The organization reports that 16,999 applications for work residence permits were submitted, representing an 18.8% decline from 2022 levels. Still, EU Helpers notes that applications for these visas are said to have increased dramatically in recent years.
The nation's current labor needs and improved company recruitment networks are just two of the factors contributing to Finland's high rates of labor migration.
Conversely, the notable increase in 2022 applications is mainly attributable to the increased volume of applications from Russian nationals in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On the other hand, variables like a slowdown in the building industry and the state of the economy may be responsible for the lower number of applications in 2023.
Indians Have Been the Most Popular Candidates in Recent Years for Work Permits
In 2023, Chinese, Indians, Russians, and Filipinos will be the primary applicants for work permits. This refers to residence permits for working individuals when the Employment and Economic Development Office must make a partial determination before the permit can be granted.
In addition, a large number of talented professionals applied for residence permits in 2022 as a result of an increase in requests from Russian citizens following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Russian applications in 2023 dropped dramatically from 2,995 in 2022 to 1,604 in 2023, a 46.4 percent decline from the previous year.
Aside from this factor, the decline in applications from skilled individuals could be linked to Finland's economic slump as well as the worldwide rivalry for skilled labor.
In terms of applicants, Indians accounted for the largest group in both 2018–2021 and 2023. Furthermore, there were 15,081 work-based residency permits issued overall, a small decrease from 16,081.
According to the Finnish Immigration Service, 19,000 applications for employment residence permits are expected to be filed in 2024; however, the authority notes that it is challenging to generate precise figures due to the unstable nature of the economy.
In 2023, keep a record of applications for study permits.
12,867 applications were filed in 2023 for a first study residence visa, up from 9,855 applications in 2022 — a 30.5 percent increase. Legislative changes pertaining to residency permits for researchers and students, along with an increase in the quantity of international study programs, are the causes of this surge.
Additionally, Asian students submitted noticeably more applications; the quantity of Sri Lankan nationals applying more than doubled from 2022 to 2023. The number of residence permits for study reasons increased by 52.6% in comparison to the previous year, reaching 12,795, from 8,383 in 2022.
Given the high interest that foreign students have shown in Finland, the Finnish Immigration Service anticipates that 14,000 applications for first residence permits for study will be submitted there in 2024. The total count of foreign students in Finland is contingent upon the ability of Finnish universities to accept new pupils on a yearly basis. The popularity of Finland as a place to live and study, the competitiveness for students throughout the world, the expansion of education exports, and alternative kinds of education are some other driving factors.
Applications for Family Reunification Comply With the Growth of Immigration for Employment & Education
In 2023, there was a record number of applications for family-oriented residency permits. In 2023, there will be 21,583 residential permits overall, a 13.7% increase from 18,981 permits. Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Russia were the main countries of origin for those requesting family permits.
The number of applications from family members has increased in tandem with the rise in applications for work- and study-based visas since 2021.
Approximately 8% of all applications for a first residence permit based on family ties are made by relatives of individuals who have been granted international protection.
In 2023, family members received 20,278 first residence permits overall; in 2022, just 15,457 were reported.
The most frequent reason EU nationals relocate to Finland is for work
EU citizens submitted 9,570 registration applications in total in 2023—a little decrease from the 10,166 applications received in 2022. With 3,675 applications in 2023 compared to 4,256 in 2022, the majority of EU nationals submitted registration requests based on employment, much like they did the year before.
8,479 EU nationals verified their residency rights in Finland in the year prior, down from 10,183 in 2022. Out of them, 3,261 people registered based on their employment, which is a decrease from 4,270 in 2022. German, Romanian, and Estonian were the most prevalent nationalities among those who had registered.