Residence Permits and Asylum in Finland: New Restrictions in 2025

Immigration to Finland is slowing down due to a shrinking labor market and tightening migration policies. The Finnish government is not only limiting entry but also speeding up deportation procedures. Experts warn that these changes are damaging the country’s image and discouraging even highly qualified professionals from relocating.

Employment

According to Yle, 2022 saw a record number of work-based residence permit applications. However, by 2024, applications had dropped by 28.3%, totaling just 15,024. The trend continues in 2025. The main reason: a lack of job opportunities. Many potential migrants are giving up plans to move due to the difficulty of securing employment. The legal situation has worsened: foreigners who lose their jobs must leave the country within 90 days unless they find new employment — a challenging task in today’s job market.

Family-Based Residence Permits

On May 14, 2025, the Finnish Parliament approved stricter rules for family-based residence permits, aiming to combat chain migration. Notably, both spouses must now be at least 21 years old to qualify — unless one is a Finnish citizen. For relatives of minors granted asylum, financial self-sufficiency is now mandatory. Foreign sponsors must also have lived in Finland for at least two years and demonstrate stable income.

Asylum

Asylum applications have significantly declined. In 2024, only 2,948 applications were filed — a 45% drop compared to 2023. One major reason is a new law that reduces benefits for asylum seekers, including unaccompanied minors. Another critical change: rejected asylum seekers can no longer switch to other residence permit categories such as work, study, or entrepreneurship. This is referred to as the “lane change ban.” Additionally, Finland’s eastern border closure has drastically limited entry routes.

Deportations

Finland is intensifying deportation measures. In 2024, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) issued 4,849 deportation orders — 658 more than in 2023. However, only 2,202 were enforced, a modest 4% increase. Migri director Ilkka Haahtela notes a growing trend in voluntary returns, with financial aid provided to those leaving voluntarily.

Political Divide

The new rules highlight divisions within the Finnish government. The Coalition Party and Swedish People’s Party support labor migration, especially for skilled workers, while the True Finns push for strict controls. As a result, the country is implementing both liberal and restrictive measures simultaneously — a confusing signal for potential migrants.

Outlook and Expert Opinions

Migri forecasts around 11,000 work-based residence applications in 2025 — significantly below previous years. However, interest in study-related migration remains high, with an estimated 15,000 applications expected. Applicants must now prove monthly income of at least €560 and prepay tuition for the entire study period.

Migration expert Rolle Alho from E2 Research warns that Finland is losing its reputation as an open and welcoming country. The stricter policies, combined with labor market uncertainty, are driving specialists away. “Many have already voted with their feet,” he concludes. Migri's director Haahtela notes that the full impact of the new measures will take time to materialize.