HELSINKI, Oct. 10, 2025 (Chatnewstv.com) — Most Ukrainians living in Finland under temporary protection intend to stay in the country after the war, with many hoping to secure residence through work, study, or family ties, according to a new government study.
The study, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior, examined how Ukrainians are integrating in Finland, focusing on employment, language skills, and future plans. Conducted online between July and August 2025, it gathered responses from 2,085 Ukrainians, most of whom (63%) were originally from eastern Ukraine.
Only 6 percent of respondents said they plan to return to Ukraine after the war, citing continued insecurity in their home regions.
“The proportion of those planning to stay in Finland has increased significantly compared to previous surveys,” the ministry said in a statement. “In summer 2022, 27 percent said they intended to stay permanently; by autumn 2023 the figure had risen to 51 percent, and now it stands at 66 percent.”
Another 26 percent remain undecided about whether to return or stay, while just 14 percent already hold residence permits that allow them to continue living in Finland. Nearly half of respondents (48%) plan to apply for new residence permits once temporary protection expires, mainly on the basis of employment or education.
The study noted that language skills are a key factor in employment. About 38 percent of respondents said they could now work or study in Finnish, up sharply from 12 percent in 2023 and none in 2022.
“Among those with Finnish skills, 34 percent are employed, compared to just 19 percent among those with insufficient knowledge of Finnish, Swedish, or English,” the report found.
Although two-thirds (67%) have actively sought jobs, only 30 percent are currently employed, with most citing language barriers as the main obstacle. Common employment sectors include the food industry (17%), property maintenance (12%), and manufacturing (12%).
The EU has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027, but officials emphasized that the protection scheme “is not permanent and will eventually end.”
“In order to stay in Finland, Ukrainians will need to obtain residence permits based on work, study, or family ties,” the ministry said. “Those who do not meet the criteria for regular permits would have to return to Ukraine.”
Finland currently hosts an estimated 48,000 Ukrainians under temporary protection. The Council of the European Union in September adopted a recommendation for a coordinated approach to winding down temporary protection once conditions in Ukraine allow safe return.
The study was prepared by researchers Arseniy Svynarenko and Anastasia Koptsyukh, both of Ukrainian origin, and follows two earlier ministry reports published in 2022 and 2024.
“The aim is to ensure Ukrainians receive the right information and support, whether they choose to stay through legal means or prepare to return home,” the ministry said.
