Finland’s Parliament has approved new restrictions on eligibility for citizenship, tightening financial criteria for applicants. Under the revised law, individuals who have relied on social welfare for more than three months within a two-year period will no longer qualify for Finnish citizenship. The legislation, passed by a vote of 103 to 58, marks the second phase of the government’s broader reform of the Citizenship Act. Its main goal is to ensure that applicants demonstrate genuine financial independence, primarily through employment or business income, while excluding most forms of public support from consideration. Supporters of the reform argue that it promotes responsibility and integration by prioritising self-sufficient applicants. Critics, however, warn that the measure could unfairly penalise vulnerable groups such as refugees, single parents, and low-income workers who temporarily depend on welfare assistance. The new rules are expected to take effect later this year, following the completion of administrative preparations.
Read more on Helsinkitimes.fi
