Kansalaisuus

Application for Finnish Citizenship

You can apply for Finnish citizenship if you are over 18, have had permanent residence in Finland for a sufficient amount of time and still do reside in Finland. Proof of identity is required. You must also be able to present a plan of how you and your family intend to support yourselves. You also need to have knowledge of the Finnish language, Swedish or Finnish Sign Language. Language skills can be proven to be sufficient e.g. by obtaining level 3 in the National Board of Education Language Exam. More information is available on the website of the National Board of Education (opetushallitus).

More information on the topic

The application process may take a long time. Obtaining citizenship may be prolonged if you have committed a crime or failed to pay e.g. taxes or fines. More information on these requirements and their practical application can be found on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto).

The Finnish Immigration Service produces citizenship application forms, which are available from your local police. Applications must be lodged with the police in person. Proof of identity may be required. Citizenship applications are subject to a charge. The charge is payable beforehand, in connection with lodging the application. More information on citizenship applications and other issues relating to citizenship is available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service in the following languages:

English
Finnish
Swedish

Forms for applying for citizenship

The Finnish Nationality Act is available at the Finlex website.

The website of the Minstry for Foreign Affairs contains information in English, Finnish, and Swedish on the implications of obtaining Finnish citizenship.