Finland tightens rules for foreign students
Finland’s government has proposed tighter residence permit rules for international students, including a one-year waiting period before their family members can apply to join them.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government submitted the proposed changes to parliament on Thursday, according to public broadcaster Yle, saying the measures aim in part to address financial difficulties faced by some foreign students.
Under the proposal, family members would be able to apply for residence permits only after the student has lived in Finland for at least one year. Currently, family members can submit their applications at the same time as the student.
New language and financial requirements
The government also wants to introduce specific financial requirements for international students, with the minimum amount reviewed every three years to account for inflation and changes in living costs.
Students could also face a new language proficiency requirement. Authorities would be able to reject residence permit applications from applicants who do not have sufficient knowledge of the language in which their studies are conducted.
Government reports have found that some students arrive without adequate language skills, while others may use student permits primarily as a route into Finland or the wider European Union labor market, Yle reported.
“Students coming to Finland must have a genuine ability to pursue their studies, to get by with their own financial resources and to build their future here,” Employment Minister Matias Marttinen said.
Changes begin in 2027
The proposed family reunification waiting period is scheduled to take effect on April 5, 2027.
The other proposed changes, including the new language and financial requirements, are expected to come into force in October 2027.
The government says the measures are intended to ensure that international students arriving in Finland are financially prepared, capable of completing their studies and genuinely committed to building their future in the country.
Source:AA
