Finland Proposes Stricter Rules for International Students and Family Reunification

Finland is planning to introduce stricter immigration rules for international students, including tougher language requirements, tighter income checks, and delayed family reunification under a new set of proposed reforms announced by the government. According to reports published by Daily Finland, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment circulated the draft proposal for public consultation on May 18, with the feedback period remaining open until June 29. The government is expected to submit the proposal to Parliament during the spring 2026 session.

If approved, changes related to family reunification and income requirements would take effect in spring 2027, while other proposed amendments are expected to come into force in autumn 2027. Under the new rules, family members of international students would only be permitted to apply for residence permits after the student has lived in Finland for at least one year. At present, family members are allowed to apply simultaneously with the student.

The proposal would also formally establish minimum income requirements for international students through legislation and government decrees. Currently, financial thresholds are based mainly on guidelines issued by the Finnish Immigration Service. Authorities said the reforms aim to ensure students possess sufficient financial resources to support themselves while studying in Finland and to reduce cases of financial hardship among foreign students.

Government officials noted that some international students have faced financial difficulties after arriving in Finland, partly due to misleading information from overseas education agents and debts owed to intermediaries involved in the recruitment process.

Matias Marttinen stated that while Finland’s labour market will continue to need the expertise of international students in the future, authorities must also ensure that student immigration remains sustainable. He said the proposed reforms are intended to prevent students and their families from ending up in vulnerable financial situations.

Another key change under the proposal is the introduction of mandatory language proficiency requirements before students enter Finland. Authorities said some students currently arrive without adequate English or study-language skills, making it difficult for them to successfully complete their education programmes. Under the proposed rules, residence permits for studies could be denied if applicants fail to meet the required language standards.

The planned reforms form part of a broader tightening of Finland’s immigration and residency policies introduced since 2023, including stricter rules for permanent residency and citizenship applications. The proposals have already sparked discussion among education institutions, immigration experts, and international student communities, who are closely monitoring how the changes could affect Finland’s attractiveness as a destination for higher education.