Kansalaisuuskoe: what is Finland's citizenship test?

Kansalaisuuskoe is Finnish for “citizenship test”. It is a new way for citizenship applicants to show sufficient knowledge of how Finnish society works and its basic principles^[1].

When does it start?

The Citizenship Act changes from 1 January 2027, and the knowledge requirement is applied to applications submitted on or after 1 March 2027^[1]. Migri will start holding tests in spring 2027^[1].

Who organises it?

Migri (Maahanmuuttovirasto, the Finnish Immigration Service) administers the test and runs the test sessions. The University of Helsinki writes the learning material and the test content^[1].

Is there official study material?

Yes, Migri says self-study material will be published on its website, together with first test dates and registration instructions, by the turn of the year^[1]. It had not been published when this page was written.

Is this common in other countries?

According to Migri, about half of EU countries require applicants to show civic knowledge with a citizenship test or in some other way, and Sweden, Denmark and Norway use a citizenship test^[1].

Not yet published: the number of questions, the time limit, the pass mark, test fees and the exact test dates. Migri says it will publish the first test-day schedules, the learning material and registration instructions by the turn of the year (2026/2027)^[1]. We do not guess these details.