Clear summaries and context about developments in Finland that may affect everyday life, immigration, education, work, business and integration. FGC News shares information and analysis; it is not an official news service.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment proposed changes that would make it easier to refuse residence permits to employers suspected of exploitation. The changes are planned to take effect in March 2027.
Finland began applying the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in June 2026. Applying for international protection now has three stages: making, registering and lodging the application.
Amendments to the Aliens Act that took effect on 12 June 2026 change how appeals affect deportation decisions, the right to work during removal processes and the use of entry bans.
The amended Citizenship Act enters into force on 1 January 2027. Applicants aged 18 to 64 who apply on or after 1 March 2027 must show sufficient knowledge of Finnish society, for example by passing a citizenship test.
The Finnish National Agency for Education reported about 21,800 applicants and about 8,100 offers of admission in the first spring 2026 joint application for English-taught programmes.
The EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU nationals on short stays at the external borders of participating countries. It has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 and replaces passport stamping.
The Finnish Immigration Service forecasts 11,000 to 13,000 first work-based residence permit applications in 2026 and 13,500 in 2027, with student applications expected to stay at about 13,000 a year.
Kela raised pensions, disability allowances, social assistance and conscript's allowance by 0.5 per cent at the start of 2026. Most other benefits remain frozen until 2027.
On 1 May 2026, Kela's new general social security benefit replaced the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance paid by Kela.
