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Residence permit in Finland for non-EU students
Quick guide
- Apply online.
- Processing fee: 300 EUR.
- Processing time: up to 1 month.
- Financial resources: 560 EUR / month.
If you intend to stay in Finland for less than 3 months
You may have to apply for a Schengen Visa (if you intend to stay up to 90 days) or a visa type D (if you wish to stay more than 90 days but less than 180 days) at your local Finnish embassy or consulate.
Students form certain countries do not require a visa to enter Finland.
[List of countries whose citizens don't require a visa to enter Europe].
If you intend to stay in Finland for more than 3 months
You are required to apply for a student residence permit.
Even though you are able to submit your application in paper format, you are recommended do it online since it is the fastest and most convenient way.
You are advised to start the online application process soon after you have received the letter of acceptance from your higher education institution in Finland.
Along with the online form, you will be requested to submit the documents as listed below:
- The letter of acceptance from your higher education institution in Finland.
- Health insurance plan.
- A proof of sufficient financial means or copy of your grant/scholarship stating you can support yourself financially throughout your time as a student in Finland.
Please, note that your documents must be translated to Finnish, Swedish or English by an official translator.
Once you have submitted your application online, you will have to visit your local Finnish embassy or consulate, which will verify your documentation.
If your permit is granted, you can collect it at the embassy or consulate.
The cost of the online application is 300 EUR and the usual processing time is up to 1 month.
In order for your student residence permit in Finland to be granted, you will need to prove you have, at least, 560 EUR per month to support yourself financially.
Source: Finnish Immigration Service.
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Residence permit in Finland for EU students
Quick guide
- EU students have the right to reside in Finland without applying for a residence permit. However, you need to obtain a "Registration of a right of residence" at your local police station in Finland or through the online application system.
- Financial resources: varies depending on the case. Usually 560 EUR per month.
- Processing fee: free.
- Make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card.
EU students have the right to study, work and live in Finland without the need for a permit. However, EU students are requested to inform the local police of the municipality where they are residing in Finland if they intend to stay for a period of time longer than 3 months. EU students may apply online to register their right of residence in Finland.
[Click here to register online for an EU student right of residence].
Source: Finnish Immigration Service.