diff --git a/python/testing/__init__.py b/python/testing/__init__.py
index fe17d109eae..b9b42eb07ba 100644
--- a/python/testing/__init__.py
+++ b/python/testing/__init__.py
@@ -261,6 +261,12 @@ def start_app():
         s = QGISAPP.showSettings()
         print(s)
 
+        import atexit
+
+        @atexit.register
+        def exitQgis():
+            QGISAPP.exitQgis()
+
     return QGISAPP