News of the week in plain Finnish | Saturday 28.2.2026

Finnish citizenship test

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Finnish citizenship test

This time the topic of the program is the Finnish citizenship test.

The government is preparing a test for foreigners applying for Finnish citizenship.

The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of Finnish society, for example, human rights and responsibilities.

Some experts are concerned about the effects of the citizenship test.

We will now explain what the citizenship test means and what concerns it raises.

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An applicant for citizenship must be familiar with the rules and values in Finland. Photo: Paulus Markkula / Yle, Grigory Vorobyev / Yle

Exam questions

The citizenship test is taken on a computer in Finnish or Swedish.

The exam asks about things like Finnish values, laws, equality, and history.

There will be study material for the exam, from which you can learn things before the exam.

You can obtain Finnish citizenship without a citizenship test if you have completed a high school diploma in Finland.

Law change

The purpose of the test is to ensure that the applicant for citizenship knows the rules and values of Finnish society.

The goal is for the test to be introduced in 2027.

The citizenship test is one part of a major legal change that tightens the conditions for citizenship.

Other new conditions include a longer period of residence in Finland, sufficient means of subsistence, and that the applicant has not committed any crimes.

Expert opinions

The Ministry of the Interior asked experts for opinions on the citizenship test. The opinions were given to the ministry in February.

Many experts are concerned about what the exam study materials will be like. The study materials have not yet been released.

Another concern is that the exam may be difficult for those with a weak educational background, learning disabilities, or little knowledge of digital devices.

The third concern is the cost of the test. The NGO Familia calculates that the test can cost up to hundreds of euros.

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The citizenship test could be introduced in 2027 if Parliament approves the law. Photo: Henrietta Hassinen / Yle

Difficulty of the exam

Some experts fear that the legal reform and the citizenship test may make it too difficult to apply for Finnish citizenship.

Experts also fear that the test may measure the wrong things or may seem discriminatory.

Many experts and organizations hope that the instructions and study material for the citizenship test are clear and easy to understand.

Repetition

The news of the week in plain Finnish reported on Finland’s plans to introduce a citizenship test.

The purpose of the test is to ensure that the immigrant is familiar with Finnish society if he or she wants Finnish citizenship.

Parliament will consider the law in April. If Parliament approves the citizenship test, it will be introduced at the beginning of next year.

Many experts hope that the exam will be made fair and clear for all applicants.

This was the News of the Week in plain Finnish. See you again, bye.