It is no secret that today many citizens of the Russian Federation and Ukraine are not averse to moving to more prestigious states with a better established life and a high level of income. Looking for an ideal country for living, many opt for Finland. Is it possible to obtain citizenship of this state or is it as difficult and expensive as moving to the USA, Germany or Great Britain? Let's find out about this and consider all available legal ways to get a Finnish passport.
Country of lakes and vodka with deer
Today, Finland is among the ten best countries to live in. Although there are Finnish millionaires here, economic policy is focused on the formation and maintenance of the middle class. Therefore, the social system is organized in such a way that an honestly working, law-abiding citizen can get free education for himself and his children, as well as decent medical care at an affordable price.
Today, Finland is a member of the EU and is part of the Schengen area. Thanks to this, its citizens have the opportunity to travel and find jobs in Europe on preferential terms.
As for the official language, in addition to Finnish, the second state is Swedish. Most Finnish universities have English-language programs for international students.
Unlike other European powers, Finland has 2 official state churches - Lutheran and Orthodox. Legislation is quite loyal to other religions. However, only "national churches" have the privilege of collecting taxes on their own content from citizens. So the issue of religion for the Finns is also important from an economic point of view: he called himself Orthodox - be kind enough to pay for the maintenance of your native church.
By the way, the tax system in this state is very tough. To the Netherlands (where they charge income even from prostitutes and drug dealers), Finland is certainly far away, but nonetheless. In this state, even pensioners are forced to pay taxes on their pensions. On the other hand, they receive many benefits, including free operations. So it's worth it.
Pros and cons of living here
Before you look for a way to get Finnish citizenship, you should weigh the pros and cons of moving here. Similar information can be found on numerous immigrant forums. It is worth considering that some of their participants, telling about fairy-tale Finnish life, may be representatives of intermediary firms. Their goal is to captivate you with the idea of moving and to take as much money as possible from you for the provision of intermediary services.
If we consider more honest reviews about living in Finland, then on their basis we can highlight the following advantages:
- One of the lowest crime rates in the world. In rural areas, many residents are not even afraid to leave the doors to their homes open.
- Free education for Finnish citizens at all levels.
- High salaries.
- High-quality and not very expensive medicine (compared to other European countries).
- Good ecology.
Like any country, Finland is not perfect. Therefore, there are also disadvantages to living here.
- High utility bills and prices.
- Finnish is quite difficult to learn. And you must know him. Moreover, the procedure for obtaining a Finnish passport includes passing an exam on it. So, as soon as you begin to think about how to obtain Finnish citizenship, the first thing you should do is take on the textbook.
- Locals tend to support their producer. Therefore, the closer the product is sold to the place of manufacture - the more expensive. So, with grandmothers in the markets, apples and milk will always cost more than similar imported ones in stores. Moreover, even if their quality will be inferior. Here is a paradox.
- General compliance with the law. For the natives of their corrupt post-Soviet countries, this is a clear minus. However, only in this way is it possible to ensure such a high level of security in the state. The corruption we are accustomed to here is really not there. But no one has yet canceled family ties. As for the clarity of laws, you can even get to the dock even for an unpaid fine.
- The climate is cold.
- Problems with unemployment in the province.
- In large cities, the cost of living and prices are higher than in rural areas. On the other hand, there are many migrants from Asian countries. Fortunately, in search of an easy life, many of them move to a less austere and more hospitable neighboring Sweden.
- When deciding to immigrate to Finland, it is worth remembering that all of its male citizens are military liable. So, having received a passport, it is quite possible that you will have to repay the debt to your new homeland in advance.
Bipatrism
This advantage of living in Finland is worth staying separately. For those who don’t know, a person has dual citizenship as bipatrism. Finnish law has been quite loyal to this phenomenon since 2003.
So, following all the prescribed requirements, you can apply for dual citizenship: Russia-Finland. And for this you do not have to perform any additional actions. Just becoming a Finnish citizen, a person simultaneously turns into a bipatrid.
The situation is more complicated for emigrants from Ukraine. The legislation of this country is less loyal to bipatrism. Having acquired a Finnish passport, a Ukrainian may not notify the authorities of his historical homeland about its presence. Thus, he will continue to be considered her subject until information about his second citizenship comes to the official bodies. Only then, perhaps the first will be stopped. And this is not a fact, because automatically this does not happen, due to the lack of an established mechanism established in the legislation. So even if the Ukrainian government finds out about the Finnish citizenship of its subject, it will not necessarily deprive him of his own. This is akin to Russian roulette.
Regardless of whether bipatrism is recognized in the migrant’s homeland, while in the territory of a third state, he will be free to choose which passport to use.
Stages of obtaining Finnish citizenship
This process takes on average about 7 years. This is a very short time, compared with other European countries, on the territory of which you need to live about 10-12 years to get local citizenship.
Before obtaining Finnish citizenship, a citizen of the Russian Federation or Ukraine will have to go through such stages.
- National Visa Processing (D). Unlike Schengen, it is issued for one particular state. Gives the right to stay in the country up to 180 days for 6 months.
- Residency (on average 2 years).
- Permanent residence (4 years).
- Applying for Finnish citizenship. Its consideration may take several months, or even years.
Grounds for Immigration
The first thing you need to get Finnish citizenship is a good reason. This is the reason why you should be allowed to live in this country. Modern Finnish law allows such grounds for a long stay in their territory.
- Studying at local universities.
- Employment.
- Starting a business, investing in the local economy or acquiring real estate.
- Marriage or family reunion.
- Repatriation.
- Refugee
For a Ukrainian, each of the above methods is suitable, how to obtain Finnish citizenship. A citizen of the Russian Federation does not fit the last option.
Naturally, when it comes to residents of Ukraine, only immigrants from the Lugansk and Donetsk regions, sometimes Crimea, can apply for the role of refugees. There are cases when such families managed to obtain a residence permit on this basis and subsequently naturalize. By the way, even in the event of a refusal, hospitable Finns will give time to look for work before expelling them. So if the goal of a refugee is to become a full-fledged hardworking citizen, and not an eternal parasite living on benefits, the chances of staying in Finland are very high.
Basic required package of documents
Any way to obtain citizenship in Finland to a citizen of Russia or Ukraine provides for the initial submission of a package of documents.
- Application to the Finnish Migration Service. It can be submitted through a specialized site. Its menu works in 3 languages: English, Finnish and Swedish.
- Actual 4 photos.
- Passport with certified and translated copies of all pages.
- Information about the absence of a criminal record and debts.
- Medical insurance.
- Bank statement on the availability of a sufficient amount of funds in the account.
- A document confirming the existence of a reason for staying in Finland. For each case of immigration to this country, it is different.
The above package may be supplemented. The migration service will inform you of additional information.
When applying for citizenship in Finland, for Russians, Ukrainians and other natives of their post-Soviet countries, it is necessary to prepare a more extensive list of papers.
- Handwritten statement.
- 4 photos.
- Autobiography.
- Birth certificate.
- Motivation letter.
- Documents confirming the existence of a legal source of income. This is a certificate of employment, an extract from the tax and from the bank, about all income to the account.
- Information on the availability of a sufficient amount of funds in the account.
- Lease or ownership of real estate.
- A document confirming the knowledge of at least one state language at a sufficient level.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous and contagious diseases.
- Certificates from Finnish law enforcement authorities confirming the absence of problems with the law. You will also have to take the same document in your own country.
- If the applicant is in an official relationship, he must submit a marriage certificate.
All this package is served at the police station at the place of residence. All documents are not in Finnish or Swedish, to be translated and notarized.
Special requirements
Before obtaining Finnish citizenship, each applicant and his documents are thoroughly checked. If the specified data are reliable, there is a basis for naturalization and all conditions are met - you can take the passport in your pocket.
However, there are a number of requirements, the mismatch of which may prevent Finnish citizenship for Russians, Ukrainians or other inhabitants of the post-Soviet space. Moreover, even if everything is in order with the documents and the grounds.
- The applicant must prove knowledge of the Finnish language and culture by passing the exam. In case of failure - after 3 months it can be retaken. Knowledge of the Swedish language is welcome.
- Law obedience. A person applying for Finland citizenship should not be convicted in this country or in any other. Such a person should not be wanted by Interpol. If the applicant was tried, but received a acquittal , he can apply for citizenship.
- Financial solvency. Like most states, Finland is ready to host those who want to work and bring benefits, rather than settle on the neck of taxpayers. So you have to prove your ability to support yourself. As a rule, this requires a certificate of all types of income and savings in the bank.
- The absence of any debts. This requirement applies not only to loans, but also applies to the payment of alimony and taxes. And not only in Finland, but also in their historical homeland.
Study
One of the reasons for issuing a national visa, and then a residence permit is to study at one of the Finnish universities. Until 2017, all types of education in this country were free not only for its citizens, but also for foreigners. Today, people from non-EU countries must pay for a diploma from their own pockets or use a grant. This rule applies to English-language programs. But learning in Finnish is still free for everyone.
Even if you do not pay for your studies, living in Finland is not cheap. On average, you have to spend about 1000 euros per month. Fortunately, a national visa gives foreign students the right to work 25 hours a week during the study period and full-time on vacation.
Choosing this method, the first thing you need to decide on the university, submit documents (via the Internet) and, having received a visa, enter the country and pass exams.
If you managed to become a Finnish student, you can apply for a residence permit for a year. And then constantly renew it.
It is worth knowing that the time spent in Finland as a foreign student is only half counted. As for the necessary documents, in addition to an invitation from the university (for a visa) and a certificate of admission (for applying for a residence permit), you will need a TOEFL or IELTS certificate confirming knowledge of English.
Registration of residence permit (permanent residence and passports) takes place in the Finnish police station at the place of residence. You can make an appointment and send the current photo online on the official website. With this method, the cost of services will cost 2 euros cheaper.
Work
Employment is one of the most common ways to obtain Finnish citizenship for Russians, Ukrainians and others. If such an applicant does not have a diploma of a local or any other European university, he will be able to officially get a job only after preliminary registration of a residence permit.
The exceptions are seasonal hired workers, trainers, translators, and exchange teachers. This category is employed on preferential terms and for a period of not more than 3 months. Naturally, they cannot apply for any residence permit and permanent residence.
So, those who want to move to Finland will have to find an employer who is ready to conclude a long-term contract with him. In this case, the latter will have to prove to the migration service that the foreign worker is a very valuable specialist and cannot be replaced by any of his compatriots. This rule applies in all European countries.
A signed long-term contract (at least for a year) is a good reason for obtaining a residence permit.
Doing business and acquiring property
As a reason for migration, you can use the opening of your own business. Despite numerous taxes, its maintenance will ultimately be cheaper than in Russia or Ukraine. It is all about clear Finnish laws and a minimal level of bureaucracy, as well as the absence of corruption.
Commercial activities in the forest industry, construction, IT, medicine or tourism are particularly welcome here. To obtain a residence permit, you must open a company or buy a ready-made business. The authorized capital must be at least 2500 euros. In addition, the company must have a co-founder with a Finnish passport.
Unlike many European countries, the acquisition of real estate in Finland is also sufficient reason to qualify for a residence permit. So, having bought a house or an apartment and having arranged everything properly, a foreigner receives a residence permit and the right to apply for Finnish citizenship on a common basis in the future.
Marriage
Marriage is the second most popular way to obtain citizenship for Russians, Ukrainians and other people from the countries of the former CIS. And by the way, it is far from always planned. Often, going to study or work, a person finds his soul mate with local citizenship.
Unlike Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and some other European states, a Finnish spouse is not required to prove her ability to provide housing and money. On the one hand, this simplifies the registration of interethnic marriages, on the other, it contributes to the appearance of fictitious unions. In any case, before obtaining citizenship, the migration service will carefully check the "doves."
As soon as the marriage is officially registered (either in Finland or in the homeland of the second half), the foreign spouse receives a residence permit for 1 year with the right to prolong. A year later - permanent residence. Having lived in this status for another 4 years - you can apply for citizenship. At the time of application, the applicant is banned from leaving the state.
In the event of a divorce before acquiring citizenship, you will have to look for another reason for it.
In Finland, gay marriage is legal. But cohabitation is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit.
Having decided to obtain citizenship in this way, the female sex should think carefully about all the details, especially the change of surname. Indeed, in this case, absolutely all documentation will have to be reissued at home.
Repatriation
Like marriage, repatriation is one of the legal ways to shorten the waiting time for a Finnish passport. Descendants up to the 3rd tribe, that is, children and grandchildren of emigrants from Finland, as well as great-grandchildren under 16 years of age, can take this opportunity, by law.
In order to obtain citizenship in this way, in addition to having provable Finnish ancestors, you still have to live in this country for more than 2 years.
Family reunification
This reason can be used by those who already have Finnish relatives or naturalized immigrants. It can be:
- parents;
- children;
- grandfathers / grandmothers;
- spouses.
How to get Finnish citizenship for children
In conclusion, it is worth considering a children's question. The fact is that this category is easier than others to obtain Finnish citizenship. How to do it?
First of all, it is worthwhile to find out whether a baby by birth right can apply for it. This is possible in such cases.
- If one of the parents already has citizenship, and even when the baby was born in the territory of another state.
- If the child was born in Finland, and the nationality and citizenship of his father and mother are not established.
- If the child was born a foreign woman out of wedlock, but the Finnish father recognized him. To do this, you have to do a DNA test.
- If the mother of the baby is foreign, and the father was a citizen of Finland and died before he was born, the child can obtain citizenship by birth. However, for this, either the marriage of the parents had to be formalized, or paternity confirmed.
A child who is not a citizen of Finland born on its territory does not receive her citizenship by birth.
Adopted foreign children under 12 years of age can also obtain citizenship automatically if at least one of the guardians has it. If their age is 12-17 years, the guardians will have to file a petition.