10 Things to Know Before Marrying a Finnish Citizen

Marrying a Finnish citizen is a special blessing, but there are many procedural hurdles to overcome if you want to marry a Finn. Many couples feel overwhelmed facing a series of legal requirements, cultural differences, and unexpected challenges.

Are you sure you are ready to face a strict bureaucratic process and significant cultural differences? Ignoring small details can lead to months of delays, unnecessary stress, or even misunderstandings that can test your relationship.

Don’t worry. This article will be your roadmap. We have summarized 10 essential things to know before marrying a Finnish citizen, ensuring you are mentally, legally, and culturally ready to start a new chapter in your life smoothly and with full preparation.

10 Procedures for a Marriage to a Finnish Citizen

Marrying a Finnish citizen can be a meaningful adventure. Before taking the next step toward marriage, there are a few important things you need to know to ensure the process runs smoothly and the relationship is harmonious. Here are 10 things you must understand before marrying a Finnish citizen.

1. Legal Requirements for Marriage in Finland

Getting married in Finland requires a deep understanding of the legal requirements. Every couple must apply for an examination of marriage impediments at the DVV or a local court. Make sure to prepare important documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and a certificate of marital status from your home country.

This process is crucial to ensure there are no legal obstacles preventing your marriage. If you are an Indonesian citizen, don’t forget to get a Certificate of Civil Status from the Indonesian Embassy in Helsinki before registering at the Maistraatti. Prepare all documents carefully and well in advance, as the legalization process can take a significant amount of time.

2. Choice of Wedding Ceremony Type

In Finland, you can choose between a civil and a religious wedding ceremony. A civil ceremony held at the DVV office or court during weekdays is free. However, if you choose another location such as a home or a banquet hall, there will be an additional fee. For a religious ceremony, the rules are set by the respective religious community, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is important for you and your partner to discuss your preferences, especially if you have different religious backgrounds.

3. Documents for Foreign Nationals 

Indonesian citizens who want to marry a Finnish citizen must prepare important documents such as a passport, Schengen visa, birth certificate, and Forms N1-N7, all of which can be obtained from the local sub-district office. It is very important to ensure that these documents are translated and legalized by the Finnish embassy in Jakarta or the Indonesian embassy in Helsinki.

Read Also 10 Essential Requirements When Marrying a Turkish Citizen

4. Prenuptial Agreement

To protect your rights as an Indonesian citizen, especially regarding property ownership, the Indonesian government strongly recommends a prenuptial agreement. In Finland, this practice is also common to arrange asset division if something unwanted happens. 

Therefore, discuss in depth with your partner about the need for this agreement. Make sure you consult with legal experts in both countries so that the document is fully compliant with applicable laws.

5. Visa and Residence Permit Process

After marrying, the dream of living in Finland can come true by applying for a residence permit from Maahanmuuttovirasto. Provide your marriage certificate, passport, and proof of your relationship. If your partner has a residence permit, a family visa is a good option. Keep monitoring the Migri or EnterFinland websites for the latest immigration information.

6. Finnish Cultural Differences

Finnish culture is known for its principles of equality, calmness, and respect for personal space. Finnish people tend to avoid direct confrontation and prioritize clear and honest communication.

Therefore, it’s very important to embrace values such as sisu (resilience) and classic habits like taking a sauna. Talk to your partner about how to balance this with Indonesian traditions.

7. Language Challenges

Although many Finns are fluent in English, the official languages are Finnish and Swedish. For better integration, it’s recommended to learn Finnish. You can take advantage of free language courses available at or through local universities. The language barrier can affect daily communication, especially with your partner’s family. Therefore, start by learning the basics of Finnish before you move.

8. Adapting to the Climate and Lifestyle

The Finnish climate is known for its long winters and extreme temperatures that can drop to -20°C. For Indonesian citizens who are used to a tropical climate, this is definitely a challenge.

Therefore, prepare with adequate winter clothing and take the opportunity to enjoy unique winter activities, such as skiing or ice skating. The Finnish lifestyle, which emphasizes a balance between relaxation and routine, may also differ from habits in Indonesia.

Read also sending money from Indonesia to Finland can be safer, faster, and without hidden fees.

9. Indonesian Community in Finland

To help with your adaptation process, it is highly recommended to join the Indonesian community in Finland. This can be done through Facebook groups or events organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Helsinki. 

This community can provide emotional support, practical information, and opportunities to connect with fellow Indonesian citizens. In addition, actively participating in Indonesian cultural events will help you stay connected to your cultural roots while adapting to your new life in Finland.

10. Marriage Counseling

Before tying the knot, it’s a good idea to consider pre-marital counseling for mental and emotional preparation. In Finland, many couples use counseling sessions offered by religious communities or psychologists to align their vision and mission for their marriage. 

In Indonesia, the KUA often provides free counseling services. In-depth discussions on crucial topics like financial planning, expectations about children, and strategies for handling cultural differences are very important for building a harmonious and lasting marriage foundation.

Marrying a Finnish citizen is a unique love adventure, but it requires careful preparation. Understand the laws, prepare your documents, and discuss cultural differences. Use the Indonesian community and language courses to make adaptation easier.