ulkomaalainen

Ulkomaalainen is a Finnish noun and adjective meaning a person who is not a citizen of Finland. In everyday language it is used to refer to foreign nationals who live in or visit the country, regardless of how long they stay. The term also appears in official contexts and legal texts.

In Finnish administrative language the concept is defined by immigration and residency rules. The term is widely used in connection with the Aliens Act (Ulkomaalaislaki) and related regulations, with decisions issued by authorities such as the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Ulkomaalainen denotes anyone who does not hold Finnish citizenship, which includes people with foreign nationality and stateless persons. EU/ETA citizens are non-citizens as well, but they typically benefit from rights under EU law that influence how national rules apply to them.

The status of an ulkomaalainen affects entry, residence, work permissions, asylum procedures, and family reunification. The legal framework governs eligibility for residence permits, permanent residency, naturalization, and other immigration outcomes, while enforcement and processing are handled by Migri and, in some cases, other authorities.

The term can carry social or political connotations and has sometimes been criticized for stigmatizing non-citizens. In official language, more precise terms such as “not a Finnish citizen” or “foreign national” are often preferred to convey nuance and avoid blanket labeling. The concept remains a central element in discussions of immigration, integration, and nationality in Finland.