Finland has enacted amendments to the Citizenship Act, introducing stricter eligibility and retention criteria for citizenship effective 17 December 2025, as announced by the Finnish Immigration Service.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
These changes introduce new compliance obligations for globally mobile employees seeking Finnish citizenship. Stricter identity verification and expanded revocation grounds could lead to uncertainty for those with complex immigration histories or prior offences, potentially affecting workforce planning and retention.
Background
These recently implemented changes form part of a broader reform of the Citizenship Act outlined in the Government Program. The objective is to promote successful integration, adherence to the rules of Finnish society and working life. The reform is being conducted in three phases, and this represents the second stage. In the first phase, which entered into force in October 2024, the required period of residence was extended from five to eight years. The last phase, which will be introduced to the Finnish Parliament in spring 2026, will introduce a citizenship test.2
Key Highlights
Effective 17 December 2025, Finland has amended its Citizenship Act to reinforce eligibility and retention criteria for citizenship. The changes aim to improve the integrity of the citizenship process, reduce abuse, and align with stricter European standards.
- Financial self-sufficiency: Applicants should not have received unemployment benefit or social assistance for more than three months in the preceding two years.
- Extended waiting periods for offenders: The reapplication ban for those convicted of criminal offences may now extend up to eight years, depending on the severity of the offence.
- Stricter identity and passport verification: Enhanced requirements for identity documentation and valid passports at the time of application.
- Expanded revocation grounds: Citizenship may be revoked for serious offences resulting in sentences of at least two years or if false information is provided within ten years of the citizenship decision.
- Security statements: Authorities may issue security statements for citizenship declarations where integrity concerns arise.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, applicants for citizenship might consider maintaining comprehensive records of financial self-sufficiency and seeking legal or immigration counsel if they have complex backgrounds.
The KPMG International member firm in Finland will continue to monitor the legislative changes and will endeavor to inform readers of GMS Flash Alert of any important developments.
For additional guidance and assistance, it is advisable to reach out to your usual global-mobility professional or immigration counsel or a member of the global-mobility team with KPMG in Finland (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTEs:
1 Maahanmuuttovirasto, Finnish Immigration Service, “Amendments to Citizenship Act enter into force on 17 December 2025,” published on 17 December 2025.
2 Sisäministeriö, Ministry of the Interior, “Reform of the Citizenship Act.”
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Finland.
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