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Former Finnish citizens

Who can be granted a residence permit?

A person who has previously been a Finnish citizen but is not so any longer can be granted a residence permit. Native Finnish nationality is not required. Finnish citizenship may have been granted at one time, for example on application.

The applicant does not need to show proof of means of support.

Where to apply for the permit?

An application for a residence permit can be submitted either when abroad, prior to arriving in Finland, or after having arrived in Finland. If the application is submitted in Finland, the applicant must meet the general requirements for immigration.

If submitted abroad, the residence permit application is to be delivered to a Finnish diplomatic mission, and if submitted in Finland, to the police for the applicant's municipality of residence. The Finnish Immigration Service, which receives the application documents from the diplomatic mission or the police, decides on the issuing of a residence permit.

What documents are needed?

An application must be made on a form which can be printed out from the section Application forms.  In addition, a certificate of the applicant's former Finnish citizenship must be enclosed. Citizenship is usually determined by an extract from the population register. Other reliable proof is also accepted.

Is there an application fee?

When the application is submitted, a fee is charged to cover its processing costs. 

Working during the application period

 While the application is pending, the applicant is not allowed to work.

For how long is the permit valid?

The permit is granted for four years and it is, by its nature, a continuous permit.

Is the family entitled to enter into Finland?  

If a former Finnish citizen has been granted a continuous or permanent residence permit, his or her Family members can also acquire a continuous residence permit in Finland. The applicant is not required to show proof of means of support.

The residence permit must usually be applied for prior to arrival in Finland by submitting the application to a Finnish diplomatic mission abroad.

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