Student visa & residence permit for Finland
How to apply for a student residence permit, required documents, and post-graduation options
Student residence permit overview
Non-EU/EEA students need a residence permit for studies to study in Finland. Students in higher education degree programmes get a continuous (A) permit; other students get a temporary (B) permit. The application is handled by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). The process requires proof of admission to a Finnish institution, sufficient financial resources, and health insurance. Finland also offers a generous post-graduation job search permit, making it an attractive destination for international students planning to build their careers in Finland after completing their studies.
- Continuous (A) permit for higher education degree students, temporary (B) permit for others
- Apply through Migri (Finnish Immigration Service)
- Post-graduation job search permit available
Eligibility requirements
Who needs a student residence permit and basic requirements.
- Non-EU/EEA citizens studying full-time in Finland need a residence permit
- EU/EEA citizens can study freely but should register their right of residence
- You must be accepted into a Finnish educational institution before applying
- Studies must lead to a degree or vocational qualification, or be an exchange programme; mainly online studies do not qualify
Application process
Step-by-step guide to applying for a student residence permit.
- Create an account on the Enter Finland online service (enterfinland.fi)
- Complete the online application and pay the fee (€600 for online, €750 for paper)
- Book an appointment at your nearest Finnish embassy for identity verification
- Processing time is typically 1–3 months — apply as soon as you receive your admission letter
Required documents
Documents you need to submit with your residence permit application.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Official acceptance letter from your Finnish educational institution
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (€800 per month, or €9,600 in your bank account for studies lasting a year or longer)
- Health insurance covering medical expenses up to €120,000 if your studies last under 2 years, or pharmaceutical expenses up to €40,000 if they last 2 years or longer (excess at most €300)
Financial proof requirements
Demonstrating sufficient funds for your studies in Finland.
- At least €9,600 must be in a bank account when applying for studies lasting a year or longer (€800 per month for shorter studies)
- Scholarship letters can be used as proof of financial support
- Bank statements should cover the full duration of your study period
- Income from part-time work in Finland can supplement but not replace initial proof
Extension and renewal
How to extend your residence permit during your studies.
- Apply before your current permit expires
- You must show study progress of at least 45 ECTS credits per academic year (otherwise attach an explanation, e.g. a statement from your supervisor)
- Extension applications are submitted online through Enter Finland
- The extension is granted for the remaining time of your right to study
After graduation
Options available to international graduates in Finland.
- Apply for a job-search or business-start-up residence permit of up to 2 years; it can be split into up to three parts within 3 years. You need €800 per month (€19,200 for 2 years), and you must apply within 5 years of your study permit expiring. You get an A permit only if your previous permit was A
- You can work without restrictions during the job search period
- Transitioning to a work-based residence permit is straightforward if you find employment
- Finland's startup permit is available for graduates wanting to launch a business
Important considerations
Key points to keep in mind when applying for a student residence permit.
- Start the application process immediately after receiving your admission letter
- Ensure your health insurance meets Migri's specific coverage requirements
- Keep your study progress on track — it affects permit renewals
- Register in the Finnish Population Information System upon arrival
Articles
Residence permits for Finland, step by step
Apply from abroad in Enter Finland, pay the fee (750 EUR online for an employed person in 2026) and prove your identity at a Finnish mission.
Finland residence permit cost by application type
Finland residence permit cost in 2026: 750 euros online for an employed person's first permit, 230 for an extension, 380 for a permanent permit.
Residence permit extension in Finland
A residence permit extension in Finland costs EUR 230 online in 2026. When to file, what to attach, and your right to work while Migri decides.
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