New data from Statistics Finland reveal that, while residents with a foreign background still have more children on average than native Finns, the difference continues to shrink. In 2024 the total fertility rate (TFR) for foreign-background women fell to 1.39 children per woman, compared with 1.23 for women of Finnish background. Among men the figures were 1.21 and 1.10 respectively.
The trend matters for global mobility because Finland’s labour-market outlook and its demand for foreign talent depend heavily on demographic dynamics. The country’s native-born fertility has hovered at record lows for three consecutive years, and population growth has been driven almost entirely by immigration. A narrowing fertility gap suggests that Finland will rely even more on inbound migration—rather than higher birth rates among immigrants—to offset an ageing workforce.
![Statistics show fertility gap between Finnish- and foreign-background residents narrowing]()
Policy-makers have already tightened several immigration rules in 2025, including longer residence requirements for citizenship and stricter language criteria for permanent residence. Employers worry that these measures could discourage highly skilled migrants at a time when demographic numbers point to structural labour shortages within a decade. The latest fertility statistics give added urgency to government plans for a points-based talent visa and faster processing of work permits, both aimed at attracting specialists who can boost Finland’s competitiveness.
For relocation managers and HR teams, the takeaway is clear: Finnish ministries will continue to calibrate immigration policy to balance integration goals with economic necessity. Companies that can offer Finnish-language training, family-friendly benefits and clear career paths will be better positioned to recruit and retain international staff.
Looking ahead, Statistics Finland expects the fertility rate of foreign-background residents to keep falling as second-generation immigrants adopt lifestyles similar to those of the broader population. Unless the native fertility rate rebounds significantly—a scenario demographers consider unlikely—Finland’s migration framework will remain a central pillar of its population strategy.
The trend matters for global mobility because Finland’s labour-market outlook and its demand for foreign talent depend heavily on demographic dynamics. The country’s native-born fertility has hovered at record lows for three consecutive years, and population growth has been driven almost entirely by immigration. A narrowing fertility gap suggests that Finland will rely even more on inbound migration—rather than higher birth rates among immigrants—to offset an ageing workforce.
Policy-makers have already tightened several immigration rules in 2025, including longer residence requirements for citizenship and stricter language criteria for permanent residence. Employers worry that these measures could discourage highly skilled migrants at a time when demographic numbers point to structural labour shortages within a decade. The latest fertility statistics give added urgency to government plans for a points-based talent visa and faster processing of work permits, both aimed at attracting specialists who can boost Finland’s competitiveness.
For relocation managers and HR teams, the takeaway is clear: Finnish ministries will continue to calibrate immigration policy to balance integration goals with economic necessity. Companies that can offer Finnish-language training, family-friendly benefits and clear career paths will be better positioned to recruit and retain international staff.
Looking ahead, Statistics Finland expects the fertility rate of foreign-background residents to keep falling as second-generation immigrants adopt lifestyles similar to those of the broader population. Unless the native fertility rate rebounds significantly—a scenario demographers consider unlikely—Finland’s migration framework will remain a central pillar of its population strategy.
