Labor migration to Finland has decelerated, though application numbers remain higher than in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the number of international students in Finland continues to rise. These findings are part of the Finnish Immigration Service’s recent ‘Immigration to Finland’ report (‘Maahanmuutto Suomeen -katsaus’). The report reviews permit application statistics from foreign nationals moving to Finland, covering applications submitted from January to September 2024.
Applications for work-based residence permits reflect economic trends
From January to September, 12,498 first-time work-based residence permit applications were submitted, a 5% decline from the same period last year (1–9/2023: 13,173). Applicants for work-based residence permits most frequently came from Thailand, the Philippines, India, China, and Vietnam.
One reason for the decrease is the drop in applications for residence permits for employed persons, the most common work-based residence permit. These applications declined by around 8% compared to last year, despite new permit requirements for wild-berry pickers (1–9/2024: 8,074, 1–9/2023: 8,763). This year, wild-berry pickers were required to apply for residence permits, increasing applications from Thai citizens.
Applications have significantly declined from several other countries. For instance, applications from the Philippines dropped by one-third.
“The reduction in residence permit applications for employed persons likely reflects the general economic situation, along with a decrease in international recruitment in health care, social services, and construction,” said Arto Niemi, Head of Information Services. “This trend is especially evident in the number of applications from construction workers.”
Labor migration from EU Member States to Finland has also fallen. Between January and September this year, 2,216 work-related EU registrations were made, down about 20% from last year (1–9/2023: 2,762).
“The state of the construction industry may be influencing these numbers as well. For example, the number of EU registrations by Estonian citizens has dropped,” added Niemi.
Specialist residence permit applications totaled 978 from January to September, a 24% decrease from the same period last year (1–9/2023: 1,292). If the current application rate holds, the annual total will be around 1,200—the lowest in five years, except for 2020 when the pandemic caused a sharp drop in applications.
“The decline in applications from specialists is due to several factors: the general economic climate, intense global competition for talent, and a notably low number of applications from Russian citizens. Only 54 Russian citizens applied for a specialist residence permit from January to September this year, compared to 228 during the same period last year,” Niemi noted.
Rising interest in studying in Finland
International students submitted 11,749 applications, remaining at a high level this year (1–9/2023: 10,780). Applications increased by 9% from the same period last year, with Asian nationals, especially from Bangladesh, Nepal, and India, applying to study in Finland.
“Applications from Nepali citizens nearly doubled compared to last year, while Russian citizens submitted fewer applications, including those for study permits. The number of exchange students has gradually risen since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Niemi observed.
In the previous year, 89% of applicants seeking residence permits for work or study received a positive decision.
Projections from the Finnish Immigration Service Regarding Immigration
The Finnish Immigration Service anticipates that 46,000 applications for first-time residence permits will be submitted in 2025. Of this total, 32,000 are expected to be applications for work or study permits, while the remainder will likely consist of applications for protection-based permits. Detailed projections regarding application volumes can be found on the Finnish Immigration Service’s website.
These projections specifically address the anticipated number of first-time residence permit applications related to work or studies, as well as those for temporary protection and international protection. However, they do not estimate the total number of permits that will be granted. In addition to the aforementioned categories, the Finnish Immigration Service will handle other applications, including those for residence permits based on family ties, EU registration from EU citizens, and extensions for current residents who require an extension of their existing permits.
The Finnish Immigration Service continuously generates forecasts and projections informed by its analysis of the current situation. These application volume projections are developed through a combination of statistical data and qualitative assessments conducted by experts.
Looking ahead, the application volume projections come with considerable uncertainties, particularly concerning the future trajectory of Finland’s economy and its implications for work-related immigration, as well as the influx of refugees from Ukraine seeking protection from the ongoing conflict.
Read also: Migration to Finland increasingly seamless and controlled
