Finland plans to introduce a citizenship test as part of a wider reform of its nationality laws, the Ministry of the Interior announced in a release on Monday.
The proposal would make knowledge of Finnish society and civic principles a formal requirement for citizenship. The draft legislation has been sent for public consultation, with a deadline for feedback set for 6 February 2026.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the aim is to strengthen integration standards.
“Citizenship already requires a sufficient period of residence, financial self-sufficiency and a clean record,” Rantanen said. “The new test reinforces the principle that citizenship should only be granted to those who have successfully integrated and understand the values of Finnish society.”
The test would assess applicants’ knowledge of Finland’s laws, democratic system, human rights, and cultural heritage. It would be taken electronically in either Finnish or Swedish.
Applicants would be exempt if they have passed a Finnish or Swedish-language matriculation examination or completed a higher education degree in either language.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of the test.
Migri is expected to develop the test in cooperation with a university. The ministry did not specify which institution.
Test content will be based on publicly available study material. Authorities said this is intended to ensure transparency and fairness.
Subjects covered will include the functioning of public institutions, individual rights and duties, equality, and Finland’s constitutional values.
Multiple-choice and true-or-false questions will form the basis of the digital exam.
The test is scheduled to enter into force from the beginning of 2027, in line with the planned changes to citizenship law.
The citizenship test is part of a three-part tightening of eligibility criteria. Earlier reforms included extending the minimum residence period and stricter income and character checks.
HT