Govt moves to introduce test for Finnish citizenship

The four-party alliance government led by the Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) has taken the initiative to further tighten the requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship through introducing a citizenship test.

The government prepared a draft proposal to bring amendments to the to the Citizenship Act and certain other acts and sent out for comments on Monday, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

The deadline for submitting comments is February 6, 2026, and the proposed legislative amendments are intended to enter into force at the beginning of 2027.

The citizenship test will measure knowledge of how Finnish society works, its key principles, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals.

Applicants could also demonstrate sufficient civic knowledge by passing the Finnish matriculation examination in Finnish or Swedish. Those who have completed a higher education degree in Finnish or Swedish would not be required to take the test.

“We have already tightened the conditions for Finnish citizenship, including the required length of residence, income and integrity. By introducing a citizenship test, we will further strengthen the principle that acquiring citizenship calls for successful integration into Finnish society and an understanding of its values,” said Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen in the press release.

The test questions will be based on predefined and publicly available learning material on civic orientation.

The test would include questions on the values of Finnish society, key legislation, fundamental and human rights, equality, gender equality, and Finland’s history and culture.

Applicants would take the computer-based test in Finnish or Swedish.

The Finnish Immigration Service will take on new official duties related to the citizenship test. It will commission a university to prepare the test.

Earlier on December 17, 2026, the government introduced new law, which tightened the requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship.

On October 15, 2025, the Parliament approved the government proposal to amend the Nationality Act further tightening the criteria for Finnish citizenship.

Earlier, in July 2024, the parliament passed the government proposal to bring legislative amendments extending the period of residence required for Finnish citizenship to eight years from the existing five years.

On June 16, 2023, leaders of the ruling parties announced the programme, which included tougher immigration, residence and citizenship laws.

The government tightened the immigration policy despite strong protest by different groups.

Separate demonstrations were held in Helsinki on June 27, 2023 and June 18,2023 protesting against the immigration policy taken by the government.

Several hundreds of people went on demonstrations in Helsinki in August, 2023 protesting against the move.