The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has confirmed a sharp rise in permanent residency (PR) application fees from January 2026 and the introduction of a mandatory citizenship test from January 2027.
Digital application for a permanent permit will rise from €240 to €380, while those opting for paper-based submissions will see fees jump from €350 to €600.
The reforms, set to roll out between 2026 and 2027, represent a concerted effort by the government to align administrative costs with user charges and raise the bar for social integration.
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The Ministry of the Interior stated that the adjustments are necessary to bring fees in line with the actual cost of processing applications.
These price hikes are being driven by a general increase in processing costs and a decline in application volumes attributed to the country’s current economic climate.
The government continues to incentivise digital channels, as electronic applications require significantly fewer administrative resources to manage.
First-time residence permits for adults are also subject to the new pricing structure. A digital submission will soon cost €750, up from the 2025 rate of €530, while the paper version will be priced at €800. While applications for international protection remain free of charge, the
The Ministry has also confirmed that even subsidised applications, such as those for minors or non-work-related first-time permits, will see increases as the state moves toward a model of full cost recovery. Also, a new €53 fee will be introduced for processing extension applications based on international protection status.
The introduction of civic knowledge requirements.
The citizenship test would require applicants to demonstrate a firm grasp of Finnish society and civic principles before being granted a passport.
Mari Rantanen, Interior Minister, defended the move, stating, “Citizenship already requires a sufficient period of residence, financial self-sufficiency and a clean record. The new test reinforces the principle that citizenship should only be granted to those who have successfully integrated and understand the values of Finnish society.”
The proposed test will be a digital exam, available in both Finnish and Swedish, consisting of multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. It will assess knowledge of Finland’s laws, cultural heritage, and the functioning of public institutions.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) will oversee the implementation of the exam, which is expected to be developed in partnership with a university.
While the test is scheduled to come into force at the start of 2027, certain applicants, specifically those with higher education degrees or matriculation exams completed in Finnish or Swedish, will be exempt from the requirement.
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A broad strategy for integration
This two-pronged approach of increased fees and mandatory testing marks the final stage of a three-part tightening of eligibility criteria.
These reforms follow previous legislative changes that extended the minimum residence period for citizenship and introduced stricter income and character checks.
The government is moving rapidly to ensure that the granting of Finnish nationality is backed by both financial contribution and proven civic literacy.
While Finland remains a growing destination for those seeking high-quality and affordable education and a stable environment for Nigerians, the “Japa” journey now requires greater financial planning and a deeper commitment to long-term integration.
As the country is known to offer a star-studt work and residency path through its generous two-year “jobseeker’s permit” for graduates, the rules for staying permanently have become now stricter. Under the 2026 reforms, qualifying for a permanent residence permit (PR) generally requires six years of residence and at least two years of work history in Finland.
However, the strategic advantage for Nigerians pursuing a Master’s degree is that graduates with a Finnish master’s can fast-track their PR application, potentially qualifying in just four years if they have a job.
Conversely, those without a higher degree must meet a high annual income threshold of at least €40,000 or demonstrate exceptional language skills to stay on an accelerated timeline.
