The Republic of Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe bordering Sweden, Russia, and Norway. It is one of the best countries to live in, and the population of Finland is probably the happiest in the world. Finland is dotted with lakes, streams, and forests; 75% forest cover and more than 180,000 lakes!
Politically speaking, Finland has one of the strongest passports in the world. Giving the bearer visa-free access to more than 190 countries. A free education system, state-of-the-art medical and healthcare facilities, and almost zero crime rate make Finland heaven on earth. Moreover, the constitution of Finland recognizes and supports dual citizenship in Finland and abroad.
The state takes care of its citizens while preserving the environment. Cars and private vehicles are discouraged; boats and bicycles are commonplace for long-distance commutes. The country has a rich culture very strongly connected to the roots and traditions that have been passed on for centuries. People from around the world dream to become part of the Finnish social fabric due to the country’s stable and booming economy, social security, pristine natural beauty, and unmatched standard of living.
Finnish citizenship
To start off, Finland does not offer any program for fast-track investment citizenship. The only way a person can obtain citizenship is through declaration and naturalization. The process of citizenship is governed and guided by the Finnish Citizenship Law. We will discuss various ways foreigners can acquire a Finnish passport in this article.
Citizenship by birth
The Citizenship Act of Finland stipulates that the child born to Finnish parents automatically becomes a Finnish citizen. If the child is born under one of the below-mentioned circumstances he/she acquires citizenship by law.
- The mother of the newborn child is Finnish
- The Father of the newborn is Finnish but the birth took place in Finland
- A child born in Finland and the stepmother is Finnish provided the motherhood was established on or after April 1, 2019
Citizenship by declaration
The fastest and cheapest way to obtain a Finnish passport is by way of a declaration. An application is submitted by a qualified permanent resident under the following circumstances:
- A child born to a Finnish couple out of wedlock abroad
- A child adopted by a Finnish couple provided the age of the child is between 12 and 17
- Former Finnish citizen
- Citizen of any Northern European country; Denmark, Sweden, Norway
- A person between the age of 18 and 22 who has lived in Finland for over 10 years but was born elsewhere
- A person between the age of 18 and 22 who was born in Finland and lived in the country for 6 years or more
Citizenship by naturalization
To obtain a Finnish passport by naturalization, the applicant must fulfill the below-mentioned conditions
- Lived in Finland for 6 years with a permanent residence or residence permit
- Have not violated the country’s law in any manner
- Is assimilated and upholds Finnish democratic and social values
- Have a stable annual income that meets the established level of subsistence in Finland
- All taxes and fines are paid
- Own or rent property in Finland
- Understands and speaks Finnish or Swedish language at the B1 level
Note that most foreigners obtain citizenship through naturalization. To qualify to apply, the person has to live in Finland for 4 continuous years with a residence permit and another 2 continuous years with permanent residence.
The requirements to apply for the passport are:
- Clean police record
- Own or rent property in the country
- Can maintain adequate subsistence as per Finnish approved standards
- All taxes and fines are duly paid
- Fulfill all conditions stipulated for permanent residence in the country
Obtaining the Finnish residence permit
The first step to obtaining a Finnish passport through naturalization is to get a residence permit. The conditions mentioned below are compulsory to meet in order to qualify.
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity from the time of application)
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Certificate of no tuberculosis
- Proof of financial means to maintain a decent livelihood without receiving state benefits
- Own or rent accommodation in the country
- Medical insurance coverage for the entire stay during the residence permit
- Each application is to be submitted individually; even family members cannot use the same application
- A residence permit must be applied for an extension at least 3 months before expiry
