Last updated: 9 November 2026.
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From 1 March 2027, most adults applying for Finnish citizenship need to pass the citizenship test first. "Most" is doing some work in that sentence. Several groups don't need it.
1. People aged 65 or over
The requirement applies to applicants aged 18 to 64. If you're 65 or older, you don't need it. (Migri, Migri FAQ)
2. Children under 18
The test is for adult applicants. (Migri) Children who get citizenship as part of a parent's application, or through their own application, don't take it.
3. People applying by citizenship declaration
The test only applies to people who apply with a citizenship application (kansalaisuushakemus). A citizenship declaration (kansalaisuusilmoitus) is a separate, simpler route, and it isn't affected by the reform. (Migri FAQ) Declarations are available to, for example:
- Nordic citizens (Migri)
- young adults aged 18 to 22 who grew up in Finland (Migri)
- some children of Finnish citizens and adopted children (Migri)
Check Migri's declaration pages to see if you qualify. If you do, it's usually the easier option.
4. People with a matriculation examination in Finnish or Swedish
If you've completed the Finnish matriculation examination (ylioppilastutkinto) in Finnish or Swedish, you already meet the civic knowledge requirement. (Migri)
5. People with a Finnish- or Swedish-language higher education degree from Finland
If you've completed a degree in Finland in Finnish or Swedish, you don't need the test. This covers: (Migri)
- a bachelor's or master's degree from a university
- a bachelor's or master's degree from a university of applied sciences
- a licentiate or doctorate (Migri)
The language of the degree is what counts. An English-language degree from a Finnish university doesn't exempt you, even though you studied in Finland.
This is also why I keep saying the education route deserves more attention. A Finnish-language degree can cover both the language requirement and the civic knowledge requirement, with no YKI and no citizenship test. Deborah went from zero to Finnish-language law school in three years. Matthias wrote his bachelor's thesis in Finnish. For people like them, both tests are irrelevant.
6. People with a serious health reason or disability
Migri can waive the requirement "due to state of health, disability or other very serious reason". The reason has to prevent you from taking the test in the long term, for example a significant, long-lasting medical condition. (Migri) You'll need documentation.
If the problem is something special arrangements can fix, you'll probably be expected to take the test with arrangements instead. These can include: (Migri)
- extra time
- an oral test
- your own assistive device
People who can't read or write can take the test orally. (Migri)
7. Anyone who applied before 1 March 2027
Applications submitted before 1 March 2027 are handled without the test. That includes the transition period from 1 January to 28 February 2027. (Migri) The details are in applying before 1 March 2027.
Who is not exempt
- Having a YKI certificate doesn't exempt you. YKI only covers the language requirement. You still need the test. (Migri FAQ)
- An English-language degree from Finland doesn't exempt you.
- Having lived in Finland for a long time doesn't exempt you. Ten years or thirty, if you're 18 to 64 and apply with an application, you need it.
- Being married to a Finn doesn't exempt you. It shortens the residence requirement, not the test.
If none of the exemptions apply to you, start with how to study for the Finnish citizenship test.
This is general information based on Migri's published guidance, not legal advice.
Sources: Migri: Amendments to the Citizenship Act 2027, Migri FAQ on Finnish citizenship, Migri customer bulletin.