Finland citizenship requirement reforms

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has announced a new citizenship knowledge test for foreign applicants, scheduled to begin on March 1, 2027. The multiple-choice exam will assess knowledge of Finnish society, including history, culture, human rights, equality, and legislation. The test will be available in both Finnish and Swedish and will be administered in several cities, including Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Vaasa, Kuopio, and Rovaniemi.

As the implementation details have been clarified, it is noted that the University of Helsinki has been commissioned to develop the examination questions and learning materials. These materials will be provided free of charge on the Migri website by early 2027. The requirement applies to applicants aged 18 to 64.

Exemptions are available for those who have completed a qualifying Finnish or Swedish-language matriculation examination or a higher education degree in Finland. This new requirement is part of a broader reform to Finland’s nationality legislation, which includes tightened standards for residency duration, financial resources, and applicant conduct.