Ministry of the Interior informs: Finland to have new Nationality Act
Parliament passed the Nationality Bill on 24 January 2003. The Bill has not been approved yet; only after the approval will we know exactly when the Act comes into force – not before 1 June 2003.
The most important change will be that dual (multiple) nationality will become acceptable. Finnish nationals will no longer lose their Finnish nationality when they assume another nationality. Similarly, foreign nationals who are granted Finnish nationality will not need to give up their present nationality.
Multiple nationality covers cases if more than two nationalities are involved.
Dual nationality can only be acquired in accordance with the laws of both Finland and the state in question
The laws in both Finland and the other state in question must permit dual (multiple) nationality before the acquisition of a second (additional) nationality. Finnish nationals may retain their Finnish nationality if the state whose nationality they apply for permits that. In the same way, foreign nationals who are granted Finnish nationality may retain their present nationality if that state allows it.
In order not to lose your nationality unintentionally, when applying for a new nationality you should find out in advance if the state concerned permits multiple nationality.
Former Finnish nationals can resume Finnish nationality
After the new Act has come into force, former Finnish nationals may resume Finnish nationality upon notification of their desire to do so. A notification, which is subject to a fee, should be given by filling in a form from the Directorate of Immigration. The Directorate of Immigration will make a decision on the notification and inform the person concerned of its decision in writing.
Descendants of present and former Finnish nationals may acquire nationality on notification. Nationality is granted on the basis of father’s or mother’s nationality, even if the descendants themselves have not had Finnish nationality before.
Both former Finnish nationals and their descendants wishing to give notification under the terms of the Act must do so within five years of its entry into force.
Notification cannot be given until the Act has come into force
Notifications under the new Act cannot be given until the Act has come into force. As of the entry into force of the Act, application forms, notification forms and information on the application procedure will be available on the website of the Directorate of Immigration.
At present, it is impossible to give an estimate of the time needed to process applications and notifications.
Notifications can be processed faster if data on the person concerned is registered in the Finnish Population Information System. Those interested may check the information held on them by contacting the Registry Office of their current/most recent home municipality in Finland. The Helsinki Registry Office can provide information to those unsure about their home municipality.
More information: Information Unit of the Directorate of Immigration, +358 9 4760 5500
Contact information for Registry Offices(Link to another website.)