The Finnish government has proposed to stricter the permanent residency rules for foreigners. These changes are intended to make foreigners feel more integrated into Finnish society.
The proposed changes include extended stay of residency from earlier four years to six years, adding more criteria for language, work experience and language proficiency. The Alien act proposal was submitted on January 27th and is open for comments until March 7th.
However, people can be still eligible for PR after 4 years, if they meet one of the following criteria:
- €40,000/yr earnings
- Master’s or Post graduate degree “recognised in Finland” with 2 years work history
- Good language skills in Finnish or Swedish language along with 3 years work experience
The ministry press release also stated that “In all cases, the requirement concerning a work history of a certain length would also include a requirement of the applicant having accumulated their work history without recourse to unemployment security or social assistance other than for a maximum of three months”.
However, the residence permit could be shorter in certain cases provided language and education criterias are taken into account for exemption. Also, if applicants have completed Bachelor’s, Master’s or Postgraduate degree from a designated Finnish institute with a “certain level of proficiency” can be exempted from residency in a number of years provided they have reached linguistic skills.
Additionally, candidates from other EU countries who are willing to obtain permanent residency in Finland have to prove proficiency in Finnish or Swedish language. Third country residents who have stayed in the EU for a longer period can apply for a EU residence permit in a Member State. It is a permanent authorisation that is valid indefinitely similar to national permits.
