Finland’s government has proposed introducing a citizenship test focused on knowledge of Finnish society—as part of a wider tightening of immigration rules.
Under the plan, applicants for Finnish citizenship would be required to complete a test assessing their understanding of how society functions and its key principles. The exam would be taken in either Finnish or Swedish, the country’s two official languages.
According to the interior ministry, the proposed test would evaluate knowledge of topics including legislation, fundamental and human rights, equality, gender equality, as well as Finnish history and culture.
Alternatively, applicants could meet the requirement by completing a Finnish or Swedish-language matriculation examination or holding a university degree, which would be considered proof of “civic knowledge.”
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said citizenship “does not come automatically,” adding that the reforms are intended to encourage integration, employment, and respect for Finnish rules and values.
The proposal forms part of a broader overhaul of the Citizenship Act, which already includes stricter conditions on residence requirements, criminal record checks, and financial stability for applicants.
If approved by parliament, the citizenship test is expected to be introduced next year.
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