Finland Tightens Rules for International Students Bringing Families

Geneva (ANTARA) - The Finnish government, on Thursday (10/9), proposed stricter residence permit rules for international students, including a one-year waiting period before family members can apply to join them, as well as new requirements regarding language proficiency.

The public broadcaster Yle reported that Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s administration has submitted the proposed legislative changes to parliament as an effort to address the financial difficulties faced by some foreign students.

Under the proposal, family members may only apply for residence permits after the student in question has resided in Finland for at least one year. Currently, they are permitted to apply simultaneously.

The government also plans to establish specific financial requirements in euros for international students and will review the required amount every three years to adjust for inflation and the cost of living.

New language proficiency requirements will allow authorities to reject residence permit applications from students who do not possess adequate proficiency in the language of instruction.

According to Yle, government reports found that some students arrive without sufficient language skills, while others use student residence permits primarily as a gateway into the Finnish or broader European Union labour markets.

“Students coming to Finland must have a genuine ability to undertake their studies, meet their living needs with their own financial resources, and build their future here,” said Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen.

The waiting period for family reunification is scheduled to take effect on 5 April 2027, while the other changes will be implemented starting from October 2027.