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Applicants over the age of 65

If you have reached the age of 65, you may request an exception to the language skills requirement based on your age. In some cases, however, you must attach to your application proof of your language skills.

You do not need to attach proof of your language skills to your citizenship application if:

  • you have reached the age of 65 and 
  • you have refugee status, subsidiary protection status or a residence permit on the basis of humanitarian protection in Finland.

Attach to your application a document of your oral language skills if:

  • you are over 65 years old and 
  • you do not have refugee status, subsidiary protection status or a residence permit on the basis of humanitarian protection.

An exception to the language skills requirement may be possible if:

  • you master at least elementary listening comprehension and speaking skills in Finnish or Swedish, or
  • you have regularly and during a long period of time participated in studies in the Finnish or Swedish language.

Attach to your application one of the following documents:

  1. A certificate containing an assessment of the level in which you understand and speak Finnish or Swedish. 
    • The assessment must grade your skills in accordance with the skill levels A1.1–C2.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 
  2. A certificate showing that you have regularly participated in studies in the Finnish or Swedish language.
    • The certificate must show the time period when you participated in the language studies and a record of your attendance. Record of attendance means notes confirming when you were present at class. 
    • Your participation in the studies is regular when you have attended Finnish or Swedish language courses for several years and when you are still continuing your studies or have only recently concluded them.