Press releases

The European Migration Network's Annual Report 2025: immigration to Finland declined, citizenship granted to a record number of applicants

Finland's unfavourable economic outlook and more stringent aliens legislation were reflected as a decline in immigration to Finland in 2025. The number of applications from employees, students and those seeking international protection went down, whereas applications submitted by family members were similar in number as in 2024. Work-based immigration started to increase again in early 2026, however.

Special focus on prevention of labour exploitation in the processing of berry pickers’ applications

Like other public authorities, the Finnish Immigration Service pays special attention to the irregularities that have occurred in the wild-berry sector in previous years. The agency will take these into account when processing requests for a certificate for seasonal work and applications for a residence permit for seasonal work and in other matters within its jurisdiction.

Application volume forecasts by Finnish Immigration Service published

The Finnish Immigration Service’s foresight network has updated its application volume projections for 2026 and 2027. The foresight network, which consists of several public authorities and other stakeholders, produces forecasts of migration to Finland and of the number of asylum seekers arriving in Finland. The forecasts are updated three times a year.

Year 2025 of Finnish Immigration Service: Cost-efficiency, implementation of Government Programme and tense operating environment of immigration emphasised

For the Finnish Immigration Service, the year 2025 was characterised by changes in immigration policy in Europe and in OECD reference countries, conflicts in Europe’s neighbouring regions, challenges faced by the Finnish economy, and the implementation of numerous legislative amendments. In this operating environment, the importance of cost-efficiency as well as proactive and strategic management was further emphasised. The agency continued to focus on ensuring the security of the residence permit system and preventing misuse, streamlining the processing of applications and improving the cost-efficiency of operations.

Finnish Immigration Service to assess security situation of Iran, decisions on asylum applications partly paused

As the security situation in Iran has changed due to large demonstrations and the use of violence by security forces, the decision-making on asylum applications submitted by Iranians is partly paused.

Immigration statistics 2025: Immigration to Finland decreasing

Application volumes are decreasing in many permit types. Fewer applications have been submitted by employees, students and applicants for international protection. However, there has been a slight increase in the number of applications from family members.

Increased customer demand and reduced personnel resources affect the Finnish Immigration Service’s customer service

Savings in central government finances affect the Finnish Immigration Service's work in many ways. The agency is obliged to adjust its activities to the reduced resources. Cuts in personnel numbers will contribute to a drop in service levels.

Aliens Act's provisions on permanent residence permit amended as of 8 January 2026

The requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit become stricter as of 8 January 2026. New integration requirements for permanent residence permit applicants have been added to the Aliens Act.

Amendments to Citizenship Act enter into force on 17 December 2025

Temporary protection no longer granted to applicants who already hold a residence permit on the basis of temporary protection in another EU Member State

Finnish Immigration Service has updated its application volume forecasts

Increase in number of international students’ applications halted – decline in number of asylum seekers continued

Determination of citizenship status and definition of national travel document for residence permit applications reviewed by Finnish Immigration Service

Finnish Immigration Service resumes issuing asylum decisions for Syrians

Finnish Immigration Service to review its policy on which travel documents can be accepted for a residence permit application

Asylum not automatically granted to all Palestinians from Gaza

Cooperation helps combat human trafficking

Decline in number of work-based residence permit applications – growing number stay in Finland after completing a degree

Summer berry season: Wild-berry pickers apply for permits under the Seasonal Workers Act for first time

Support and assistance for returning to Syria available