Finland’s Parliament took a decisive step on 14 November 2026 toward overhauling the rules that allow third-country nationals to study – and ultimately settle – in the country. In a report adopted on Friday morning, the Administration Committee endorsed the government’s bill to raise language-skill and financial thresholds for first-time study-based residence permits and to restrict family-reunification rights for international students. If enacted, the amendments would oblige applicants to present proof of sufficient Finnish, Swedish or English skills when they lodge a residence-permit application. The committee also backed a new regulation allowing the government to adjust the monthly subsistence requirement (currently €800) by decree so that it keeps pace with living costs. Law-makers argued that clearer financial rules will protect both students and taxpayers by ensuring newcomers can genuinely support themselves without relying on public assistance. One of the most controversial changes concerns family members. Under the draft, spouses and children would normally have to wait until the principal student has lived in Finland for a full year before they can apply for their own permits. The committee estimates the delay could save the welfare budget about €11 million per year, while critics warn it will make Finnish universities less attractive to global talent. Committee member Mira Nieminen (Finns Party) said the tighter criteria are intended to close loopholes that have allowed some to “use study permits as a back-door immigration channel”. She also called for tougher oversight of overseas recruitment agents who market Finnish degree programmes with unrealistic promises of jobs and permanent residency. Although the ruling centre-right coalition holds a parliamentary majority, the proposal will still face scrutiny in the Constitutional Law Committee and two plenary readings. If it clears those hurdles, the Interior Ministry expects the new rules to enter into force in stages during 2027, giving universities and applicants several months to adjust their admissions and funding processes.
Source: Suomen Uutiset
