Verified policy record

Finland Introduces New Requirements for Permanent Residence Applications

Finland made the rules stricter for getting a permanent residence permit from 8 January 2026. The usual time you must live in Finland went from four to six years. Applicants now generally need to show Finnish or Swedish language skills and a suitable work history. But several other options let people get permanent residence after four years. Some options let people get it without meeting the standard living time. These options include having a high income, recognised foreign postgraduate qualifications, strong language skills, or a degree finished in Finland. The changes also brought in new rules for long-term resident EU residence permits. They also changed how certain prison sentences affect the time period you must live in Finland.

Jurisdiction

Finland

Stage

Effective 8 Jan 2026

Published

8 Jan 2026

In force

8 Jan 2026

Category

Permanent Residence

Official source

Migri — Newsroom