In response to newly implemented regulations by the Finnish Immigration Service, there has been a significant increase in citizenship applications. As of October, the residency period required to obtain Finnish citizenship has been extended from five to eight years, prompting many to file their applications before the changes took effect.

A key factor behind this surge was the opportunity to apply under the previous, more lenient rules, which were still in effect until the end of September. Finnish Immigration Services representative, Lukkonnen, confirmed that many applicants rushed to take advantage of this window, ensuring their applications would be processed under the old criteria.

The tightened rules also bring changes to the amount of time applicants can spend outside Finland while holding a residence permit. Under the new regulations, only 365 days spent outside the country will be counted towards the residency requirement, and no more than 90 of those days can be from the year preceding the citizenship decision. Any time spent abroad beyond these limits will not contribute to the residency period.

Furthermore, the language proficiency criteria have also been adjusted. While individuals who meet the language requirements can still apply for citizenship after five years, this is one year longer than the previous four-year requirement.

These changes, designed to tighten immigration rules and ensure a stronger connection to Finland, have prompted many to act quickly, resulting in a sharp rise in applications before October. Finnish Immigration Services has acknowledged this increase and continues to process the applications filed before the deadline under the previous regulations.