In 2022, Finnish sociology authorities observed the largest influx of immigration from Russia in three decades, dating back to the post-Soviet era of the early 1990s. This shift in migration patterns adds a new layer to Finland’s demographic landscape, reflecting broader regional dynamics that have unfolded since the dissolution of the Soviet Union (Tilastokeskus, 2022).
Data from the Finnish statistical agency Tilastokeskus show that more than 6,000 Russians crossed into Finnish territory in 2022. By comparison, the period between 1992 and 1995 saw annual figures ranging from roughly 1,700 to 2,600, highlighting a marked acceleration in recent years (Tilastokeskus). The late 1990s, coming just after the Soviet collapse, recorded emigration that rarely surpassed 3,100 people per year, according to the same source. Experts note that the 2022 surge stands out against this historical backdrop (Tilastokeskus).
The surge in cross-border movements from Russia to Finland occurs amid a broader geopolitical context, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the tightening climate for political dissent within Russia. Analysts point to these tensions as factors shaping migration flows, with Finland sharing more than 1,300 kilometers of border with Russia and serving as a destination for those seeking stability or new opportunities in northern Europe (Tilastokeskus; government briefings). The situation underscores how regional security concerns and human mobility intersect, influencing where people choose to relocate and why (Tilastokeskus).
Following Russia, the largest national cohorts arriving in Finland in 2022 came from Sweden, India, Estonia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Türkiye. Swedish arrivals numbered around 2,600, while India accounted for about 2,420 entrants. Estonia followed with roughly 2,400 new residents, and the Philippines surpassed 2,250. Ukraine and Türkiye each registered more than 1,500 newcomers. These patterns illustrate Finland’s role as a destination within a diverse, multinational migration system and reflect the country’s changing demographic profile in the early 2020s (Tilastokeskus; related government statistics). The shifts also align with broader global migration movements, where people born in or connected to these regions pursue education, work, or family reunification across the Nordic-Baltic corridor (Tilastokeskus; regional analysts).