National Coalition Party lawmaker Marko Kilpi has tabled a parliamentary question after learning that Finland’s citizenship queue has swelled to 28,000 applications, with processing times ranging from 12 to 31 months. He argues that the delays deter foreign entrepreneurs and jeopardise business acquisitions that require owners to hold Finnish nationality.
Under current rules, applicants must prove eight years of residence, language proficiency and a clean criminal record, but Kilpi says bureaucracy—not compliance—now drives wait times. Speaking to Verkkouutiset on 14 November, he asked, “Can Finland afford to lose these kinds of entrepreneurs and taxpayers to other countries?”
![Finnish MP warns citizenship backlog is costing the economy entrepreneurial talent]()
The Finnish Immigration Service acknowledges that a post-pandemic surge and looming changes to the Citizenship Act have overwhelmed case-workers. Officials also point out that resources were re-allocated to handle temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2023–24, slowing other streams.
For multinational firms, prolonged naturalisation timelines affect succession planning and access to EU-wide freedom of movement for key executives. Without citizenship, founders face visa renewals, restrictions on public-sector tenders and greater scrutiny when expanding abroad.
Kilpi wants expedited digital processing and additional funding in the 2026 budget. Until reforms materialise, mobility managers should anticipate extended lead times for employees seeking Finnish passports and consider alternative paths, such as long-term EU residence permits, to maintain mobility within the bloc.
Under current rules, applicants must prove eight years of residence, language proficiency and a clean criminal record, but Kilpi says bureaucracy—not compliance—now drives wait times. Speaking to Verkkouutiset on 14 November, he asked, “Can Finland afford to lose these kinds of entrepreneurs and taxpayers to other countries?”
The Finnish Immigration Service acknowledges that a post-pandemic surge and looming changes to the Citizenship Act have overwhelmed case-workers. Officials also point out that resources were re-allocated to handle temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2023–24, slowing other streams.
For multinational firms, prolonged naturalisation timelines affect succession planning and access to EU-wide freedom of movement for key executives. Without citizenship, founders face visa renewals, restrictions on public-sector tenders and greater scrutiny when expanding abroad.
Kilpi wants expedited digital processing and additional funding in the 2026 budget. Until reforms materialise, mobility managers should anticipate extended lead times for employees seeking Finnish passports and consider alternative paths, such as long-term EU residence permits, to maintain mobility within the bloc.
