Parliament approves bill to introduce Finnish citizenship test

The parliament on Wednesday approved the government proposal to introduce a citizenship test to assess applicants’ knowledge of how Finnish society works and its key principles.

The proposal was approved by 153 votes to 21, with 25 lawmakers remaining absent.

Two opposition parties Vihreä Liitto (Green League) and Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) opposed the move for further tightening the citizenship criteria but a significant number of lawmakers from other opposition parties supported the government proposal.

Vihreä Liitto and Vasemmistoliitto leaders said that the alliance government already took various measures to stiffen the criteria for Finnish citizenship and further tightening will put negative impacts on integration.

The new law will enter into force at the beginning of 2027.

The law added a new requirement for civic knowledge. To demonstrate their knowledge, applicants could pass the citizenship test, or they could complete a Finnish-language or Swedish-language matriculation examination or university degree.

The questions in the citizenship test would be based on predefined, publicly available learning materials developed on the basis of existing civic orientation materials.

The test questions would cover topics such as key legislation on Finnish society, 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 new official duties related to the citizenship test would be taken on by the Finnish Immigration Service.

It would commission another organisation, such as a university, to prepare the test.

On April 16, 2026, the four-party alliance government led by conservative Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) submitted the proposal to Parliament to introduce a citizenship test.

Earlier on December 17, 2025, the new law, which tightened the requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship entered into force.

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.