kansalainen

Kansalainen is the Finnish term for a person who belongs to a country through formal citizenship. In Finnish public discourse it is used to refer to the holder of citizenship and to describe rights and obligations that come with membership in a state. The concept can apply to any citizen, regardless of gender, and is distinct from a permanent resident or an asylum seeker.

Kansalainen derives from kansa meaning "people" or "the nation", and the suffix -lainen indicating a person belonging to or associated with something, producing a demonym or citizen meaning.

In Finland, citizenship is regulated by the Finnish Citizenship Act. It can be acquired by birth when certain conditions are met — typically by having at least one Finnish citizen parent — or by naturalization after meeting residence requirements and other conditions such as language knowledge and financial prerequisites. Finnish citizens have political rights, including the right to vote and to stand for office in national, regional, and European elections. They may also receive consular protection abroad and access public services on equal terms. As an EU member, Finnish citizens are also European Union citizens with rights to move, reside, and work in other EU/EEA states.

Since the early 2000s Finland has allowed dual citizenship; acquiring another citizenship does not automatically end Finnish citizenship, though individuals may in some cases elect to renounce. Citizenship carries obligations such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and, for eligible men, military or civilian service.