Increase in number of international students’ applications halted – decline in number of asylum seekers continued
The rapid growth in the number of students’ applications during the previous few years has come to a halt this year. However, students and their family members continue to have a historically high level of interest in Finland. At the same time, there has been a decline in the number of employees intending to move to Finland and in the number of asylum seekers.
These are some of the conclusions presented in the Finnish Immigration Service’s most recent ‘Immigration to Finland’ report (‘Maahanmuutto Suomeen -katsaus’). The report examines the statistics on permit applications submitted in January–September 2025 by foreign nationals planning to move to Finland.
Upward trend in number of students’ applications ended, increase in number of graduates’ work-based permit applications
A total of 11,212 applications for a first residence permit for studies were submitted from January to September 2025, which is approximately 5% less than during the corresponding period in 2024.
“This decline is probably due to the application fee introduced for non-EU citizens in the joint application for higher education, which has reduced the number of students applying for a place in higher education. Although the number of applications has declined from 2024, which was a record-breaking year, it still remains very high,” says Director of Development Johannes Hirvelä.
This year, students have been granted a total of 8,372 first residence permits. The number of negative decisions has been slightly higher compared to the previous year due to a lack of sufficient financial resources.
South Asia remains the main region of origin for students. This year, the largest number of applications for a first permit was submitted by citizens of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.
At the same time, there has been a considerable increase in the number of applications submitted on the basis of work by persons who have completed a degree. The total number of applications submitted between January and September 2025 was 2,552, which is 42% more than in the corresponding period last year. The increase can be attributed to growth in the number of international students in Finland in recent years. To obtain the permit for a person who has completed a degree, students must have a job or work as entrepreneurs.
Finland’s economic situation is reflected in work-based immigration
The total number of work-based residence permit applications decreased in January–September 2025 compared to the previous year. During that period, a total of 10,880 applications for a first work-based residence permit and EU registration were submitted, which is 26% less than in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of residence permit applications submitted by seasonal workers increased by 32% from the previous year.
“The slow economic growth in recent years and rising unemployment rates in Finland, and uncertainty in the development of the global economy have a significant impact on the development of work-based immigration. The number of applications is also particularly affected by a decline in the need for foreign labour in major sectors, such as healthcare and social welfare and the construction sector,” says Hirvelä.
The proportion of specialists in all work-related immigration has consistently ranged between 7% and 12%, even though the actual number of applications has decreased.
“The number of applications for a first residence permit submitted by specialists was exceptionally high in 2022. At that time, specialists accounted for approximately 12% of all work-based immigration. The decline in the number of applications since that time has probably been influenced by the poor economic situation in sectors employing specialists, fierce global competition for top experts and the low number of applications for a first residence permit submitted by Russian citizens,” says Hirvelä.
Although the total number of work-based residence permit and registration applications is lower than last year, applications have continued to be submitted at a steady pace this year. The downward trend in the number of applications that started in 2023 seems to have levelled off for now.
Numbers of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of temporary protection continue to decline
The number of asylum applications has remained low in Finland. This year, a total of 1,504 first asylum applications were submitted between January and September, which is 16% less than in 2024. The highest number of first asylum applications was submitted by citizens of Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq.
There has also been a slight decline in the number of subsequent applications. The total number of applications submitted in the first nine months of 2025 was 374, compared to 426 during the same period in 2024.
The number of asylum applications has decreased across the European Union. Around 399,000 asylum applications were submitted in the region during the first six months of 2025, which is 23% less than the previous year.
“The high number of asylum applications in the EU has not been reflected in Finland in recent years. The increase in the number of applications is further limited by factors such as the internal and external border controls in the Schengen area and Finland’s geographical location,” says Hirvelä.
In addition to the decline in the number of asylum applications, the number of applications for temporary protection for Ukrainians has also fallen. In 2025, the total number of applications for temporary protection submitted between January and September was 8,791. The number dropped by 13% compared to the previous year.
As a result of a government decision that took effect in Ukraine at the end of August, men aged 18–22 may now leave the country freely, which has also been reflected in Finland. In September, young men submitted 376 applications for temporary protection, whereas this group previously submitted only a few dozen applications per month.
More information on the ‘Immigration to Finland’ report
The statistical report published today also shows that the number of applications submitted by family members remains high. Most family members apply for a residence permit to join their spouse or parent or guardian who is working or studying in Finland.
For more information, see the ‘Immigration to Finland’ report (‘Maahanmuutto Suomeen -katsaus’) and the Finnish Immigration Service’s statistical service.
Media enquiries
- Johannes Hirvelä, Director of Development, email: firstname.lastname@migri.fi, tel. +358 295 433 037 (Finnish Immigration Service’s phone number for media representatives)
- Web page: Situation picture of immigration in Finland
