Ain't you quite Finnish yet?

[marko_the_rat]

I got a package in the mail today from the Finnish Immigration Service. After waiting the better part of a year, they've approved my application for Finnish citizenship! (This doesn't affect my Australian citizenship of course; I wouldn't do it if it did.)

Ohessa Maahanmuuttoviraston päätös Suomen kansalaisuudestanne.

I'm embarrassed to admit that my Finnish is pretty rusty, but I think that says something along the lines of "Has achieved emigrant (or outside of Finland) Finnish citizenship."

So why did I do it? Just to keep my options open, in case I ever want to visit or move to Europe. (Finland is part of the European Union.) It's quite ironic; ristin has American citizenship which I would really value and I have European citizenship which Ristin would really value. How can we swap? :)

Comments

[helios-inferno.livejournal.com]

Congratulations :)
I didn't even knew it was possible to get citizinship without even living in the country first.
But never really had thoughts of living/moving somewhere else anyway :)

As for the Finnish; well as soon as you actually live there your bound to cath up and learn the language quickly enough :p

[marko-the-rat.livejournal.com]

I was born there as were my parents who are both still Finnish citizens. I only lost my Finnish citizenship when I became an Australian citizen, which is why I had to apply to get it back again. No offence to a wonderful country, but I have intention of living there. I'm too settled in Australia, with my heart too firmly ensconced in America.

[helios-inferno.livejournal.com]

Well at least you keep the option open, as you said :)
In case I would get a dual citizenship I might actually think of going for Australia, though probably only for temporary residence even so..
A bit homegrown in the Netherlands, though I would certainly like to visit even for just a short time.

[marko-the-rat.livejournal.com]

Gaining Australian citizenship is not something you can do over the phone. You'll need to gain permanent residency status first (which is very difficult) and then live here for a few years. Having said that, it would be great if you came and visited!

[helios-inferno.livejournal.com]

:)
Well dual citiz.inship wouldn't be possible anymore for me anyway, in the Netherlands they had a big debate on it at some point..and it's now just about completely banned.

But yes, if I ever get around to it, visiting Australia would be great :)
I actually have family there, moved to Austalia at some point, even though it's not really any closely related family t would still be an option to stay over there during a visit.