Finnish citizenship requirements: language, residence and the new test

This is a short overview. Always check the current rules with Migri.

Main conditions

According to InfoFinland, you can apply for Finnish citizenship once you have turned 18, have lived permanently in Finland the required number of years, have a satisfactory oral and written command of Finnish or Swedish (or Finnish or Swedish Sign Language), and your identity has been proven reliably. There are other conditions too, for example you have to report your source of income^[1]. Crimes or, for example, unpaid taxes can be an obstacle^[1].

Language

You need a certificate of sufficient proficiency in Finnish or Swedish^[2]. InfoFinland's page “Official certificate of language proficiency” explains how to get one^[2].

New from 2027: knowledge of Finnish society

For applications submitted on or after 1 March 2027, applicants aged 18–64 must show sufficient knowledge of Finnish society, by passing the citizenship test or with a Finnish- or Swedish-language matriculation examination or higher-education degree completed in Finland^[3]. See what the kansalaisuuskoe is.

Residence time

The exact required number of years is not listed in our saved sources; Migri says residence-time rules have already been changed during this government term^[3]. Check Migri's citizenship pages for the current figure.

Multiple citizenship

Finland allows multiple citizenship, but not all countries do, so check your other country's rules^[1].