The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) reports a sharp decline in new residence permit applications this year. dailyfinland
Specifically, first-time work-based permit applications dropped by ~29% compared to the same period last year. dailyfinland
For student permits, applications are also down (about 5% less). dailyfinland
Migri links this partly to economic uncertainty, more unemployment, and global economic risks. dailyfinland
On top of that, a €100 application fee introduced this year may be discouraging non-EU/non-EEA students. dailyfinland
Stronger Rules When You Lose Your Job
From 11 June 2025, a new law means that people holding a work-based residence permit have only 3 months to find a new job if they lose their last one — or their permit may be cancelled. Yle.fi+2KPMG+2
However, specialists, long-tenured permit holders, and certain managerial or seconded workers get a 6-month protection period. dailyfinland+1
Employers must also notify Migri within 14 days if an employee’s contract ends. KPMG
On the positive side: workers with a permit may now switch into jobs in labour-shortage sectors without applying for a completely new permit. dailyfinland+1
Tighter Permanent Residency (PR) Requirements
A proposed reform would increase the minimum residence requirement for permanent residence from 4 years to 6 years starting in January 2026. Helsinki Times
There will still be a “fast-track” (4 years) option — but only if you meet at least one of these: earn ≥ €40,000/year, have a recognised Master’s + 2 years’ work, or have strong Finnish/Swedish + 3 years’ work. Helsinki Times
Importantly: periods of long-term social assistance (e.g., more than 3 months) may disqualify you from counting work experience toward residency. Helsinki Times
Minimum Salary Requirement Raised
As of 1 Jan 2025, the minimum income for a work-based residence permit is now €1,600/month. STT Info+1
This is part of a push to ensure foreign workers’ permits are tied to “sufficient financial means” and reduce risk of social assistance dependency. STT Info
Tighter Citizenship Rules
New citizenship reforms restrict access: if you have used social welfare/unemployment support for more than 3 months in a 2-year period, you may be ineligible. VisaVerge
These changes emphasize financial self-sufficiency, “successful integration,” and stronger identity verification. VisaVerge
What It Means to You — Depending on Your Perspective
1. If You’re a Foreign-Born Professional Working in Finland
Job loss risk is more serious now: If you lose your job, the 3-month “grace period” is tight, unless you’re a “specialist” or meet certain conditions.
Greater mobility: The ability to change sectors (especially into labour-shortage fields) without a brand new permit may make job transitions easier.
Income matters more than ever: With the minimum salary requirement at €1,600/month, your income needs to be solid enough to justify a work permit.
Long-term plans: New permanent residency rules mean staying in Finland long-term is more challenging. You’ll need to think about how much you’ll earn, language skills, or whether you can hit the “fast-track” conditions.
Citizenship risk: Reliance on benefits like unemployment or social aid could jeopardize your eligibility for naturalization.
2. If You’re a Foreign-Born Student in Finland
Permit pressure: With fewer student residence permit applications, the “market” could be tightening.
Financial burden: Higher permit scrutiny + rising cost of living means you may need to rely more on part-time work — but job instability is more risky with these new job-loss rules.
Citizenship path: If you plan to apply for citizenship later, the rule about social assistance could be relevant (if you’ve used benefits).
Longer-term residency: Getting a permanent residence permit will require either steady work, high income, language ability, or academic excellence.
3. If You’re a General Observer Interested in Finnish Society
Integration policy is tightening: The government is clearly pushing for financial self-sufficiency and work as core to integration.
Labor market adaptation: Finland seems to be trying to balance attracting talent (by allowing permit holders to move into shortage sectors) while also guarding against permit misuse.
Welfare + residency linkage: The link between benefit usage and citizenship / residency eligibility is growing stronger — this raises debates about social justice, integration, and the role of welfare.
Demographic strategy: These reforms suggest Finland is rethinking how it retains immigrants long-term: not just by letting them in, but by incentivizing work, higher language proficiency, and financial autonomy.
There was also a five percent year-on-year decline in study-based residence permit applications in the first 10 months of this year, according to the Finnish Immigration Service.