Finnish passport and identity card

When abroad, you can apply for a passport or an identity card at a Finnish mission. The application must be submitted in person.

If you apply for a passport or an identity card online, strong authentication is required, and you must collect your passport from a Matkahuolto(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) service point in Finland.

Passport questions concerning China

According to Chinese legislation, a foreigner must always carry a passport with him/her, but in practice a paper copy or a photograph of the passport information page and visa/residence permit have been sufficient.

Foreigners must register ("Registration Form of Temporary Residence") at their local police station within 24 hours (in cities) and 72 hours (in rural areas) of their arrival in China. The registration must be renewed each time you change the hotel or other address you are staying at. If residing in a hotel, the registration will be taken care of by the hotel. Should your passport get stolen or lost, you should report the incident to the local police station. The police will ask to see your "Registration Form of Temporary Residence".

It is mandatory to transfer your Chinese visa/residence permit to your new Finnish passport at local authority (Entry-Exit Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security) which will take approx. 5-7 working days. The following documents are required:

  • If your old passport is expired or has no more empty pages: present your old and new passport and a passport letter or notary certificate issued by the Finnish mission no more than 10 days before (requirement from Chinese authority). A fee is charged for issuing the notary certificate, and it is not done while waiting.
  • If your old passport is stolen or lost: present your new passport and either a police report or a passport letter/notary certificate issued by the Finnish mission no more than 10 days before (requirement from Chinese authority). A fee is charged for issuing the notary certificate, and it is not done while waiting.
  • If your old passport is damaged: present your new passport and either your old passport or passport letter/notary certificate issued by the Finnish mission no more than 10 days before (requirement from Chinese authority). A fee is charged for issuing the notary certificate, and it is not done while waiting.

Beijing, Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security
Address: No. 2 Andingmen Dongdajie (by Xiaojie Qiao) Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel. + 86-0-1084020101

Shanghai, Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security
Address: No. 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Tel. +86-021-28951900