**Finnish Government Tightens Rules for Permanent Residency Permits**
**Published: January 30, 2025**
The Finnish government is set to introduce stricter regulations regarding permanent residence permits, aiming to tighten the conditions under which immigrants can settle in the country. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior unveiled the proposed changes in a statement on Monday.
Under the current rules, individuals are required to have lived in Finland for four consecutive years to qualify for a permanent residence permit. However, the new guidelines suggest that this duration will increase to six years of continuous residence. In addition to the extended stay requirement, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish and possess at least two years of work experience in Finland.
There are some exceptions, however. For those who earn a minimum of €40,000 annually, hold a recognized master's degree, and meet the language proficiency requirement, a permanent residence permit may be granted after four years of residence. This is also applicable to individuals with three years of work experience in the country.
Additionally, the government highlights that criminal offenses could affect the approval of residency applications. The Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen, stated that one of the key goals of the government's immigration program is to encourage newcomers to integrate into Finnish society by adhering to its laws, learning the language, and engaging in the workforce.
These changes reflect Finland's ongoing efforts to ensure that immigrants are well-prepared to contribute to and participate fully in the country's social and economic life.
**Summary**: Finland's government is revising its permanent residency permit rules, increasing the required length of stay to six years, alongside work experience and language proficiency requirements. Certain exceptions will apply, but criminal records may impact applications.