Finland’s citizenship test will include multiple-choice and true-or-false questions, according to a draft bill under preparation by the Ministry of the Interior (Sisäministeriö). The test, set to be offered in digital format in either Finnish or Swedish, is part of a broader reform of the Citizenship Act by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s (NCP) government.
Digital format with existing learning resources
Applicants will be required to pay a fee to take the test. The ministry has confirmed there are no plans to produce new teaching materials, instead relying on existing learning resources. One option under consideration is to use multilingual social orientation training materials that municipalities and employment authorities have been required to provide to some immigrants since early 2025.
These materials cover topics such as working life rules from both employer and employee perspectives, Finland’s legal system, child-rearing practices, and other aspects of daily life.
Topics to include society, law and culture
The planned test will likely cover Finnish society and legislation, history, culture, fundamental and human rights, values, public safety and digital skills. Earlier discussions considered including a personal interview to assess applicants’ attitudes toward values and security, but this appears unlikely for all candidates.
The ministry is working on defining who will design and administer the test, stressing that the required language proficiency should not exceed the level already demanded for citizenship. The draft bill is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, after which it will undergo public consultation before being submitted to Parliament for a vote.
Part of broader reforms to tighten citizenship rules
The citizenship test forms part of the Orpo government’s proposed amendments to the Citizenship Act, aimed at making naturalisation requirements more stringent. Other planned changes include longer required periods of residence, higher income thresholds and stricter probity rules, meaning applicants must maintain a clean record after arriving in Finland.
