In Finland, it is proposed to amend the legislation to simplify the selection of residents for state-subsidized housing. The requirement for an annual residence permit may be canceled for Ukrainian refugees. The amendments to the law are open for public discussion until April 12, 2024, according to bnnbreaking.com.


The Ministry of Environment has opened for comment a draft government proposal to facilitate access to housing for Ukrainian refugees.


The amendments are aimed at changing the criteria for selecting residents to live in state-subsidized housing. It is proposed to abolish the requirement for an annual residence permit for Ukrainian refugees due to the fact that they have an urgent need for housing and will use it temporarily.


"The choice of residents is based on social expediency and financial need. Some of the Ukrainian refugees needed to be accommodated in state-owned apartments. The residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection caused interpretation difficulties for municipalities and apartment owners' associations, as they did not have a validity period of at least one year, as required for the selection of tenants," the explanation to the amendments to the law states.


Finland's Housing Finance and Development Authority (ARA) still requires a minimum one-year residence permit to participate in state-subsidized housing programs.


As noted on the page for Ukrainian refugees in Finland, cities offer subsidized housing at below-market prices. The rents under the state program are regulated, and priority is given to applicants with the lowest income and most urgent need for a roof over their heads.