U.s. to E.u. to Finland

[USAscandi]

Hei, I want to move to Finland after visiting a friend who has lived in Tampere for over 6 years (originally from the states as I am) I am lucky in having a Lutheran church in my city that offers free language classes, I also plan to visit my friend and a husky training farm in winter to see if if I might not change my mind about wanting to live in Finland . I am able to get U.K. and E.U. citizenship through my father being born in Essex England. My question is...is it a simpler matter for me too apply for residency through my E.U. citizenship rather than my U.S.? as I assume or would the reason of my want to move out weigh where I apply from? p.s. my friend gained his residency through his Finnish Father. Thank you for any help! kippis.

[betelgeuse]

Yes EU citizens do not need a residence permit. They do need to register their right of residence on site in Finland when staying over three months. You can see find the requirements for that in section 158a of the Aliens Act:

http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset ... 040301.pdf

I suggest you start your research by looking at the site of the Finnish immigration service:

http://www.migri.fi/frontpage

Most of the information is if you are applying under a US passport. Under the heading "Information elsewhere" you can find info for UK.

[rinso]

Being an EU citizen will make things easier.
But the main problem remains; how will you support yourself?

[justaguy]

Being EU will make everything a piece of piss.
Not being EU will be a nightmare.

Get citizenship first and consider yourself lucky that you are able.