Finland's government has proposed tighter residence permit rules Thursday for international students, including a one-year waiting period before their family members can apply to join them and new language proficiency requirements, according to a media report.
The Yle public broadcaster reported that Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government submitted the proposed legislative changes to parliament, seeking to address financial difficulties faced by some foreign students.
Under the proposal, family members would be able to apply for residence permits only after the student has lived in Finland for at least one year. Currently, they can submit applications at the same time.
The government also wants to set specific financial requirements in euros for international students and review the required amount every three years to reflect inflation and living costs.
A new language proficiency requirement would allow authorities to reject residence permit applications from students who lack sufficient skills in the language of instruction.
Government reports have found that some students arrive without adequate language skills, while others use student permits primarily as a route into the Finnish or wider EU labor market, according to Yle.
“Students coming to Finland must have a genuine ability to pursue their studies, to get by with their own financial resources and to build their future here,” said Employment Minister Matias Marttinen.
The family reunification waiting period is scheduled to take effect April 5, 2027, with other changes from October 2027.