Before the increase, obtaining a passport abroad was already considerably more expensive.
AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2023, the price of a Finnish passport obtained abroad rose from €175 to €235. Before the increase, obtaining a passport abroad was already considerably more expensive. The cost of a passport applied for in Finland is €50, while the cost of an electronic application is €44.
An “exceptionally lively discussion” about the high cost of obtaining a passport abroad and its consequences for Finns living abroad has taken place on a digital platform called Virra, which is maintained by Suomi-Seura ry, or the Finland Society, the organization noted in a statement.
According to Suomi-Seura ry, the discussions favored widespread support for a ten-year passport.
In September, Suomi-Seura ry (The Finland Society) used their digital platform to gauge the opinions of Finns living abroad on the topic. “The passport debate,” according to the organization, “was exceptionally well attended, with almost 300 participants.” Both the price and the validity of the passport were discussed.
The 10-year passport has also been used in Finland in the past.
All commentators considered the passport price too high. A better justification for the price increase was demanded, and it was felt that it discriminated against Finns based on their place of residence.
A longer period of validity was called for as a solution, making it easier to accept the costs and inconveniences of renewing passports at embassies, such as long journeys to get a new passport. In many other EU countries, such as the Netherlands, Norway, France and Germany, passports are valid for ten years. The 10-year passport has also been used in Finland in the past.
“Instead of constant price increases, we must develop cost-effective and cross-border solutions. It would be in line with the wishes of Finns living abroad to return to a ten-year passport here in Finland. The possibility of applying for a passport digitally abroad would make everyday life easier for expatriate Finns,” Pekka Sauri, the chairman of Suomi-Seura ry, said in the statement.
