Finland is known as a highly industrialized country with a mixed economy and high value over gross domestic product. So, getting Finnish citizenship with investment is never a bad idea, on the contrary, it has many benefits.
One of the biggest advantages of being a Finnish citizen is the fact that they allow dual citizenship, so you don’t need to give up your previous citizenship. However, the fact that Finland is a European country, you get visa-free movement to other European countries without restrictions.
There are different ways to obtain Finnish citizenship with investment. However, the Finnish government does not offer real estate investments or bond programs to gain citizenship. You will need to start a business as an entrepreneur, pass some qualifications, and then cross your path to Finnish citizenship.
Benefits of Finnish Citizenship
- You have the right to obtain a Finnish passport.
- You can operate with dual citizenship
- You have the right to vote in presidential elections or similar
- You’re granted EU citizenship rights
- You can travel freely to other EU countries without restrictions.
- You can easily obtain citizenship for your spouse or children.
Paths to Finland Citizenship by Investment
Of course, starting a profitable business in Finland is a big investment. Finland has a bright economy and most businesses in Finland progress very well. However, the Finnish government would be happy to grant you residency as a business owner in Finland, but you have to meet some requirements.
Apply for a residence permit for an entrepreneur
First, you need to apply for a residence permit. Once you have held your residence permit for 4 years, you can apply for permanent residence and then Finnish citizenship. Below are the things you want.
- You have to become an entrepreneur.
- Your business must be profitable.
- Your business should have a trade registry
- You must have a valid passport.
- Make sure you are not assigned an entry ban
- You must not be a risk to public health, safety, or order.
How to Apply
Now, to apply for an entrepreneurial residence permit, there are several steps you need to follow. These steps include;
- You must make sure you have met the above requirements
- After that, you need to collect any required documents. Make sure the documents are in English, Finnish, or Swedish. If it isn’t, then you translate.
- After that, fill out your application online or on paper. Usually, I advise people to fill out their application online because they are processed faster and you can easily track them.
- Then, pay the required processing fee for the application. You can pay either online or through an embassy or immigration service.
- Finally, you book an appointment at the embassy abroad to complete the process.
Processing time for Entrepreneurial Residence Permit
If you are applying for the first time, the average processing time for your residence permit lasts about 5 to 9 months through an online application or 11 to 15 months through a paper application. However, the countdown begins after you have visited Finland. Some factors that may affect your processing time include;
- Not filling out every part of the application form
- Invitation to interview
- Requested exemptions from requests
- Conviction for a crime.
The above factors may delay your processing time, although the interview invitation is not yours, the remaining factors may affect your processing time. However, I would advise you to hire an immigration lawyer in Finland so the above factors do not limit you.
Once you have received the residence permit, you can then live under the entrepreneur’s residence permit for up to 4 years before you apply for permanent residence in Finland. Once you have lived under Finland’s permanent residence for several years, then you can apply for Finnish citizenship.
I believe that at this intersection, you understand the pathways to Finnish citizenship by investment. If you have any questions about Finland citizenship by investment or any other related questions, please let me know through the comments section.