Contact the Finnish Population Information System office in Helsinki, Finland, via their website (see Resources) or by calling +358 9 229 161. The registry manages the identity of all Finnish citizens. Check that your personal data, including your name, age and phone number, are listed and correct. Your customized Finnish passport application is populated with information from the national registry, and failing to verify your listing's accuracy will add considerable delays to the processing of your passport.
Call the Finnish embassy in Washington, D.C., if you are in the United States, at (202) 298-5800, or the embassy in Ottawa, Ontario, if you are in Canada, at (613) 288-2233. Set up an appointment to apply for a Finnish passport. All applicants must apply in-person at either of these embassies. If you live in a state or province that is not near these two embassies, take travel time into consideration when setting a date for your appointment.
Prepare the documents needed to apply for a Finnish passport. You must have official photo identification, such as a Finnish identity card. In addition, you must bring a passport photo taken within the last six months. The photo must meet the passport photo guidelines set by La Policia Nacional de Finlandia (see Resources). Take note that the photo requirements differ in size and pose from typical U.S. passport guidelines.
Determine whether you need optional documents to backup your application. For example, men under the age of 30 must provide either proof of service in the Finnish military, or a document from the Finnish Defense Office proving exemption status. In addition, applicants who hold citizenship in more than one country must provide a Finnish citizenship certificate. Consult the embassy if you are unsure of any outstanding exceptions to your application needs.
Go to the Finnish embassy in Ottawa or Washington, D.C., on the date of your appointment. Fill out the passport application presented to you by the passport official, and submit with your supporting documents.
Pay your passport processing fees. As of September 2009, fees in the United States are $126 while applicants in Canada pay $149 CAD. Additional fees are requested should you need specialized services, such as expedited shipping. Payment is accepted in the form of money orders, cash or certified check. Credit or debit cards are not accepted. Upon payment, applicants who meet all requirements will receive their Finnish passport within three weeks.
