Reform of the Citizenship Act

According to the Government Programme, the Citizenship Act will be reformed by tightening the requirements for naturalisation. The aim is to encourage integration, work and compliance with the rules of Finnish society. 

The Ministry of the Interior will implement the reform of the Citizenship Act in stages in three different projects.

The projects involve changes to the legal provisions specifying requirements for the period of residence, integrity and sufficient financial resources, and the loss of citizenship. A citizenship test will also be introduced. 

Project 1: Extending the required period of residence

The first project examined, in particular, the required period of residence as a condition for naturalisation. The amendments to the Citizenship Act were approved on 5 July 2024, and they entered into force on 1 October 2024.

The key contents of the project: 

  • The required period of residence in Finland was extended to eight years.
  • Only periods of residence with a residence permit will be taken into account when calculating the approved period of residence.
  • Fewer days spent abroad will be accepted as part of the calculation.
  • The derogation for people with international protection has been removed.
  • The removal of derogations applicable to stateless persons was examined. The period of residence for stateless persons was extended by one year. 

Project 2: Tightening the requirement for sufficient financial resources and other conditions

The second project examined other individual conditions for naturalisation and the loss of citizenship. The relevant government proposal was submitted to Parliament on 27 March 2025. The President of the Republic approved the amendments to the Citizenship Act on 24 October 2025, and they will enter into force on 17 December 2025.

The key contents of the project: 

  • The requirement for sufficient financial resources was tightened. 
  • Citizenship will not be granted if the person concerned does not actively assist in establishing their identity.
  • The integrity requirement was made more stringent. 
  • The conditions for losing citizenship were tightened.

Project 3: Introducing a citizenship test

The third project will introduce a citizenship test. Previously, Finland has not required applicants to pass a citizenship test.  A cross-administrative working group first examined what kind of a citizenship test could be introduced in Finland and options for the body to administer the test. Based on the working group's report, the Ministry has drafted the required amendments to the Citizenship Act. 

Report on the introduction of a citizenship test | fi

The government proposal on the citizenship test will be circulated for comments in autumn 2025.

In addition, the project will review the dual citizenship system in accordance with the Government Programme. The Ministry will provide more information once the study is complete. 

Inquiries:
Roope Jokinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 362
Hanna Pihkanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 217