Quick answer
You can apply for a residence permit for studies in Finland if you have been accepted as a student at a Finnish educational institution and your studies lead to a degree or vocational qualification, or you are an exchange student [1]. The permit is granted for the duration of your studies . You must apply for your first permit abroad [4], and you need to prove sufficient financial resources (9,600 euros for the first year) [20] and have valid health insurance . The application is submitted online via Enter Finland , followed by identity verification at a Finnish mission or Migri service point . You may be allowed to work an average of 30 hours per week . Depending on your studies, you may receive an A or B permit .
Key facts
| Financial requirement | 9,600 euros for first year[20] |
Am I eligible?
Degree or vocational qualification
- You have been accepted to study at an educational institution in Finland.
- Your studies must lead to a vocational qualification or a degree.
- You cannot get a residence permit for studies to complete basic education.
- Your studies must require you to stay in Finland; distance learning online is not sufficient.
Other studies with well-founded reason
- You have been accepted to study at an educational institution in Finland.
- Your studies do not lead to a degree or vocational qualification, but you have a well-founded reason for them.
- Acceptable reasons include further studies to supplement vocational skills or degrees already acquired, further training relating to work done in the country of departure, or special training available in Finland (e.g., education export).
- Your studies must require you to stay in Finland; distance learning online is not sufficient.
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
You must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay.
You must be accepted as a student at a Finnish educational institution.
You must have enough money to support yourself for the entire period of your studies. The required amount is updated annually by the Finnish Immigration Service.
If your studies have a tuition fee, you must show evidence of sufficient funds to pay the tuition fee in addition to living expenses.
You must have private health insurance that covers medical and drug expenses in Finland.
If family members move with you, you must be able to support their livelihood as well.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport
- Certificate of acceptance from educational institution
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Certificate of insurance
- Documentation of paid tuition fee or scholarship
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Fill in the application online in Enter Finland and add your documents
- 2
Pay the processing fee
- 3
Prove your identity at a Finnish mission or Migri service point
- 4
Wait for a decision
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a residence permit for studies if my studies are mainly online distance learning?
No. You cannot be granted a residence permit for studies if your studies mainly consist of distance learning online and do not require you to stay in Finland.
Can I work while studying with a residence permit for studies?
Yes, you may work for 30 hours per week on average. If your degree requires completing internships or diploma work, the working time restrictions do not apply to them if it has been agreed that you will earn credits from them. Your employer checks how many hours your permit allows you to work, and both you and your employer are responsible for ensuring the maximum is not exceeded.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
You must have at least EUR 800 at your disposal every month to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
- A passport photo complying with the [photo guidelines issued by the police (poliisi.fi)](https://poliisi.fi/en/submitting-passport-photographs), or a photograph retrieval code you received from a ph
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
A bank statement covering the past 6 months
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
- Earlier degree certificates (not required of degree students and exchange students) - Potential certificates of employment (not required of degree students and exchange students) If you are under 18
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
You should apply for a D visa only if you can travel to Finland within 2 weeks of being granted a residence permit, because you need to collect your residence permit card from a collection point in Fi
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
You can study in Finland for a maximum of 90 days, if you do not have a residence permit
Studying in Finland - Residence permit · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Even if you stay in Finland for less than 90 days, you may still need a visa
Studying in Finland - Residence permit · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
If you have been granted a residence permit for studies by some other EU Member State than Finland, you can come to Finland to carry out part of your studies for a period up to 360 days
Studying in Finland - Residence permit · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
With a D visa, you can arrive in Finland during a time period of 100 days before the residence permit becomes valid
Studying in Finland - Residence permit · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Eligibility for residence permit for studies
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Application must be submitted abroad for first permit
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Financial requirement: 9,600 euros for first year
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
Insurance requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Required documents
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
Application process steps
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
Right to work
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
Permit type A or B
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
D visa option
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [19]
Eligibility pathways for residence permit for studies
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [20]
FAQ about distance learning
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [21]
FAQ about work rights
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Finland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Finland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.