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Published: 14 May 2013

A record number of Finnish citizenships were granted in 2012

According to Statistics Finland, Finnish citizenship was granted in 2012 to 9,090 foreign citizens permanently resident in Finland. This is the highest figure during Finland's independence and as much as 4,530 higher than in 2011. Ninety-four per cent of those having been granted Finnish citizenship retained their former citizenship. Of the persons receiving Finnish citizenship, 4,970 were women and 4,120 men. Among the persons having been granted Finnish citizenship, 2,510 were aged 14 or under and 170 were aged 65 or over.

Recipients of Finnish citizenship 1966–2012

Last year, Finnish citizenship was granted to 7,990 citizens of countries outside the European Union, which is 4,160 more than in 2011. The number of citizens of countries belonging to the European Union among those who received Finnish citizenship was 370 higher than one year previously, being 1,100.

In 2012, Finnish citizenship was granted by far most often to citizens of Russia, numbering 2,480 among those having been granted Finnish citizenship. This was 830 more than in the year before. Russian citizens were the largest group having received Finnish citizenship in 2011 as well. Somali citizens were the second largest group of recipients of Finnish citizenship, numbering 610. In the year before, 100 Somalis received Finnish citizenship. Of the citizens of Estonia resident in Finland, 520 received Finnish citizenship in 2012, whereas the respective number in the previous year was 300. Afghan citizens formed the fourth largest group of recipients of Finnish citizenship. Differing from before, Swedish citizens no longer belonged to the nine biggest nationality groups to whom Finnish citizenship was granted.

Source: Population and Cause of Death Statistics. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Matti Saari 09 1734 3401

Director in charge: Riitta Harala

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Tables

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• Database tables and their variables
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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Naturalized foreigners and foreigners by age structure 2012 (14.5.2013)
• Appendix table 2. Citizenships granted according to country of previous citizenship 2001 - 2012 (14.5.2013)

Figures

• Appendix figure 1. Naturalized foreigners by previous citizenship 2012 (14.5.2013)

Quality descriptions

• Quality description, naturalized foreigners 2012 (14.5.2013)

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Updated 14.5.2013