Integrating in Swedish

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. The cities in the Capital Region; Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, are all bilingual with 65 000 registered Swedish speakers. In total 5% of the Finnish population are registered as Swedish speakers.

• You have the right to integration training either in Finnish or in Swedish
• You can apply for Finnish citizenship by completing a language test in either Finnish or Swedish
• Everyone has the right to use Finnish or Swedish before a State authority and an authority of a bilingual municipality.  A bilingual authority shall serve the public in Finnish and Swedish
• You can choose Swedish-language education, from early childhood education to higher education
• You can also study Swedish as an unemployed, domestic parent and alongside your work or studies
• You can take part in the rich cultural life in Swedish, such as literature, theatre and music
• Many of Finland’s most successful companies are founded by immigrants
• Through Swedish, a large proportion of the Nordic countries will open up to you

Integration can mean that you settle in Finland and acquire knowledge and skills that you need in the Finnish society. Some factors that promote integration include learning Finnish or Swedish, finding a job or student position and forming contacts within Finnish society.

Read more about Swedish integration at The Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration

Do you want to know more about the Finland-Swedish people, their culture and history? You can find general information at Svenskfinland.fi, as well as articles on education, media and culture. Go take a look!