Language requirement and citizenship test: two separate requirements

Published 26.10.2026

From 1 March 2027, most applicants need two things. They must prove their Finnish or Swedish skills. They must also show knowledge of Finnish society. One does not replace the other.

Two requirements, not one

The language requirement already exists. The knowledge-of-society requirement is new for applications from 1 March 2027. It applies to applicants aged 18–64.

The citizenship test checks knowledge of society. It does not prove your language skills.

What the YKI test requires

The YKI test (yleinen kielitutkinto) is one common way to prove language skills. You take the intermediate-level test in Finnish or Swedish.

You need at least level 3 in two subtests. Only these pairs are accepted:

speaking and writing,
listening comprehension and writing,
reading comprehension and speaking.

All subtests of one YKI test are taken on the same day. You can combine results from several YKI certificates to get an accepted pair.

Other ways to prove language skills

YKI is not the only option. Migri lists the other accepted ways on its website. Check that list before you book a test.

How the two help each other

The citizenship test is in Finnish or Swedish. Learning the words of law, rights and history helps you in both requirements.

Not published yet

The registration process and fee for the citizenship test.
The number of questions and the pass mark.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Migri decides which documents are accepted. Always check the official information from Migri and the Finnish National Agency for Education.

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