After months of political wrangling, Finland’s Eduskunta voted 153–21 on 11 June 2026 to require most naturalisation applicants to pass a computer-based citizenship test. The new exam—covering Finnish history, fundamental rights, gender equality and key legislation—adds a civic-knowledge requirement on top of the country’s already tightened language and residency rules. Applicants will be able to demonstrate competence either by passing the test or by completing a Finnish- or Swedish-language Matriculation Examination, university degree or comparable qualification taken in Finland. The Immigration Service (Migri) will contract a university to design and administer the test and will integrate results into its digital case-management system. Supporters in the four-party governing coalition argue the measure fosters integration and social cohesion, noting that similar tests already exist in Germany and the Netherlands. Critics from the Green League and Left Alliance say it creates an additional hurdle for otherwise well-settled migrants and could delay the acquisition of full political rights, including the right to vote in national elections. For employers running localisation or permanent-transfer programmes, the reform means staff aiming for Finnish citizenship will have to prepare for a formal exam from 2027 onward and may need extra language or civics training. Mobility teams should adjust talent-retention timelines accordingly, as the change could extend the period before expatriates gain EU-wide mobility rights that accompany Finnish citizenship. Although the law takes effect on 1 January 2027, corporate HR departments are advised to inform employees now: anyone who can submit a complete citizenship application before year-end can still be processed under the old rules, potentially avoiding the new test entirely.
Source: Daily Finland
