Finland recorded a significant drop in immigration in 2025, according to Statistics Finland. About 50,060 immigrants moved to the country last year.

That is down from nearly 64,000 in 2024 and over 73,000 in 2023, a record year. Experts link the decline to stricter residency rules, tighter welfare access, and tougher citizenship policies.

At the same time, Finland’s birth rate showed a small rebound. The total fertility rate rose to 1.3, with 45,835 babies born in 2025. While still historically low, it marks the end of three years of decline. Population growth continues, but only because of migration. What direction will Finland take next?