Finland has significantly updated the procedure for obtaining citizenship, the new rules came into effect on December 17, 2025. Find out who can obtain Finnish citizenship, how to apply correctly, what documents are required and what has changed in the law

The updated Finnish Citizenship Act will come into force on December 17, 2025, significantly changing the process of obtaining a Finnish passport, including for citizens of Sweden, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. These changes include fully online application, new income, integrity and language requirements, as well as the possibility of revoking citizenship in serious cases.

This guide will help you understand who can apply for Finnish citizenship, how to prepare and what documents are needed to make the process as efficient as possible.

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Changes to the Finnish citizenship procedure from December 17, 2025

Fully online application

According to the new law, it will be possible to apply for citizenship completely online through the Enter Finland service. This will allow you to track the status of your application in real time, receive notifications and interact with Migri through secure digital channels.

Important! Applications submitted before December 17, 2025 will be considered according to the old rules. The new provisions will only apply to applications submitted after this date.

Financial self-sufficiency is a key requirement

Applicants must now prove a stable and sufficient income that does not depend on social assistance or unemployment benefits. This will require providing documents about employment, business activity or other legal sources of income.

The aim of the innovation is to ensure that Finnish citizenship is granted to economically active and independent individuals who are able to contribute to the development of the country.

Enhanced criminal background check

The updated law provides for a stricter check of applicants' criminal records. Serious or repeated violations may be an obstacle to obtaining citizenship, and in some cases, waiting periods are provided for before applying.

Minor fines or minor violations usually do not affect the decision, but serious violations can significantly complicate the process.

Deprivation of citizenship in serious cases

The law gives the authorities the right to revoke citizenship in cases related to terrorism, treason or actions that threaten national security. Revocation is also possible if the applicant provided false information during the application process.

Who can obtain Finnish citizenship?

Automatically

- Children of Finnish parents.

- Children born in Finland who would otherwise become stateless.

- Children adopted by Finnish citizens.

Through naturalization

- Foreigners who have legally resided in Finland for a sufficiently long time (usually 5-8 years; there are exceptions for certain categories).

- Persons of legal age and legal capacity.

- Persons without serious criminal records.

- Applicants with a level of Finnish or Swedish of at least B1.

- Persons who can prove a stable and legal income independent of social assistance.

Through a declaration (simplified procedure)

- Citizens of the Nordic Council countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) under certain conditions.

- Persons who once had Finnish citizenship and want to regain it.

- Children adopted by Finnish citizens.

Basic requirements for applicants for Finnish citizenship

- Residence in Finland: usually 8 years of legal residence with a valid residence permit.

- Language proficiency: Finnish or Swedish at level B1 or higher.

- Financial self-sufficiency: stable and legal income that does not depend on social assistance.

- Clean criminal history: serious or repeated offenses may be an obstacle.

- Integration into society: work, study, volunteering or participation in public life.

Package of documents for applying for Finnish citizenship

- Passport and residence permit.

- Proof of residence (registration of residence, birth certificate of children).

- Proof of income and financial self-sufficiency (salary certificates, tax returns, accounting reports, pension).

- Language proficiency certificate (YKI B1 or equivalent).

- Certificate of no criminal record (Finland and country of origin).

- Proof of integration into society (education, work, volunteering).

- Other documents: marriage/divorce certificate, name change, documents for children.

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English and notarized, if required by Migri requirements.

With the new rules, Finland focuses not only on formal criteria, but also on real integration into society, self-sufficiency and integrity. Proper preparation is the key to a successful application.

Immigration rules change frequently, and a mistake in the documents can cost months of waiting or rejection.

In our immigration guide, you will find verified information from official sources, clear requirements for applicants and expert advice for safe and legal migration.

Go to the immigration guide and take the first step towards life abroad today.

Recall! In a world where digital assets are increasingly influencing global mobility, more and more countries are opening programs to obtain citizenship or residence permits through investments in cryptocurrency. We have already told you which countries allow the use of cryptocurrency as an investment tool, what minimum amounts need to be invested, as well as what benefits and risks await applicants.

Photo – Freepik

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