Finnish Citizenship By Descent: Eligibility And Application Guide

People with Finnish ancestry often wonder whether or not they can apply for Finnish citizenship, and if so, what the process entails. Finnish ancestry citizenship is a valid pathway to a Finnish nationality, and, in turn, can open up the doorway to EU citizenship and rights — including obtaining a Finnish passport.

This guide breaks down the eligibility criteria for Finnish citizenship by descent, the application steps for people living in Finland and abroad, and FAQs about the process under Finnish law.

Why Apply for Finnish Citizenship by Descent?

If you have Finnish heritage, acquiring Finnish citizenship by descent is a way to reconnect with your roots and the country from which your ancestors originated. But aside from that, Finland is one of 27 EU member nations, meaning that acquiring Finnish citizenship grants you EU citizenship as well. Here are some of the benefits of EU citizenship:

• The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. 
• The right to pay EU tuition rates at top European universities.
• Access to national health services across Europe.
• The ability to travel visa-free to nearly 190 countries.

Who Is Eligible for Finnish Citizenship by Descent?

You may qualify for Finnish citizenship by descent if:

• Your parent or grandparent emigrated but was a Finnish citizen before they left Finland.
• Your parent or grandparent lost Finnish citizenship as a result of emigrating due to war, economic struggle, or geopolitical strife (Cold War Era or Soviet influence). 

Legal Basis for Parent-Child Ancestry Citizenship

Section 26 (Declaration of Citizenship for Direct Descendants) of the Finnish Nationality Act solely has provisions for parent-child descent relationships. This legislation outlines that an alien may acquire citizenship via declaration if their parent was a Finnish citizen when they were born, and:

• They were born in Finland (and paternity or maternity was established after they reached 18 years old or married before that),
• OR, They were born outside Finland (and paternity or maternity has been established).

Legal Basis for Ancestry Citizenship via Residency Permit

Section 47 of Finland’s Aliens Act (301/2004) outlines the other pathway to Finnish citizenship by descent – a continuous residence permit based on Finnish origin, leading to citizenship by naturalization. This pathway presents an option for persons residing outside of Finland who have at least one parent or grandparent who has been a Finnish citizen by birth. 

To qualify for a residency permit, the applicant must have had their actual residence and home in Finland for the past 8 years. Your residence period must begin:

• From the date of moving or returning to Finland, 
• OR from the date of issuance of the first continuous residence permit (if you don’t have a permit allowing you to immigrate to Finland).

For Nordic citizens, the residence period must start from the date of moving to Finland or the registration of the notification of the move (whichever is later). The period only begins once you have shown proof of identity.ntity.

Key Requirements for Finnish Citizenship by Descent

Whether applying through the Aliens Act provision or through a parent-child relationship, applicants for Finnish citizenship by descent must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be 18 years old or married before that. 
• Must have had your actual residence and home in Finland for the past 8 years (if taking the residency permit route).
• Must not have committed an act punishable by anything beyond a fine (and haven’t been issued a restraining order). 
• Must not have materially neglected your maintenance or public law payment obligations.
• Must be making a reliable living.
• Must show satisfactory oral and written proficiency level 3 or equivalent education in Finnish or Swedish OR equivalent proficiency in Finnish or Finnish Swedish sign language. 

Exceptions to Eligibility Requirements

Note that there are grounds for rejecting naturalization requests, like:

• If the applicant is suspected to endanger the security or public order of Finland. 
• If their main reason for obtaining citizenship is to use benefits without settling in Finland. 
• If their naturalization is contrary to the interests of Finland.

Naturalization Through Residency Permit – Deviating from Requirements

On the other hand, applicants may still be able to naturalize when they can’t meet certain language, residency, or criminal record clearance requirements. The exceptions listed below outline when deviations are acceptable for citizenship applicants.

Traveling or Residing Abroad

Applicants can still travel abroad for a maximum of 365 days (and reside abroad up to 90 days) during the period of residence.

Difficulty Fulfilling Residence or Work Requirements

Foreign applicants who deviate from residency requirements may still be granted Finnish citizenship by descent if:

• They have strong ties to Finland based on legal and long-term residence in Finland,
• AND their actual residence/home has been in Finland for the past 3 years,
• AND it’s unreasonably difficult to perform full-time work in Finland without Finnish citizenship.

Those Considered Finnish Citizens Through Error

Applicants may also be able to gain citizenship if they have been wrongly considered a Finnish citizen for 10+ years through a Finnish authority error (not the applicant’s own mistake).

Can’t Fulfill Residency Requirement But Can Meet Language Requirement

If you can’t meet the residence period requirement but you can meet the language requirement, you may still obtain Finnish citizenship by descent if you also have strong ties to Finland and your actual residence and home has been in Finland for the past 5 years.

Can’t Meet Language Requirement

If you can’t meet the outlined language requirements, you might still be able to gain citizenship if:

• It’s proven unreasonably difficult for you to perform your full-time work in Finland without Finnish citizenship. 
• You’re at least 65 years old with refugee status, subsidiary protection status, or a residence permit based on humanitarian protection in Finland. 
• You can’t meet language requirements due to health conditions or sensory or speech impairment.

Additionally, those who are illiterate and 65 or older may still gain citizenship if they have a basic understanding of Finnish or Swedish or have regularly taken part in language studies.

Can’t Meet Criminal Record Requirement

If you can’t meet the integrity requirement for Finnish citizenship by descent, you might still gain citizenship based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation considering:

• The time that has passed since the crime(s). 
• The nature of the crime and severity of punishment.
• Whether or not you’ve repeatedly committed punishable acts.
• The probationary period of a suspended prison sentence or restraining order has ended.

For Nordic Citizens

Nordic citizens who don’t meet residence requirements may still become citizens if their actual residence and home has been in Finland for the past 2 years.

How to Apply for Finnish Citizenship by Descent

Step 1 – Determine Your Eligibility Pathway

Determine whether you qualify to apply for citizenship through a parent or grandparent, through the Aliens Act or declaration as a direct descendant.

Step 2 – Contact the Relevant Authority

Applicants residing in Finland submit Finnish citizenship by descent applications directly through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). If you live abroad, you’ll reach out to a consular post in your country. 

Step 3 – Gather Supporting Documentation

Aside from your completed Finnish citizenship declaration application or residence permit application, you’ll need to Aside from your completed Finnish citizenship declaration application or residence permit application, you’ll need to prepare:

• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and name change certificates (when applicable) for your parent or parent and grandparent.
• Your valid passport or national ID card. 
• A police clearance certificate that shows you have no criminal record.
• A receipt for your application payment.

For more guidance on supplemental documentation for Finnish citizenship by descent applications, refer to our Finnish documents guide.

Step 4 – Submit Your Application and Await Decision

With your completed application, supporting documents, and translations and certifications, pay the appropriate fee and submit for processing.

Step 5 – Appeal (When Applicable)

If you receive a rejection decision regarding your citizenship application, you are entitled to file an appeal. Formal rejections are accompanied by an explanation of the reasons for rejection. 

You have 30 days to file an appeal with the relevant Administrative Court after getting your decision. Appeals may be elevated to the Supreme Administrative Court under certain conditions.

Note that, in some cases, decisions are not open to appeals. When this is the case, this will be mentioned in your application decision.

Finnish Citizenship by Descent FAQ

Moving Forward

The road to Finnish citizenship by descent is complicated but possible for people meeting the outlined criteria. If you think that you might qualify for Finnish citizenship by descent, our citizenship experts can help you determine your eligibility pathway and where to start.

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