Finland has taken a step towards introducing a citizenship test, with the government submitting a legislative proposal to Parliament as part of broader reforms to tighten the rules for acquiring nationality.
The Ministry of the Interior said the test would assess applicants’ knowledge of Finnish society and its core principles. It would become a requirement after legislative changes enter into force at the start of 2027.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the reform aims to link citizenship more closely to integration and participation in society. “Finnish citizenship does not come automatically. These reforms encourage integration, employment and respect for the rules of Finnish society,” she said in a statement.
The proposed test would form a new requirement focused on civic knowledge. Applicants would need to demonstrate an understanding of how society functions, including laws, rights and responsibilities.
Under the plan, candidates could meet this requirement either by passing the test or by completing a Finnish or Swedish-language matriculation examination or a university degree.
Authorities said the test would be based on publicly available study materials. These materials would draw on existing civic orientation content and aim to ensure transparency and equal access for applicants preparing for the exam.
The questions would cover key legislation, fundamental and human rights, equality, gender equality, and aspects of Finnish history and culture. The exam would take place on a computer and be available in Finnish or Swedish.
Responsibility for organising the test would fall to the Finnish Immigration Service. The agency would commission an external body, such as a university, to develop the questions and structure of the exam.
Earlier changes to the Citizenship Act have already tightened requirements related to the length of residence, financial resources and personal conduct.
The government said these combined measures aim to raise the threshold for citizenship and ensure applicants meet defined standards before gaining nationality.
The legislation will now proceed through the parliamentary process. If approved, the new system would take effect in 2027, with the citizenship test introduced as part of the updated framework.
HT