Finland to Tighten Rules for International Students’ Residence Permits
The Finnish government has proposed amendments to residence permit regulations for international students, aiming to address income difficulties and prevent vulnerable situations. The draft law, circulated for public comment by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, introduces stricter requirements for family reunification, income verification, and language proficiency.
The proposed changes would delay family reunification for international students, allowing their family members to apply for a residence permit only after the student has lived in Finland for one year. Currently, family members can apply simultaneously with the student. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (TEM) reports that this adjustment aims to ensure students have a clearer understanding of the financial resources needed to support a family in Finland.
Additionally, the income requirement for students would be formalised, with the exact amount defined in law and a government decree. This would replace the current system, where income requirements are set by the Finnish Immigration Service’s guidelines. TEM states that the change is intended to provide greater clarity and help students better assess the cost of living in Finland.
Language Proficiency and Stricter Rejection Criteria
The draft law also introduces a language proficiency requirement for residence permits, ensuring students have sufficient skills in English or another language of instruction. MTV Uutiset reports that this measure aims to prevent students from struggling to complete their studies due to inadequate language abilities. Some students have reportedly used study permits primarily as a means to access Finland’s labour market, a practice the government seeks to curb.
Furthermore, the grounds for rejecting residence permit applications under the Aliens Act would be extended to upper secondary students from outside Europe and all students’ family members. This would allow authorities to better address risks of students falling into vulnerable positions or circumventing immigration rules.
Timeline for Implementation
The proposal is open for public comment until 29 June 2026. The government plans to submit the draft law to Parliament during the spring 2026 session. If approved, amendments concerning family reunification and income requirements would take effect in spring 2027, while other changes would come into force in autumn 2027.
Daily Finland highlights that the government has already taken steps to strengthen monitoring of international students’ use of social assistance. A separate proposal submitted to Parliament on 30 April 2026 would make it easier to cancel a student’s residence permit if they rely on social benefits.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Student Immigration
According to TEM, most international students in Finland progress well in their studies and manage financially. However, some face difficulties due to misleading advertising by foreign educational agents about job opportunities or accumulate significant debts to intermediaries.
Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen emphasised that while Finland’s labour market will need international expertise in the future, student immigration must remain sustainable. The proposed changes aim to prevent students and their families from ending up in precarious situations.
