We support making it easier for international students to get a permanent residence permit

The Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) supports the government proposal to ease up on the requirements to receive a permanent residence permit if the applicant has completed a bachelor’s degree at a university, a master’s degree or a licentiate or doctoral degree in Finland. The change makes it easier to stay in Finland after completing a degree and encourages students to start studying languages during their studies.

However, the change does not apply to international students who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences. The government proposal does not provide any reasoning as to why those who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences should not be given a permanent residence permit like those who have done so at a university. The restriction is an unnecessary obstacle for international students studying at universities of applied sciences to stay in Finland. A permanent residence permit should also be granted based on a bachelor’s degree completed at a university of applied sciences.

The government proposal adds a language proficiency requirement to the requirements for getting a permanent residence permit. The requirement for a permanent residence permit for those who have completed a degree in Finland is developing language proficiency, which can be proved by, for instance, completing 15 credits’ worth of Finnish or Swedish studies. This may increase interest in and the need to offer more courses in the official languages of Finland in higher education and liberal adult education.

The impact assessments have not accounted for the possibly growing need for resources to a sufficient extent. Education providers must receive additional resources for organising the teaching of the official languages of Finland. Taking this into account, the act taking effect starting from 8 January 2026 is too tight a schedule.

HYY is also worried about the residence period required for a permanent residence permit being extended from four to six years for everyone else than those who have completed a degree or fulfil the criteria for four years. The government has made several proposals aimed at tightening immigration rules, already managing to damage Finland’s reputation and reduce factors that would help the country retain immigrants. The government should encourage people to stay in Finland and make staying in the country easier. By making it more difficult for immigrants to build their life here, the government’s proposal will make the labour shortage worse and stunt financial growth.

Further information

Tiia Niemi

Specialist in social policy

tiia.niemi@hyy.fi