Finnish citizenship by marriage

Individuals who are married to Finnish citizens have the option of obtaining Finnish citizenship through marriage. Finnish citizenship confers a number of advantages, including the right to live, work, and study in Finland, as well as access to social welfare programs and the freedom to travel freely throughout the European Union.

How to get citizenship by marriage in Finland

Here are the general requirements and steps involved:

1. Residency Requirement. To be eligible for citizenship by marriage, you must have resided in Finland continuously for a certain period. Typically, this period is four years, but it may be reduced to two years if you have a child together or if you have been living together abroad before moving to Finland.
2. Residence Permit. Initially, you will need to obtain a residence permit as the spouse of a Finnish citizen. This permit allows you to reside in Finland and can be obtained by applying at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country or from within Finland. The residence permit is usually granted for a fixed period, after which you can apply for an extension.
3. Finnish Language Skills. Proficiency in the Finnish language is a requirement for obtaining Finnish citizenship. You will need to demonstrate your language skills by passing a language proficiency test, typically at the intermediate level.
4. Integration Requirement. In addition to the language skills, you will also need to demonstrate your integration into Finnish society. This can be shown through various means, such as completing an integration course, being employed or actively seeking employment, and having knowledge of Finnish society and culture.
5. Application Process. Once you meet the residency requirement, have the necessary language skills, and fulfill the integration criteria, you can apply for Finnish citizenship. The application is made to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). They will process your application and conduct an investigation to verify the information provided.
6. Decision and Citizenship Ceremony. If your application is approved, you will receive a decision granting you Finnish citizenship. Afterward, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony where you take an oath of allegiance to Finland and officially become a Finnish citizen.

Documentation

When applying for Finnish citizenship through marriage, you will need to gather and submit certain documentation to support your application. Here are some common documents that may be required:

1. Valid Passport.
2. Marriage Certificate.
3. Residence Permit. You will need to provide documentation of your residence permit in Finland as the spouse of a Finnish citizen.
4. Proof of Continuous Residence. You may be asked to provide evidence of your continuous residence in Finland for the required period, such as residence registration documents, rental agreements, or utility bills.
5. Language Proficiency. This can be in the form of a language proficiency test certificate, such as the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI), or completion of a language course from an approved institution.
6. Integration Documentation. You may need to provide evidence of your integration into Finnish society, which can include certificates or documents from integration courses, employment records, or proof of participation in community activities.
7. Character References. You may be required to provide character references from individuals who can attest to your good character and conduct.
8. Other Supporting Documents. Depending on your individual circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as proof of financial stability, medical certificates, or any relevant documentation related to your family situation.

Dual Nationality

Finland permits dual citizenship, therefore you can obtain Finnish citizenship without giving up your current citizenship or citizenships.