Government signals tougher permanent-residence rules ahead of full parliamentary debate

The specialist portal Passport File reported on 20 October 2026 that the Ministry of the Interior is drafting a bill to tighten eligibility for permanent residence (PR) in Finland. Key measures under consideration include extending the minimum continuous-stay requirement from four to five years, raising the annual income threshold to 1.25 × the national median salary, and introducing mandatory A2-level proficiency in Finnish or Swedish for applicants aged 18-64. Although the draft has not yet been introduced to Parliament, officials say it will complement the amendments to the Aliens Act that come into force on 27 October. The Interior Ministry argues that stricter PR rules are necessary to “enhance integration outcomes” and to align Finland with the more demanding standards recently adopted by Denmark and the Netherlands. Business lobby EK has already warned that higher salary and language thresholds could undermine the competitiveness gains achieved with the new fast-track work-permit system rolled out in 2025. If adopted in its current form, the bill would also shorten the validity of PR cards from 10 to 7 years and allow the Immigration Service to revoke a permit after 12 consecutive months spent abroad (currently 24 months). Exemptions are envisaged for researchers and intra-company transferees under EU Directive 2014/66/EU, but details remain sketchy. Multinational employers should begin scenario planning now. HR departments may need to accelerate PR applications for staff who will reach the four-year residency mark before the law’s expected entry into force in mid-2027. The proposed language requirement will increase demand for corporate Finnish-language training; providers report that class slots for Q1 2027 are already 60 % booked. Stakeholders will have until 15 November to submit comments during the public-consultation phase. The government aims to present the final bill to Parliament before its winter recess, leaving a narrow window for amendments.