Finnish citizenship by naturalization

Finnish citizenship by naturalization is a process where individuals who are not Finnish citizens can acquire Finnish citizenship through an application and meeting specific eligibility criteria.

How to get citizenship by naturalization in Finland

The following criteria must be met in order to naturalize as a Finn:

• Residence in law. Depending on your circumstances, you must have lived in Finland lawfully for a minimum of four years and a maximum of seven years.
• Language ability. You must be able to speak either the official languages of Finland, Finnish or Swedish, with a reasonable degree of competency. A language test is often used to evaluate this.
• Integration. You must show that you have assimilated into Finnish society by demonstrating that you are familiar with its laws, customs, and culture.
• Monetary security. You ought to be in a position where you can sustain yourself and your dependents without needing assistance from the government.
• Good behavior. You should be regarded as a person of good morals and have a spotless criminal record.

Documentation and Application

You will normally need to supply the following papers and follow the application process when applying for Finnish citizenship by naturalization:

1. Application Form completed. Fill out the naturalization application form to become a citizen of Finland. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) or its official website both sell the form for download.
2. Passport. A copy of your current passport or equivalent travel document should be provided.
3. Permission to Reside. Include a copy of your current Finnish residency permit or another form of identification if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen.
4. Language ability. Please provide proof of your Finnish or Swedish language proficiency. This can include transcripts from your education, test results, and other records that attest to your language proficiency.
5. Evidence of residence. Please submit proof of your legal residence in Finland for the necessary time in the form of documentation. This may consist of residency permits, leases, utility bills, or other official records demonstrating your previous addresses in Finland.
6. Integration. Include records that show your social integration into Finland, such as evidence of job, education, involvement in volunteer work or membership in Finnish groups.
7. Criminal History Report. Obtain criminal history certificates from any country where you have spent a substantial amount of time living, including your own. The certificate must attest that you have never been convicted of a severe crime.
8. Economic stability. Show that you are able to sustain yourself and your dependents without the help of social assistance by providing evidence of your financial stability.
9. Family and marriage records. Include birth certificates for children, marriage certificates, and other pertinent family documents, if applicable.
10. Fee for applications. Pay the application fee that is necessary as determined by the Finnish Immigration Service. To find out the current fee amount, visit the official website or get in touch with Migri.

Dual Citizenship

Due to Finland’s recognition of dual citizenship, it is possible to simultaneously possess both Finnish and foreign citizenship.