Finland’s centre-right government has taken another step in its broad immigration reform programme by publishing a draft law that would make financial self-sufficiency an enforceable condition throughout a foreign student’s stay. Released for public consultation on 16 January and reported by the Helsinki Times on 17 January, the bill would allow the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) to revoke a student-residence permit if the holder has applied for, or received, even a single payment of basic social assistance from Kela, Finland’s social-insurance agency.
Under today’s rules, international students from outside the EU/EEA must show at least €560 per month in private funds when they apply, but there is no automatic monitoring after the permit is granted. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment now wants to build an automated data interface between Kela and Migri so that welfare payments trigger an immediate alert. Migri would then launch a fast-track investigation and, if the claim is confirmed, issue a decision to cancel the permit and require the student to leave the country or convert to another status.
![Finland proposes canceling non-EU student residence permits if recipients claim social assistance]()
For students and employers trying to keep pace with these evolving requirements, VisaHQ can be an invaluable ally. The company’s Finland portal (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) aggregates the latest immigration rules, offers checklists for financial-support documentation, and provides hands-on assistance with residence-permit applications and renewals—helping applicants avoid missteps that could lead to revocation.
Government officials say the change merely enforces the original promise of financial independence and deters applicants who arrive without realistic funding plans. Business groups and universities are more cautious. Finland is competing fiercely for international talent in engineering, ICT and healthcare, and higher-education institutions fear that a strict «zero-tolerance» rule could undermine recruitment just as tuition-fee income and labour-market needs are rising. They also note that students sometimes turn to Kela for one-off emergency payments when delays in opening bank accounts leave them temporarily unable to pay rent.
Practically, companies that employ non-EU students as interns or part-time staff should review onboarding texts and remind employees that claiming basic social assistance may jeopardise their legal stay. Universities are advising incoming cohorts to arrive with at least €6,720 on a dedicated Finnish account to cover the first year’s living expenses. The consultation runs until 27 February; the government intends to submit the bill to Parliament during the spring 2026 session, with entry into force “as soon as possible” thereafter. Employers and students who wish to influence the wording—including possible grace periods or exemption thresholds—have a narrow window to file comments.
Under today’s rules, international students from outside the EU/EEA must show at least €560 per month in private funds when they apply, but there is no automatic monitoring after the permit is granted. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment now wants to build an automated data interface between Kela and Migri so that welfare payments trigger an immediate alert. Migri would then launch a fast-track investigation and, if the claim is confirmed, issue a decision to cancel the permit and require the student to leave the country or convert to another status.
For students and employers trying to keep pace with these evolving requirements, VisaHQ can be an invaluable ally. The company’s Finland portal (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) aggregates the latest immigration rules, offers checklists for financial-support documentation, and provides hands-on assistance with residence-permit applications and renewals—helping applicants avoid missteps that could lead to revocation.
Government officials say the change merely enforces the original promise of financial independence and deters applicants who arrive without realistic funding plans. Business groups and universities are more cautious. Finland is competing fiercely for international talent in engineering, ICT and healthcare, and higher-education institutions fear that a strict «zero-tolerance» rule could undermine recruitment just as tuition-fee income and labour-market needs are rising. They also note that students sometimes turn to Kela for one-off emergency payments when delays in opening bank accounts leave them temporarily unable to pay rent.
Practically, companies that employ non-EU students as interns or part-time staff should review onboarding texts and remind employees that claiming basic social assistance may jeopardise their legal stay. Universities are advising incoming cohorts to arrive with at least €6,720 on a dedicated Finnish account to cover the first year’s living expenses. The consultation runs until 27 February; the government intends to submit the bill to Parliament during the spring 2026 session, with entry into force “as soon as possible” thereafter. Employers and students who wish to influence the wording—including possible grace periods or exemption thresholds—have a narrow window to file comments.
