A draft report containing the proposed content and roll out of a Finnish citizenship test was published by the Interior Ministry on Wednesday.

The ministry had appointed a cross-administrative working group to examine how a citizenship test could be introduced in Finland, and also to assess the relationship between the citizenship test and the language skills requirement needed to get a Finnish passport.

This group's report was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon.

"The purpose of the citizenship test would be to measure knowledge of Finnish society and law, basic knowledge of history, culture, politics and geography, and a person's ability to live in [Finnish] society in accordance with the values ​​prevailing here and the requirements of public safety," the report stated.

As examples of question themes, the working group suggested topics such as fundamental and human rights, civic orientation, history and geography, everyday skills, customs and values, public safety and security, and digital skills.

In addition, the test would be made up of multiple-choice as well as true or false questions, the group proposed, adding that taking the test should be mandatory for anyone aged 18-64 who applies for Finnish citizenship.

The format would be digital, but the working group noted that this could make it difficult or even impossible for some applicants to complete it. In such cases, the report said, exceptions could be made.

Furthermore, taking the test would require the applicant to pay a fee.

The working group also added that it hoped the test would encourage more immigrants to more closely follow Finnish news and current affairs.

MPs to vote on bill this year

In addition to the written test, the group proposed that each applicant would sit a personal interview, to discuss topics such as values and national security. An applicant's Finnish or Swedish language skills should also be measured either as part of the citizenship test or separately, the report noted.

In practice, the citizenship tests would be held several times a year in different parts of Finland, for example in educational institutions. Arranging the tests could be outsourced to educational providers, the report said, including private companies.

The working group also highlighted the importance of informing applicants about Finnish national defence as well as the conscription system.

"Even if the applicant themselves is not subject to conscription, their children or other relatives may be affected," the report noted.

A bill on the proposed introduction of a citizenship test is expected to be submitted to Parliament later this year.

PM Petteri Orpo's government said when it took office that it planned to tighten the conditions for obtaining Finnish citizenship, and the introduction of a citizenship test is one of those means. Other measures include stricter requirements regarding income and length of residence in Finland.

The All Points North podcast looked into how you can become a Finnish citizen last year. Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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