to earn Finnish citizenship. “Finnish citizenship is not something that can be granted automatically. It requires successful integration, work, and compliance with the rules of Finnish society,” she stated.

The draft proposal will undergo a public comment period until January 2025, with the government intending to submit the final version to Parliament in the spring of the same year. These changes come shortly after Finland extended the minimum residency period required for citizenship from five to eight years, although exceptions can still apply under special circumstances.

Criminal Records to Become a Key Factor

A key aspect of the proposed amendments focuses on integrity, making it increasingly difficult for individuals with criminal records to acquire Finnish citizenship. If approved, candidates with a history of offences will face reduced chances of being granted citizenship.

Authorities cite national security as the primary reason for this change, pointing to broader European trends where countries are implementing stricter measures. The Finnish Interior Ministry noted that “national security, which, at a European level, is increasingly being compromised,” plays a central role in these decisions.

Similar initiatives have recently emerged in neighboring countries. Sweden has imposed stricter rules for citizenship applicants with criminal records, including improved ID controls. Denmark is also pursuing tighter regulations, particularly targeting individuals with extremist views against homosexuality or antisemitism.

Financial Stability to Gain Importance

The amendments also propose placing greater emphasis on financial resources when evaluating citizenship applications. Applicants with stable employment and steady incomes will be prioritized, as financial independence is viewed as a critical component of successful integration into Finnish society. On the other hand, individuals relying on unemployment benefits may find it more challenging to meet the requirements.

The Interior Ministry’s press release highlighted the importance of financial self-sufficiency, reinforcing that this reflects an applicant’s integration and ability to contribute positively to society.

Consequences for Misrepresentation and Crimes Against Finland

The proposed legislation also introduces stricter measures against applicants who misrepresent themselves during the application process. The Finnish government clarified that individuals found providing false information to obtain citizenship could have their passports revoked. Additionally, those committing acts that harm Finland’s interests—such as terrorism—could lose their citizenship altogether.

The press release pointed out that an increase in terrorism-related offences would trigger greater scrutiny and could result in more revocations of citizenship.

With these proposed amendments, Finland joins a growing number of European countries moving towards more stringent citizenship regulations, aligning with broader concerns about security, integration, and societal contribution. 

By fLEXI tEAM