kansalaisuuden

Kansalaisuus, in Finnish often written in its genitive form kansalaisuuden, is the legal status of an individual as a member of a state or nation. It establishes a formal relationship between a person and a political community and typically determines what rights, protections, and duties apply to the individual within that community. Citizenship arrangements vary by country, reflecting historical, demographic, and constitutional contexts.

Acquisition of citizenship generally occurs in several ways. Birthright citizenship can be based on jus sanguinis (citizenship by parentage) or jus soli (citizenship by birthplace), depending on national law. Naturalization or registration allows a non-citizen to become a citizen after meeting residence, language, integration, and sometimes character requirements. Some jurisdictions recognize special routes for descendants of citizens or for refugees and long-term residents.

Rights and duties associated with citizenship commonly include political rights such as the right to vote and stand for public office, civil protections and access to public services, and social benefits. Duties often include obedience to laws, paying taxes, and, in some countries, military or alternative civic service. The balance of rights and obligations, and the ease or difficulty of acquiring or losing citizenship, varies across states.

Loss and renunciation of citizenship can occur, voluntarily or by legal action, in some cases when acquiring another citizenship or through deprivation under specific circumstances. Some countries allow dual or multiple citizenship, while others require renunciation.

In Finland, citizenship is governed by the Finnish Citizenship Act. Dual citizenship is permitted, and citizenship can be acquired by birth or by naturalization after meeting residence and language requirements. Finnish citizenship confers political rights, a passport, and social protections, with certain civic duties applying in accordance with national law.