Finland is indeed introducing Kansalaisuuskoe, a citizenship examination for applicants seeking Finnish citizenship. As of June 2026, the relevant legislation has already been approved, and the new requirement is expected to take effect in January 2027.
Although the exact format of the test—including the number of questions, passing score, and time limit—has not yet been officially published, the main subject areas and overall testing principles are already known.
Why Is Finland Introducing a Citizenship Test?
The purpose of the new examination is to ensure that citizenship applicants understand the fundamentals of Finnish society, are aware of their rights and responsibilities, know how public institutions operate, and are familiar with the country’s core values.
Similar citizenship tests have long been used in several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Topics Covered by the Exam
According to the information released so far, the test is expected to cover the following areas:
- Finnish history
- Government and democracy
- Human rights and fundamental civil rights
- Public institutions and government services
- Culture, traditions, and social values
- Equality and gender equality
- Everyday life in Finland
- The European Union and international cooperation
What Language Will the Exam Be In?
The exam is expected to be available in Finland’s two official languages:
- Finnish
- Swedish
This means applicants will need sufficient proficiency in one of these languages to understand the questions and select the correct answers.
What Might the Exam Look Like?
Finnish authorities have not yet published an official question bank. However, the most likely format is a computer-based multiple-choice test.
The exam is not expected to require advanced academic knowledge. Instead, it will likely focus on practical understanding of life in Finland and basic knowledge about the country.
Sample Questions
Finnish History
In what year did Finland gain independence?
A) 1809
B) 1917 ✅
C) 1939
D) 1945
Who signed Finland’s Declaration of Independence in 1917 as Chairman of the Senate?
A) Carl Gustaf Mannerheim
B) Pehr Evind Svinhufvud ✅
C) Urho Kekkonen
D) Sauli Niinistö
Which date is Finland’s Independence Day?
A) January 1
B) December 6 ✅
C) June 24
D) December 31
Government and Democracy
What is the name of Finland’s parliament?
A) Riksdag
B) Eduskunta ✅
C) Senaatti
D) Kunta
How many members does the Finnish Parliament have?
A) 100
B) 150
C) 200 ✅
D) 300
Who passes laws in Finland?
A) The President
B) Parliament (Eduskunta) ✅
C) The Courts
D) The Police
Human Rights and Equality
Do men and women have equal rights in Finland?
A) Yes ✅
B) No
Is discrimination based on nationality or religion permitted?
A) Yes
B) No ✅
Can a child attend school regardless of their family background?
A) Yes ✅
B) No
Public Institutions
Which institution pays most social benefits in Finland?
A) Migri
B) Kela ✅
C) Verohallinto
D) Poliisi
Which authority is responsible for taxation?
A) Kela
B) Poliisi
C) Verohallinto ✅
D) Eduskunta
Which agency handles immigration and residence permit matters?
A) Migri ✅
B) Kela
C) Rajavartiolaitos
D) Kunta
Culture and Traditions
Which languages are official languages of Finland?
A) Finnish and English
B) Finnish and Swedish ✅
C) Swedish and Sámi
D) Finnish, Swedish, and English
What do many Finns traditionally enjoy on Independence Day?
A) Easter celebrations
B) Christmas meals
C) Cake and coffee while watching the Presidential Reception ✅
D) Fish only
What is considered an important part of Finnish culture?
A) Siesta
B) Sauna ✅
C) Bullfighting
D) Carnival
Everyday Life
What does Everyman’s Right (jokaisenoikeus) mean?
A) The right to use public transportation free of charge
B) The right to pick berries and mushrooms in forests while following established rules ✅
C) The right to vote in elections
D) The right to free housing
Who is usually responsible for household waste collection?
A) Municipal services or municipal contractors ✅
B) The Police
C) Parliament
D) The Courts
What should you do when moving to a new address in Finland?
A) Notify the relevant government registers of your new address ✅
B) Obtain permission from the police
C) Apply to a court
D) Do nothing
Education
Is basic education compulsory in Finland?
A) Yes ✅
B) No
How long does compulsory education typically last?
A) 3 years
B) 6 years
C) 9 years ✅
D) 12 years
Is school lunch free for students in public schools?
A) Yes ✅
B) No
European Union
Since what year has Finland been a member of the European Union?
A) 1991
B) 1995 ✅
C) 2000
D) 2004
Which currency is used in Finland?
A) Krona
B) Markka
C) Euro ✅
D) Franc
How Difficult Will the Exam Be?
Based on the information published so far, the Kansalaisuuskoe is not intended to test advanced academic knowledge. Its primary goal is to confirm that future citizens understand:
- How Finnish society functions
- The rights and responsibilities of residents
- How public institutions operate
- Key events in Finnish history
- Fundamental social values and norms
For most people who already live, work, study, or regularly interact with public services in Finland, preparing for the exam should not be particularly challenging.
Who May Be Exempt from the Exam?
According to the reform plans published to date, the following groups are expected to be exempt:
- Graduates of Finnish universities
- Individuals who have completed Finnish upper secondary education and passed the Finnish-language matriculation examination (ylioppilastutkinto)
The final list of exemptions will be confirmed once all implementing regulations and official guidelines have been published.
Conclusion
The Kansalaisuuskoe citizenship test is set to become a mandatory step in obtaining Finnish citizenship from 2027 onward. While the final format has not yet been officially confirmed, it is already clear that the focus will be less on memorizing difficult facts and more on understanding Finnish society, its laws, values, institutions, and everyday life.
Anyone planning to apply for Finnish citizenship in the coming years would be well advised to start familiarizing themselves with Finnish history, government institutions, and the fundamentals of Finland’s social system.
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