Finland increases upper age limit for reservists to 65

LONDON

Finland will increase the upper age limit for reservists to 65 starting next year with an aim to increase the number of total reservists to around 1 million by 2031, the defense minister said.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, the upper age limit for reservists is rising to 65, meaning that conscripts will remain in the reserve — regardless of rank — until the end of the year in which they turn 65.

Currently, the upper age limit for reserve service is 50 for enlisted ranks and 60 for officers and non-commissioned officers.

In a statement on Monday, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said that the amendment will extend the liability for military service by 15 years for the rank and file and by five years for officers and non-commissioned officers.

"The number of Finnish reservists will be around one million in 2031. This and our other measures to bolster our defence signal that Finland ensures its security now and in the future," Hakkanen said.

The move comes as European nations step up militarization to bolster defense capabilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.