If you are not an EU/EEA student and you plan to study in Finland for a period of time longer than 3 months, you have to apply for a residence permit. Please, observe that the residence permit is only temporary and intended to register students while enrolled at university or college in Finland. Students from certain countries must also apply for a Schengen Visa to enter Europe.
[Click here to view the list of countries whose citizens don't need a visa to enter Europe]
What documents do you need to apply for a residence permit in Finland?
- The filled-in application form, named by the code OLE_1
[Click here to download the application form for residence permit in Finland]
- The letter of acceptance from your higher education institution indicating that you have been admitted to full-time studies
- A copy of the pages in your passport where personal data can be read
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A copy of your health insurance plan
- A bank statement or copy of your grant/scholarship stating you can support yourself financially throughout your time as a student in Finland
- Documentation confirming your accommodation details
Please, note that all documents must be officially translated into English, Finnish or Swedish.
How much does it cost to apply for a residence permit to study in Finland?
The application fee is 125 EUR.
Where do you apply for a residence permit in Finland?
If you have the right to enter Finland without the need for a residence permit, which is the case of EU/EEA students, you may apply at your nearest police office.
[Click here to learn more about residence permits in Finland for EU students]
If you are not an EU/EEA student, you can apply for a residence permit at the Finnish embassy or consulate in the country where you are residing.
[Click here to locate the Finnish embassy in your country and find its contact information] .
Where do you have to pay the application fee?
You may pay the application fee at the Finnish embassy when you submit your application.
How much is the minimum financial subsistence requirement?
You will be asked to prove you have at least 500 EUR per month or 6,000 EUR per year to support yourself financially.*
Financial subsistence requirement valid for 2009-2010.
How long does it take to process an application for residence permit?
The Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto) will process your application as soon as all documentation has been submitted. Therefore, we recommend you to apply for a residence permit to study in Finland with plenty of time in advance before your studies begin. In general the processing time is 25 days for applications for a residence permit as a student.
Residence permit for EU students
EU/EEA students no longer need to apply for a residence permit in Finland. Instead, EU/EEA students are simply requested to inform the authorities by registering at their nearest police office.
[Click here to locate your nearest police office in Finland]
