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Release from Finnish citizenship

If you are (or are also about to become) a citizen of another state in addition to Finland, you can be released from your Finnish citizenship at your own request. If you have not yet become a citizen of another state, you will be released conditionally. You will be fully released from Finnish citizenship only when you provide proof of having become a citizen of another state. You must prove this within a specified time limit.

You cannot be released from Finnish citizenship if:

  • you have a municipality of residence in Finland; and
  • you wish to be released in order to escape an obligation related to Finnish citizenship, such as military service; or
  • the release would make you stateless.

Apply for release from Finnish citizenship by application:

Application for release from Finnish citizenship, KAN_3 (available in Finnish and Swedish)

Child’s release from Finnish citizenship

When you apply for release from Finnish citizenship you may simultaneously apply for release for a child who is under 18 years of age and in your custody. The application form of an applicant under the age of 18 should be attached to the application of the principal applicant.

Use the following supplement forms for children (all available in Finnish and Swedish):

  • For a child younger than 12 years of age: KAN_3A
  • For a child between 12 and 14 years of age: KAN_3B
  • For a child between 15 and 17 years of age: KAN_3C

If you are only applying for a release for a child, the application may be made by the parent who has the custody of the child or his/her guardian. The child must be present at the service point or the Finnish mission where the application is submitted. The identity of the child’s parent/guardian is always checked. The child’s identity is also checked if he/she has a passport or an identity document. The identities are checked by the Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) abroad or the Finnish Immigration Service in Finland.

A child who is 12 years old or older will be heard on the application. A child’s release from Finnish citizenship requires the consent of the other guardian as well. If the child is 15 years old or older, he/she must also give his/her own consent.

Apply for a child’s release from Finnish citizenship by application:

Application for a child’s release from Finnish citizenship, KAN_10 (available in Finnish and Swedish)

  • Expected processing time

    5 months

  • Paper application fee

    690 €