Finland proposes civic knowledge test for citizenship as immigration rules tighten

The government of Finland has proposed a citizenship test to assess applicants’ understanding of Finnish society, as part of broader efforts to tighten immigration policies. The proposal, announced on Thursday, will require applicants to demonstrate knowledge of social systems and key principles to qualify for citizenship, according to a statement from the interior ministry. If approved by parliament, the test is expected to be introduced next year.

Test to assess knowledge of society and laws

The proposed test will be conducted in Finnish or Swedish, the country’s two official languages. It aims at “assessing applicants' knowledge of how Finnish society works and its key principles,” the interior ministry said. Applicants may also meet the requirement by completing a matriculation examination or a university degree in either language.

The test will include topics such as legislation, fundamental and human rights, equality, gender equality, history, and culture.

Government says citizenship “does not come automatically”

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said citizenship must be earned through integration. “Citizenship does not come automatically,” she said.

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“These reforms encourage integration, employment and respect for the rules of Finnish society,” she added.

Part of broader immigration tightening

The proposal forms part of a wider reform of the Citizenship Act under the current government, which has been in power since 2023. Authorities have already tightened rules related to residence periods, criminal records, and financial requirements for applicants.

The government has also proposed measures to speed up deportation processes and allow advance entry bans for individuals considered a threat to public order or national security.

Wider trend across Europe

The move comes as several European countries review immigration policies. Neighbouring Sweden proposed a similar citizenship test earlier this year as part of its own changes to citizenship rules.

(With inputs from AFP)