Finland to Implement Mandatory Citizenship Test for Applicants

Report by Syed Farzand Ali

The Finnish government has proposed a mandatory citizenship test for individuals applying for naturalization, aiming to ensure that new citizens have a solid understanding of Finland’s society, values, and laws. The Interior Ministry has released a draft report outlining the structure and implementation of the test, which would apply to applicants between the ages of 18 and 64.

What the Citizenship Test Will Include

The proposed test would be digitally administered and consist of multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. It would assess applicants’ knowledge in the following areas:

✔️ Fundamental Rights & Civic Responsibilities – Understanding democratic principles, individual freedoms, and duties as a Finnish citizen.
✔️ Political & Legal System – Knowledge of government institutions, voting rights, and judicial processes.
✔️ History & Geography – Key historical events and Finland’s geographical landscape.
✔️ Social Norms & Cultural Values – Finnish customs, traditions, and everyday life.
✔️ Public Safety & National Defense – An overview of Finland’s security policies, including its mandatory conscription system.
✔️ Digital Literacy – Basic competence in using online public services and electronic communication.

Language & Interview Requirements

Applicants may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, either as part of the test or through a separate assessment. Additionally, a personal interview may be conducted to evaluate an individual’s understanding of Finnish values and national security matters.

Implementation & Exemptions

The government anticipates that 5,000 to 10,000 applicants will take the test each year. It could be administered at:
📍 Educational institutions
📍 Private test providers
📍 Finnish Immigration Service centers

While the test is expected to be a mandatory part of the naturalization process, the proposal outlines certain exemptions, including:

🟢 Medical Conditions – Individuals unable to complete the test due to health reasons.
🟢 Educational Qualifications – Those who have completed equivalent courses on Finnish society and laws may be exempt.

Integration into Citizenship Requirements

The Interior Ministry has suggested three possible ways to integrate the test into the naturalization process:

1️⃣ Civic Knowledge as a New Requirement – Keeping the current language test but adding a separate civic knowledge exam.
2️⃣ Replacing the Language Test – Allowing the new civic knowledge test to replace the current language requirement, though it would still be conducted in Finnish or Swedish.
3️⃣ A Two-Part Citizenship Exam – Combining language proficiency and civic knowledge into a single, comprehensive test.

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s policy of tightening citizenship requirements. In addition to the new test, the government plans to introduce stricter income and residency conditions for applicants.

A formal legislative bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament later this year, with further details on the final implementation process.

Conclusion

If passed, Finland’s mandatory citizenship test will become a key factor in the naturalization process, ensuring that applicants have a thorough understanding of Finnish laws, culture, and values. The government views this as a crucial step in promoting integration and national cohesion while maintaining the integrity of Finnish citizenship.