Study in Finland: Student Visas & Permits

Depending on where you are from, you may or may not have to get a student visa (student residence permit) to be able to study in Finland. It’s also important to note that Finnish student residence permits are typically granted for the entire duration of your studies.

Nordic students

Students hailing from Sweden, Norway, Iceland or Denmark can reside, study and work in Finland without limitations, though it will still be necessary to register with local authorities.

EU/EEA/Swiss students

Citizens of EU/EEA countries don’t need to apply for a visa or residence permit before arriving in the country and can register for the right of residence once in the country.

Non-EU/EEA students

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries may have to apply for both a travel visa and a student residence permit at their nearest Finnish embassy or consulate or online before arriving in Finland. If you’re not sure if you need a visa to enter Finland, contact the Finnish embassy nearest to you.

To apply for a permit, you must have been admitted into a higher education institute beforehand. Also you will need to fulfil other student residence permit requirements, for example insurance and means of support. This residence permit allows you to work up to 30 hours a week during the school year. If your work is a part your degree (for example, practical training or thesis work) then there is no hourly restriction.

If you'd like to come to Finland conduct research, and/or prepare a Doctoral dissertation, you should apply for the residence permit for scientific research.

Learn more about student permits at migri.fi and Study in Finland.

Working during your studies in Finland

Student jobs are a valuable part and experience of a student's life before entering the labor market. Similarly most universities allow students to work part time either in the evenings or during weekends. Moreover, most students try to find work during the summer, from June to late August.

Students who are citizens of Nordic or EEA countries need no special permits for working in Finland. Other international students can work within certain limits on a residence permit granted for studying if the work is practical training included in the degree or if the amount of part-time work does not exceed 30 hours a week.

In order to find the best jobs in the city you will live in, the best advice is to show initiative and network. Moreover, Finland may have different customs to finding a job and it is best advised to get acquainted to it in order to have a better chance to securing a job.

Career services at Finnish universities should be your first point of contact in order to find potential employers. Universities have links with the corporate world and they can provide the best introduction for international students.

After your studies

After you've graduated, you can apply for a two-year residence permit for job-seeking or for starting a business. These are available to you for five years after graduation.

You can also apply for a permanent residence permit, if:

• you have lived in Finland for four years on a continuous valid visa;
• you have found employment after your graduation. 

The content of this country guide has been developed in partnership with Study in Finland.

About Study in Finland

Study in Finland is the official starter's guide for international students interested in the opportunities Finland offers in higher education. Study in Finland is operated by the Finnish National Agency for Education.