Our Proposals

Recognition of Remigrants

We ask that Finnish-heritage remigrants be recognized as a distinct group in Finnish immigration law. 

Modernize Remigrant Application Processing (EnterFinland)

Currently, remigrants must submit paper applications for Extended and Permanent Residence Permits, creating unnecessary delays and significant costs. Because our Finnish ancestry is already verified at the first permit stage, we propose that digital applications via the EnterFinland portal be made available for subsequent remigration permits. This would streamline processing, reduce errors, and align remigrant services with Finland’s broader digital-administration goals. 

Migri Processing Timeline Reform and Transparency

Long and unpredictable processing times remain one of the most significant challenges remigrants face when applying for extended or permanent residence permits. Decisions can take many months, disrupting work, family life, and long-term planning. Our cases are straightforward: we have already provided Migri with legalized and verified proof of our Finnish ancestry, and our right to reside in Finland has already been established. Prolonged delays serve no administrative purpose and create unnecessary uncertainty for people who are already part of Finnish society. We advocate for these reforms:

• Establish clear, enforceable maximum processing times for permit types commonly used by remigrants.
  
  

• Prioritize continuity-of-residence cases,  so that people who have already lived, worked, or studied in Finland are not left in prolonged uncertainty.
  
  

• Improve transparency and communication, including real-time status updates and more detailed explanations of delays.

• Allow applications through EnterFinland, allowing documents to be submitted electronically and reviewed more efficiently. 

Accessible Pathway to Finnish Citizenship

We advocate for a clear and accessible path to Finnish citizenship, on par with the expedited process available to Nordic citizens.

Alignment with European Countries Which Allow Citizenship by Descent 

We urge Finland to follow the example of European countries that actively enable their diaspora to gain citizenship by descent.

Why this matters 

Finnish-heritage remigrants have returned to Finland to build permanent lives, contribute to society, and reconnect with their ancestral home. Yet the current system, marked by repeated paper applications, long and unpredictable processing times, and shifting requirements for permanent residency or citizenship, creates uncertainty and unnecessary barriers for people who are already integrated and contributing.

For Finnish remigrants, permit applications are straightforward: we have already provided Migri with legalized and verified proof of our Finnish ancestry, and our right to reside in Finland has been established. Despite this, extended and permanent permit decisions can take many months, disrupting work, family life, and long-term planning. These delays serve no administrative purpose and undermine continuity for people who are already part of Finnish society and heritage.

Recognizing remigrants in Finnish immigration law, maintaining predictable access to permanent residency, enabling electronic applications, improving processing timelines, and establishing a fair path to citizenship would bring clarity, efficiency, and equity.