Finland has become an increasingly popular destination for foreigners seeking residence permits, with nearly one million permits granted between 2015 and 2023. According to PT-Media, the Immigration Office has estimated that a total of 978,506 residence permits were granted to non-EU immigrants during this period.
The majority of residence permits were granted to Ukrainians, accounting for 16.1 percent of all permits issued. Russians also made up a significant portion with 12.8 percent of the total permits. Additionally, Iraqis, individuals from India and China, as well as Islamic nations such as Afghanistan and Somalia, have also contributed to the migration numbers in Finland.
Interestingly, Estonia stands out as an exception on the list, as Estonians, as EU citizens, do not require a residence permit in Finland. The reasons behind the issuance of residence permits to Estonians remain unclear but could possibly be linked to Russia and Belarus, which are not permitted to apply for residence permits directly to EU consulates.
In addition to residence permits for migration, a significant number of students from third countries have also applied for residence permits in Finland. The Finnish Immigration Service has reported that by mid-2023, 8,762 students had applied for a residence permit, with 7,039 permits for study purposes being issued.
The highest number of applications for study permits are currently coming from Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India, and Russia. However, the authorities revealed that many applicants were rejected due to a lack of proof indicating sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in the country.
Overall, the data from the Finnish Immigration Service highlights the growing trend of foreigners seeking residence permits in Finland, with a significant portion being granted for both migration and study purposes.
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