Government proposes changes to processing of passport and identity card applications submitted abroad

Under the proposal, decision-making on passports and identity cards applied for by Finnish citizens staying abroad would be transferred from Finnish missions and centralised within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Finnish missions would continue to receive passport and identity card applications abroad, as they do now. Tasks relating to passports and identity cards could also be carried out by persons who are in an employment relationship with a Finnish mission. Their qualification requirements, duties and criminal liability for acts in office would be laid down in law. Provisions would be added to the Passport Act and the Identity Card Act to allow fingerprints collected at Finnish missions for passport applications to be used in identity card applications, and vice versa. In addition, the Identity Card Act would be amended to enable applications for identity cards for minors to be submitted abroad. The passport and identity card legislation would also be amended to update and clarify the provisions on Finnish honorary consulates abroad. The proposed amendments are intended to enter into force in autumn 2027. Inquiries Minna-Kaisa Liukko, Chief Senior Specialist, Consular Service

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