Finland Plans Stricter Rules for International Students

Finland is preparing new rules that would make it harder for some international students to move to the country with their families.

The government has proposed several changes aimed at ensuring that foreign students have enough financial resources, the necessary language skills and a genuine intention to study in Finland.

One of the biggest changes would introduce a one-year waiting period for family reunification. Under the proposal, family members of international students would generally have to wait until the student has lived in Finland for at least one year before applying for a residence permit.

Clearer financial requirements

The government also wants to set clearer income and financial requirements for international students in legislation.

The required amount would be reviewed every three years to reflect changes in living costs and inflation. The aim is to make it easier for students to understand how much money they need before coming to Finland.

New language requirement

Another proposed change would introduce a language proficiency requirement for student residence permits. The government says some students arrive without sufficient knowledge of the language used in their studies, making it difficult for them to complete their degrees.

Authorities are also concerned that some people may be using student permits mainly as a way to enter Finland or the wider EU job market rather than for genuine studies.

The government has also highlighted misleading recruitment agencies and high agency fees as factors that can leave international students struggling financially.

The proposed changes were submitted to Parliament on Thursday. If approved, the family reunification waiting period is planned to start on 5 April 2027, while other changes would come into effect in October 2027.