Finland to Tighten Residence Rules for International Students

The Finnish Government submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament on April 30, 2026, aimed at tightening the income requirements for international students.

Under the new rules, receiving social assistance even once would become a specific ground for canceling a student’s residence permit.

This change targets students in higher education and upper secondary education who come from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area.

The government expects the new regulations to enter into force in autumn 2026.

Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen stated that while most international students are financially stable, the government must ensure they meet their permit conditions. He noted that the measures aim to prevent students from falling into vulnerable financial positions.

Currently, the Finnish Immigration Service uses automated systems to monitor whether permit holders continue to meet residency requirements. Between September 2023 and December 2025, officials monitored over 37,000 permits and found 333 cases where students had applied for social assistance.

Non-EU students in Finland are already required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living costs before a permit is granted. The current required amount is generally set at 800 euros per month, or 9,600 euros per year.

A second package of measures is also being prepared to further regulate student stays. This proposal would prevent the family members of a student from applying for a residence permit until the student has lived in Finland for at least one year.

The government also plans to introduce a mandatory language proficiency requirement for students. This measure is intended to ensure that applicants have the necessary skills to succeed in their studies and to prevent the misuse of the permit system.

Additionally, the specific euro amounts required for student subsistence will be codified into law. This move is designed to provide clearer guidelines for both applicants and processing officials regarding the cost of living in Finland.

The second legislative package is scheduled for public consultation in the spring of 2026. These combined policies represent a shift toward stricter enforcement of the self-sufficiency requirements for foreign residents in the Finnish education system.