Finland is aiming to introduce a citizenship test that applicants must pass in order to obtain Finnish citizenship. According to the Ministry of the Interior the purpose of the test is to assess the applicants’ knowledge of society which would become a mandatory requirement for citizenship.
Published: 22/12/25 | 19:04
The test would evaluate the understanding of how Finnish society functions and its major principles. Applicants would also need to demonstrate awareness of their rights as well as their responsibilities as members of society.
The ministry states that the exam content would be based on predetermined and publicly accessible civic education materials. Topics covered would include Finnish societal values, legislation, constitutional and human rights, gender equality and Finnish history.
The test would be conducted electronically and offered in either Finnish or Swedish.
Civic knowledge could alternatively be proven by successfully completing the Finnish or Swedish matriculation examination according to the ministry.
Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen (Finns Party) noted that the requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship have already been made stricter including conditions related to length of residence, income and integrity.
“By introducing a citizenship test we are further reinforcing the principle that citizenship requires evidence of successful integration into Finnish society and familiarity with its values,” Rantanen said in a press release.
The Finnish Immigration Service would be responsible for administering the test. The ministry also stated that the Immigration Service would collaborate with a university to develop the exam.
According to the Ministry of the Interior the aim of the citizenship test is to promote integration, employment and adherence to the rules of Finnish society.
The test is part of a wider reform of the Citizenship Act proposed by the government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (National Coalition Party) which seeks to tighten citizenship requirements.
The public consultation period for the proposal ends in February and the ministry aims to implement the citizenship test at the beginning of 2027.
