Get Your Finland Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: A child automatically becomes a Finnish citizen if their mother is Finnish, or if born to a Finnish father and the parents are married.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to a Finnish parent are eligible for citizenship by descent, but must typically register before age 22.
- By Marriage: Foreign spouses of Finnish citizens may apply for citizenship after meeting residency and integration requirements.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners can apply after 5 years of continuous or 7 years of cumulative residence, with language proficiency and good character.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: Since 2003, Finland fully recognizes dual and even multiple citizenships. Applicants are not required to renounce their original nationality.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm your eligibility based on descent, residency, or marriage.
- Apply through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) or your local Finnish embassy.
- Submit required documents, including language certification (Finnish or Swedish).
- Pass a background check and pay the application fee.
- Receive your citizenship decision and take the citizenship oath if required.
Benefits of Finnish Citizenship
- Live and work freely in Finland and across the EU
- Access to high-quality education, healthcare, and social benefits
- Visa-free travel to 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship allowed — no need to give up your original nationality
Frequently asked questions.
Does Finland allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Finland allows dual or even multiple citizenships. You do not have to renounce your original nationality when becoming Finnish.
Can I inherit Finnish citizenship from my parent?
Yes. If at least one parent is Finnish, you are typically eligible for citizenship by descent. If born abroad, you must register your citizenship before turning 22 to retain it.
Can I apply for citizenship through marriage?
Yes. Being married to a Finnish citizen can support your eligibility, especially if it helps you meet the residency requirement. However, marriage alone doesn’t guarantee citizenship.
Does Finland recognize same-sex marriages for citizenship purposes?
Yes. Finland legalized same-sex marriage in 2017. Foreign same-sex spouses are treated the same as opposite-sex spouses for immigration and citizenship purposes.
How long do I need to live in Finland to naturalize?
Typically 5 years of continuous residence or 7 years of cumulative residence, plus integration, language ability, and a clean record.
Do Finnish citizens have to pay taxes in multiple countries?
Finland taxes residents on worldwide income. If you’re a dual citizen living abroad, you’re taxed only on Finnish-source income unless you maintain tax residency in Finland. Finland has tax treaties to avoid double taxation.