Want to become a Finnish citizen and enjoy one of the world’s highest standards of living, top-tier education, and unbeatable natural beauty? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
I am Aino Nieminen, and once I had spent 8 years as a resident of Finland, I was able to convert myself into a Finnish citizen. This guide is what you need in case you are considering investing in Finland forever, and you are here either because of work, studies, or love.
In this step-by-step blog, I’ll walk you through every possible way you can become a Finnish citizen.
What Are the Ways to Get Finnish Citizenship?
Finnish citizenship is obtained in four ways:
- By Application (Naturalization)
- By Declaration
- By Birth
- By Adoption
All these methods have varying needs and procedures. So, let us analyze them one by one.
How to Apply for Finnish Citizenship
Step 1: Create an Account on Enter Finland
Go to EnterFinland.fi – the official immigration portal.
This is where the whole process will be done online.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Choose the option of Citizenship Application and complete all necessary information:
- Personal details
- Employment info
- Language proof
- Travel history
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
As of 2025, the fees on application are:
- €550 online
I suggest that you apply online as it is cheaper and quicker.
Step 4: Book a Migri Appointment
Apply to the foster family, you will have to go to your closest Migri (Finnish Immigration Service) office to:
- Show your passport
- Submit biometric data
- Provide original documents
Its offices are found in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu among the major cities.
Step 5: Submit All Supporting Documents
Copies of the residence permit:
- Residence permit copies
- Tax documents
- Payslips or bank statements
- Language test results
- Proof of integration
Processing Time
- Naturalization Application: 6 to 12 months
- Declaration Application: 1 to 4 months
In my case, it was about 9 months of a submission to an approval.
Read Also: How to Apply for a Sweden Work Visa (2025 Guide)
1. Finnish Citizenship by Naturalization (Application)
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To request naturalization, you have to fulfill all the following requirements:
1. Legal Residence (Minimum Stay)
You have to have been in Finland for a minimum of 8 years according to your kind of residence.
- In case you have had intermittent permits or leaves, the requirement amounts to 8 years.
I spent 8 consecutive years under living permit and this is what rendered me qualified.
2. Clean Criminal Record
In case of court cases and criminal charges at hand, it is not likely that your application can go through without delays or rejection.
3. Ability to Support Yourself
You have to survive so that you are not a state burden. This means:
- Job income
- Business income
- Pension (if retired)
- Savings (in some cases)
4. Integration into Finnish Society
You need to be socially and culturally assimilated into Finnish.
This means:
- Paying taxes
- Working/studying in Finland
- Following Finnish laws
- Participating in community or civic life
2. Finnish Citizenship by Declaration
Within naturalization requirements, you may be eligible by declaration. It is an easier process when incorporated in certain groups of people.
Who Can Apply by Declaration?
- A Former Finnish Citizen:
- You can reapply in case you are a former Finnish citizen and you lost it because you have acquired another nationality.
- Nordic Citizens
- In case you belong to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, or Iceland, you can appeal to the simplified declaration procedure after 2 years of living in Finland.
A Child Born Abroad to a Finnish Father
You can be eligible, at least, by having a father who was a citizen of Finland and having been born abroad (and the paternity has been legally established).
3. Finnish Citizenship by Birth
In case you have Finnish parents by birth, I say congratulations because you already have the citizenship of Finland.
You are automatically a citizen if
- When you were born, your mother was Finnish.
- Your father is Finnish, and his marriage to your mother was in progress during your birth.
- You are born in Finland, your father is Finnish, and paternity is established before the law.
4. Finnish Citizenship by Adoption
In case you are a child adopted by the citizens of Finland, the information you need to know is as follows:
Automatic Citizenship Conditions
- You must be under 12 years old
- The adoption must be legally valid under Finnish law
- The adoption must be registered in Finland
Over 12 Years Old?
It is not a guarantee that you will get citizenship, but you will still be able to apply through the process of the citizenship declaration.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved:
- You’ll get a certificate of citizenship.
- You can apply for a Finnish passport.
- You are also allowed to vote, stand as an electoral candidate, and use the EU visa-free movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have the right to have dual citizenship in Finland?
Yes, it allows multiple citizenship, so you do not have to renounce your nationality.
What if I fail the language test?
Until the time you pass, you will not be qualified as a citizen. Nonetheless, you are allowed to take the YKI test several times.
Am I eligible to apply when I owe money or have fines?
And you can have small debts which are non-problematic, but unpaid or high financial penalties are signs to be aware of the Migri.
What if I’ve been unemployed?
Unemployment is not a killer, and as long as you are not getting the state benefits long-term, there is nothing to worry.
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Final Words
The acquisition of Finnish citizenship transformed my life. It has opened the windows to my life: to myself, my career, and my social life. I did not get it on a plate. 8 years in a row, I still had to prove that I am committed to this country.
Considering living long-term in Finland? Do not live here, create a life here. Become familiar with the language.
