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Birth in Finland & Requirements to get citizenship
Finnish citizenship by birth primarily operates under the principle of jus sanguinis, where children inherit the citizenship of their parents regardless of their birthplace. A child can obtain Finnish citizenship through their mother, father, or both parents by application or declaration. Finnish citizenship is conferred upon a child irrespective of their birth country, provided certain conditions are met, such as not acquiring citizenship from any other country based on parental citizenship. The acquisition of Finnish citizenship by a child born in Finland to foreign parents is also considered, allowing citizenship based on birthplace in exceptional cases. The Finnish Nationality Act and related regulations govern citizenship matters, addressing various scenarios including birth, adoption, and parental marriage. This article explores the conditions, legal frameworks, and procedures for obtaining Finnish citizenship by birth, highlighting the significance of the jus sanguinis principle in nationality determination.
Topics covered in this article:
– Rules for acquiring citizenship by birth in Finland
– Requirements for citizenship of child born in Finland
– Procedures for registering a child’s identity in Finland
– Required documents to obtain Finnish residency via birth of child
– Commonly Asked Questions
– Last words about the topic

Rules for acquiring citizenship by birth in Finland
The Finnish Citizenship Act outlines the criteria for acquiring citizenship based on familial ties. If at least one parent is a Finnish citizen, a child inherits Finnish citizenship. Here are the conditions for citizenship and residency by birth in Finland:
Birth within Finland: A child born in Finland to non-Finnish parents may acquire Finnish citizenship based on birthplace, subject to specific conditions.
Principle of descent: Finnish citizenship is primarily determined by the principle of descent, wherein children inherit the citizenship of their parents regardless of birth country.
Parental nationality: A child can obtain Finnish citizenship through either parent’s nationality via application or declaration.
Adoption: A child adopted at or above the age of 12 can seek Finnish citizenship through declaration.
Special cases: In exceptional circumstances, a child born in Finland to non-Finnish parents may acquire Finnish citizenship based on birthplace, provided they do not gain citizenship from any other country through their parents.
Asylum status: A child born in Finland to parents with Finnish refugee status or protection against deportation may obtain Finnish citizenship based on birthplace.
Requirements for citizenship of child born in Finland
To acquire Finnish citizenship through descent, a child must fulfill specific conditions regarding their parents’ nationality. Even if neither parent is a Finnish citizen, the child may still qualify if at least one non-Finnish parent holds permanent residency in Finland. These criteria ensure that children born in Finland to foreign nationals can establish ties to the country through their familial connections.
– If the mother is a Finnish citizen.
– If the child’s father, who is married to the mother, is a Finnish citizen.
– If the child is born in Finland, the father is a Finnish citizen, and paternity is confirmed.
– If a child is born in Finland through fertility treatment to a female couple where the unborn mother is a Finnish citizen, and the birth is confirmed.
– If the child’s father, who was a Finnish citizen, passed away before birth, and he was married to the mother posthumously.
– If the child’s father, who was a Finnish citizen, passed away before birth, and the child is born out of wedlock in Finland, with paternity confirmed.
– If a child is born in Finland without acquiring citizenship from the parents’ country, eligibility for Finnish citizenship may be determined by the Finnish Immigration Service.
Procedures for registering a child’s identity in Finland
Registering a child’s identity in Finland based on lineage involves specific procedures regulated by the Population Information System Act. Parents are mandated to send the birth notification to the civil registry office within one week of the child’s birth. This notification includes crucial details such as the child’s name, date and place of birth, parents’ names, and personal identification numbers, which are vital for determining citizenship. The steps for registering a child’s identity in Finland include:
1. Completing the application and providing documents: Fill out the application for Finnish citizenship for the child and submit the required documents.
2. Payment of application fees: The application processing incurs a fee, which can be paid through various methods such as credit cards or online banking services offered by Finnish banks.
3. Verification of the child’s identity: Bring the child to the appointment to verify their identity. This may involve presenting identification proof such as a passport or official ID card with a photograph.
4. Submission of the application: Submit the application and all necessary documents to the designated authority. If the child does not possess a passport yet, a written explanation of the situation might be required.
5. Scheduling an appointment and visiting a service point: Book an appointment to visit a service point for submitting the child’s request. The child must accompany you when submitting the form.
Required documents to obtain Finnish residency via birth of child
When parents aim to secure Finnish citizenship for their child through descent following the child’s birth in Finland, specific documents are essential to initiate the process. To obtain Finnish residency through the birth of a child, the required documents and procedures include:
1. Parents’ identification documents: Passports or other official identification documents of the parents are necessary to verify their nationality and eligibility to pass on citizenship to the child.
2. Birth certificate: A birth certificate issued by a hospital or healthcare institution is crucial to establish the child’s identity and familial relationships.
3. Proof of parental citizenship: Documents confirming the Finnish citizenship of at least one parent are essential to determine the child’s eligibility for citizenship by descent.
4. Divorce certificate: If the child’s parents are divorced, a divorce certificate may be required for legal documentation.
5. Application for a residence permit: In cases where one of the parents is a foreign permanent resident, an application for a residence permit may be necessary to regulate the child’s legal status in Finland.
Commonly Asked Questions
✔️ Is Finnish citizenship exclusively determined by lineage?
Yes, Finland primarily adheres to the principle of jus sanguinis, where citizenship is transmitted through blood ties, particularly from at least one parent who is a Finnish citizen.
✔️ Can a child born in Finland to non-Finnish parents automatically attain citizenship?
Yes, if at least one parent is a Finnish citizen, a child born in Finland automatically obtains Finnish citizenship based on the jus sanguinis principle.
✔️ Is there a restriction on dual citizenship in Finland?
No, Finland generally permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Finnish citizenship alongside citizenship of another country.
✔️ Do parents automatically gain Finnish citizenship through their child’s birth?
No, parents do not automatically acquire Finnish citizenship through their child’s descent. If parents wish to obtain Finnish citizenship, they must undergo the standard naturalization process.
Last words about the topic
Finnish citizenship by descent underscores the significance of blood relations as the foundation of nationality, highlighting the nation’s dedication to preserving familial bonds and cultural heritage. Clearly outlined regulations and procedures govern the acquisition of Finnish citizenship for children born in Finland. If they do not meet the criteria, they inherit the citizenship of their parents.

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Warning! The information provided on this website is based on research conducted by non-legal professionals, and Talav Company does not assume legal responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of this content.
We highly recommend that you independently verify this information and consult with a qualified local attorney to ensure it is applicable to your specific situation.