Finnish citizens living abroad are facing what they call unreasonably high costs for passport renewals, according to Finland-Samfundet, an organization representing expatriate Finns. The current price for a Finnish passport applied for abroad is 235 euros (approximately 2,500 SEK), which the organization says has become excessively expensive.
Tina Strandberg, operations manager for Finland-Samfundet, told SVT Nyheter that while the planned introduction of 10-year passports is a 'much-awaited and welcome reform,' concerns remain about potential price increases accompanying the change. 'For a family of four, it becomes almost 1,000 euros, or about 10,700 kronor,' Strandberg said, noting that passport prices for applications abroad have risen significantly in recent years.
For a family of four, it becomes almost 1,000 euros, or about 10,700 kronor
Meanwhile, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs is investigating whether passport applications can be made digitally from abroad. According to the ministry, they are assessing during the current year whether it's possible to receive applications electronically and whether such a change would be cost-effective. However, even with digital applications, a personal visit to an embassy or consulate would still be required to obtain a passport.
The 10-year passports could be introduced as early as 2027 if the reform currently being prepared by the Ministry of the Interior is approved. The proposal is expected to be ready in April, after which it will be submitted to the Finnish Parliament for consideration.
much-awaited and welcome reform
Finland-Samfundet points out that in many other Nordic and European countries, passports cost approximately 100-170 euros when applied for abroad, with some countries offering lower prices for children. The organization argues that Finnish citizens should not have to pay so much for necessary travel documents.