Vaasa’s growth depends on immigration, forecast shows

Finland’s population will grow in the future only through immigration, according to Rasmus Aro, a leading expert at regional development consultancy MDI, Yle reports. The trend is especially visible in Vaasa, where population growth is already based almost entirely on foreign-language residents.

MDI’s latest population forecast models two scenarios through 2050. In one, immigration continues at the baseline level seen in the 2020s. In the other, it remains at the higher level recorded in 2023 to 2025.

Under the higher-immigration scenario, Vaasa’s population would be 8.6 percent larger in 2050 than under the baseline scenario. The city would have just over 76,000 residents, compared with just over 70,000 under the baseline scenario.

The difference between the scenarios is also significant in Forssa. However, MDI says that forecast is subject to considerable statistical uncertainty because of the large number of international students recorded there in 2023.

International companies and education attract newcomers

Vaasa’s diverse immigration is driven by international companies, strong employment, a university and other higher education institutions. Many students arrive from South and Southeast Asian countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines.

People also move to Vaasa for work. The city’s immigration includes asylum seekers and family reunifications as well as students and employees.

“Vaasa does not have only education-based immigration, but also work-based immigration, some asylum seekers, family reunifications and immigration for other reasons,” Aro said.

The city has also built an energy-sector cluster that has attracted a wide range of companies.

“The energy sector is constantly attracting workers from around the world,” said Lotta Alhonnoro, a Vaasa city councillor and chair of the city’s multiculturalism council.

Alhonnoro also pointed to the city’s growing industry and said that growth had been supported by active marketing and campaigns. A large Microsoft data centre project is also being planned.

Residents praise the city’s size and international atmosphere

Samuel Adams moved to Finland from Ireland more than 10 years ago to join his wife. He initially planned to stay for only a year, but found work as an electrician and remained in Vaasa.

Adams said the city had everything people needed and was a suitable size. He also valued the balance between work and free time.

“There are jobs, but also plenty of free time. That is something I appreciate,” he said.

Narong Meebun, who came from Thailand to study 20 years ago, also praised Vaasa’s size and multiculturalism.

“This is not too big, and not too small either. There are international people here, and that is why I live here,” he said.

Muhammad Khurram Shahzad from Pakistan found work at Danfoss in Vaasa nine years ago. He also plans to stay and raise his family in the city.

“Vaasa is fairly international. You see many foreign students here and hear different languages. In Vaasa, you can grow and succeed as an international person,” Shahzad said.

Danfoss employs more than 700 people in Vaasa, many of whom have foreign backgrounds.