Finland's citizenship test applies to applications from 1 March 2027

Changes to Finland's Citizenship Act take effect on 1 January 2027. Adults aged 18 to 64 who apply from 1 March 2027 will need to pass a test on Finnish society, rights and history, the Finnish Immigration Service says.

Finland is adding a citizenship test to its naturalisation rules. According to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), the amendments to the Citizenship Act take effect on 1 January 2027, with a transition period until 28 February 2027. The new requirement applies to applications submitted on or after 1 March 2027. Applications submitted before that date are decided under the current rules.

The test is for applicants aged 18 to 64. It covers the key laws that govern life in Finland, fundamental and human rights, Finnish history and culture, and equality, including equality between women and men. According to the Finnish Government, it is taken on a computer in Finnish or Swedish, and the questions are based on learning materials that are published in advance. When the government submitted the proposal in April, it described a multiple-choice test of 20 to 40 questions with a pass mark of about 70 per cent.

Some applicants will not need to sit it. A Finnish- or Swedish-language matriculation examination, or a Finnish- or Swedish-language higher education degree from Finland, counts instead. Exemptions can be granted for reasons of health or disability, or for other very serious reasons. Migri will commission another body, such as a university, to prepare the test, and has said that dates, fees and registration will be announced before it starts.

The last step of a longer reform

The test completes a reform that has already made the road longer. Since 1 October 2024 Finnish citizenship by application has required eight years of residence, and since 8 January 2026 the main route to a permanent residence permit asks for six years of residence, two years of work and Finnish or Swedish at level B1.

What it means if you are moving to Finland

If you already meet the residence, language and other conditions, applying before 1 March 2027 keeps you under the current rules. If you arrive now, plan for the test as part of the route, and treat the learning materials as required reading alongside your language course.

Our guide Permanent residence in Finland in 2026 – P-EU permits and Finnish citizenship explains every path, with fees and Migri's processing times.

Sources: Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), "Finland to introduce citizenship test as changes to Citizenship Act take effect on 1 January 2027", 17 June 2026; Finnish Government, "Citizenship test to be introduced in early 2027", 16 June 2026; Yle News, citizenship test proposal, 17 April 2026; Ministry of the Interior, reform of the Citizenship Act; read 27 September 2026.

Relocate in Europe provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Check with the Finnish Immigration Service before you act.