Experts in immigration and integration are sounding alarms over Finland’s forthcoming citizenship test, a key element of the government’s latest strategy to tighten the immigration process.
This test, which will serve as the final component of a three-part approach to securing a Finnish passport, follows earlier changes aimed at residency duration and financial independence.
In December, the Interior Ministry circulated the proposal for public comment, with the feedback window closing on February 6. While some contributors offered cautious support, many voiced serious reservations.
The government aims to present the bill to Parliament in April, intending to implement the new regulations by the beginning of next year. However, the specifics of the proposed test have left many wondering what’s in store.
What Should Applicants Expect?
Although details of the citizenship exam remain murky, the Interior Ministry has disclosed that it will encompass multiple-choice and true-false questions.
Additionally, applicants will take the computerized test in Finnish or Swedish, underscoring their language proficiency and knowledge about Finland.
Yet, Nancy Riikola Burton, spokesperson for the Finland Remigrants Association, expressed frustration over the vague nature of the ministry’s promise that test questions will rely on “predefined and publicly available learning material.”
“Finland requires citizenship applicants to succeed in a high-stakes exam, yet there is no commitment to an official, standardized citizenship handbook,” she lamented.
Riikola Burton further highlighted that an analysis of other EU nations revealed Finland’s approach is lagging. Countries like France, the Netherlands, and Denmark provide extensive study materials that cover history, society, governance, and civic duties.
“This stark contrast makes it evident that Finland’s strategy lacks the foundational support found elsewhere,” she argued.
“By forcing applicants to rely on what the government deems ‘widely available materials,’ it transforms the test into a gamble rather than a genuine assessment of knowledge and integration,” she added.
Moreover, constant revisions to Finland’s Citizenship Act have left many immigrants feeling bewildered and disillusioned. “Such drastic changes, coupled with a rise in anti-immigration rhetoric, make us question our place in this society,” she said.
Understanding the Costs of Citizenship
The ‘unwelcoming atmosphere’ surrounding the citizenship test, coupled with additional government measures, was underscored by Panu Puhakka, advocacy coordinator at Familia Ry. He believes Finnish authorities need to reassess their approach to immigration.
“With the introduction of the citizenship test, we’re placing immigrants in an absurd situation,” he stated, stressing that its implementation occurs simultaneously with cuts to resources essential for successful integration.
Additionally, Puhakka pointed out that the test represents yet another financial burden, layered on top of already steep application fees, costs for language certifications, and translation services.
While the cost of the test itself has yet to be disclosed, the government’s proposal anticipates an annual financial impact of 2.3 million euros, likely to be borne by the applicants. Based on estimates that 5,000 to 10,000 people will sit for the exam yearly, this could translate to individual costs ranging from 235 to 470 euros.
Such expenses may be beyond the reach of many prospective citizens, especially those with limited incomes. “By the time individuals reach this stage in the process, they’ve already invested hundreds, if not thousands, of euros to secure their right to be here,” he noted. “The financial burden is significant for immigrants who have already contributed substantially to the system.”
Will Inequities Emerge?
Bahar Mozaffari, a sustainable integration specialist and Finland’s Refugee of the Year in 2017, warned that the citizenship test signifies a divisive message regarding who belongs in society and under what conditions.
She cautioned that such a test could inadvertently discriminate, measuring educational attainment and test-taking skills over genuine civic understanding.
“There’s a genuine risk it could disadvantage groups already struggling to integrate, such as those with minimal formal education, language barriers, or older applicants,” she stated.
Mozaffari stressed the need for the test to focus on fundamental rights and civic responsibilities, rather than personal beliefs or trivial historical knowledge with limited real-world application.
The Legislative Path Ahead
In an email to Yle News, Hanna Pihkanen, a senior specialist with the Interior Ministry, emphasized that the bill is still in the drafting stage, with many details—including the test fee—pending finalization.
“We cannot yet provide an estimated fee. Current drafts reference the citizenship tests and fees in other countries, typically costing around 100 euros,” she noted.
Pihkanen assured that the proposal would be “revisable and improved” based on the feedback gathered, although specific adjustments remain unclear. Coordination with various ministries and agencies, including the Finnish Immigration Service, will guide the amendments.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) has indicated that the Finnish Immigration Service will likely spearhead the development of the test in partnership with an academic institution, overseeing its administration as well.
A spokesperson for the Immigration Service confirmed that they are prepared to delve into detailed planning once the legislation passes through Parliament.
“We will provide thorough information, including study materials and guidelines, well in advance of the first examination opportunity,” assured Marja Alkio, the service’s owner.
The bill is slated to be introduced to Parliament in early April.