
The Finnish government plans to implement stricter requirements for permanent residency to support integration into Finnish society.
The Ministry of the Interior proposes increasing the required residency period from four years to six. Applicants must also show proficiency in Finnish or Swedish and have two years of continuous employment.
According to Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, these changes aim to encourage immigrants to follow Finnish laws, work, and learn the language.
The proposal is open for public feedback, emphasizing integration as a key condition for residency approval.
Exceptions and educational qualifications offer alternatives
Some exceptions to the stricter rules will apply.
People earning over €40,000 a year or holding Finnish-recognized postgraduate degrees can qualify after four years if they also have two years of work experience.
Bachelor’s degree holders from Finnish institutions may qualify sooner if they show language skills and meet residency requirements.
Criminal convictions could affect applications, as jail time may delay the residency period.
Officials state that the changes aim to balance inclusion with societal standards.
Population growth fueled by immigration amid declining birth rates
Finland’s population grew to 5.64 million in 2024, driven by a net gain of 63,049 immigrants. This growth helped offset a natural decline as deaths exceeded births by 13,000 due to record-low birth rates.
Statistics Finland reported a fertility rate of 1.25, the lowest ever recorded. Ukrainians were the largest group of immigrants, with many moving from temporary protection to permanent residency.
Migration from Nepal and Pakistan also increased. Urban areas like Uusimaa, which includes Helsinki, experienced the most growth, while rural regions like Kymenlaakso saw population declines.
“Finland’s demographic shift is stark,” noted Joni Rantakari, Chief Actuary at Statistics Finland.
Without steady immigration, Finland’s population could stop growing due to an aging population and falling birth rates. If current trends continue, the population could reach six million in the next 15 years.

Workplace discrimination complicates immigrant integration
Despite growth driven by immigration, employment equity remains a challenge.
A study by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment showed ongoing name-based discrimination, though it has slightly improved since 2016.
Applicants with Finnish-sounding names were more than twice as likely to get interview callbacks compared to those with Somali or Iraqi names.
“While the situation is improving, structural barriers remain,” said sociologist Akhlaq Ahmad, who led the research.
Applicants with foreign names often had to send many more applications to get the same consideration as others. Women had better chances than men in all ethnic groups, with employers favoring women in service and care jobs.
Ahmad warned that discrimination could damage young immigrants’ self-esteem, potentially causing mental health problems and social isolation. “If a person feels excluded from society, this can have serious consequences,” he added.
Shifting rules for visitors, migrants amid travel system updates
The Finnish government’s stricter residency rules have implications beyond its borders, coinciding with the European Union’s (EU) rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2026.
The ETIAS will require travelers from visa-free countries to get pre-travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
Short-term visitors will notice procedural changes, like filling out applications or paying fees. However, long-term visitors and migrants may face bigger challenges.
Finland’s six-year residency requirement, language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, and employment conditions could discourage some migrants or push skilled workers to other destinations.
These changes align with broader EU efforts to balance mobility with security and integration. The ETIAS reflects this trend, promoting unified oversight across the Schengen Area.
While Schengen visa policies remain unchanged, Finland’s example shows how member states can adjust residency rules to meet national goals.
For migrants, stricter national policies combined with EU-wide travel systems may make navigating Europe’s immigration process more complicated.

Guiding the EU’s evolving approach to migration
Finland’s new immigration rules could serve as a model—or a warning—for other EU countries revising their policies.
As migration remains a key issue across Europe, Finland highlights the challenge of integrating newcomers while addressing economic and demographic concerns.
Countries like Germany and Sweden, which also depend on immigration to offset population decline, may closely follow Finland’s approach.
Policies that promote language learning and job integration align with EU goals to boost migrants’ economic contributions. However, stricter measures, like Finland’s longer residency and employment requirements, may spark debates about balancing integration with accessibility.
EU institutions could use Finland’s example to push for more unified migration policies. While member states control their own residency rules, the EU may encourage a more coordinated approach, especially as labor shortages persist across the region.
In the long run, Finland’s stricter policies could shape EU-wide immigration discussions. Balancing national priorities with collective needs will be crucial, especially as Europe faces increased migration driven by global conflicts and climate change.
Finland’s experience highlights both the challenges and opportunities of building a fair and effective migration system.
Balancing integration with societal inclusivity
Finland’s demographic and social policies reflect a careful balance.
The government aims to promote integration while tackling labor shortages and population challenges. However, ongoing workplace discrimination shows the need for deeper cultural and structural reforms.
Stricter residency rules may push immigrants to learn the language and join the workforce, but they could also add pressure on those already facing societal barriers.
As Finland looks to its demographic future, inclusive policies and practical steps will play a key role in shaping the country’s identity.