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Nationality

General information
Considering laws of both countries
General information

The most important change is that dual (multiple) nationality is now acceptable. Finnish nationals will no longer lose their Finnish nationality when they assume another nationality. Similarly, foreign nationals who are granted Finnish nationality will not need to give up their present nationality.

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Considering laws of both countries

General 

Dual nationality can only be acquired in accordance with the laws of both Finland and the state in question

The laws in both Finland and the other state in question must permit dual (multiple) nationality before the acquisition of a second (additional) nationality. Finnish nationals may retain their Finnish nationality if the state whose nationality they apply for permits that. In the same way, foreign nationals who are granted Finnish nationality may retain their present nationality if that state allows it.

In order not to lose your nationality unintentionally, when applying for a new nationality you should find out in advance if the state concerned permits multiple nationality.

United States of America

The Unites States' State Department web site gives their view on Dual Nationality
  
Click here
to see it in full. 

The statement includes the following
“A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth
” and “A person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship”. 

An expert opinion obtained by the Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C. states: 
U.S. will allow a U.S. citizen to become a Finnish citizen without losing U.S. citizenship, provided that the Finnish Nationality Act does not require such individual to renounce U.S. citizenship or allegiance to the U.S. as a condition for obtaining Finnish nationality". 
The new Finnish law is in conformity with this. 
Note 1: A dual citizen must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. 
Note 2: Declaration forms state that it is the individual’s responsibility to establish if the current citizenship is at risk. This is for individuals in other countries with laws that differ from U.S. laws. 

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Last update 1/4/2007
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© 2003 Consulates General of Finland, New York and Los Angeles
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