BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Exchange Student Residence Permit (Vaihto-opiskelijan oleskelulupa)
FinlandFinland•Europe
Open

Exchange Student Residence Permit (Vaihto-opiskelijan oleskelulupa)

Working Holiday Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

EUR €240

Stay Duration

Varies (Maximum duration for transfer; extensible if transfer continues)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Residence permit for international exchange students at Finnish higher education institutions with part-time work authorization of up to 30 hours per week.

The Exchange Student Residence Permit allows students to participate in recognised exchange programmes at Finnish higher education institutions (e.g., Erasmus+, Nordic-Baltic initiatives). You must be accepted as part of a structured exchange where credits count toward your home degree. Core requirement: EUR 9,600 in financial resources for living expenses.

Application fee is EUR 600 (online via Enter Finland) or EUR 750 (paper). Valid health insurance with EUR 120,000 minimum coverage is mandatory. You may work up to 30 hours weekly on average, with unlimited hours during holidays. Duration varies by exchange length; not renewable in this category, though you can transition to the Post-Degree Job Seeker Permit afterward.

This visa is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students seeking an exchange at a Finnish university as part of their home degree programme.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be accepted as a student at an educational institution in Finland.

Studies must lead to a degree or vocational qualification, or be exchange studies at a higher education institution.

Must have sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses (at least 560 EUR per month).

Must have valid health insurance covering healthcare costs (up to 120,000 EUR for studies under 2 years; 40,000 EUR for studies over 2 years).

Must have a valid passport.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

9,600 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

9,600 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Acceptance letter from Finnish educational institution

Proof of financial means (bank statement showing 800 EUR/month or scholarship certificate)

Health insurance with minimum coverage of 120,000 EUR

Passport photos

Parental consent (if under 18)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work up to 30 hours per week during studies, unlimited during holidays for income flexibility
  • Straightforward application through Finnish immigration portal with clear document requirements
  • Study pathway toward Nordic degree with recognized international exchange programs (Erasmus+)
  • Access to Finnish healthcare and social services for the duration of permitted stay
  • Dependents allowed to join you in Finland during your studies
  • Renewable if transfer continues, with potential post-study job seeker permit
  • Qualifying for most EU/EEA student benefits and academic resources within Finland

Worth Knowing

  • Higher fees now EUR 600–750 and increased financial requirements (EUR 9,600 minimum) compared to past rates
  • Must maintain EUR 9,600 in verified savings throughout processing and studies
  • Mandatory health insurance with EUR 120,000 coverage for studies under 2 years; shorter terms have lower thresholds
  • Part-time work limits mean you cannot rely on employment to meet full living expenses
  • Application processing can take weeks; apply immediately upon receiving acceptance letter
  • Not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship in Finland; designed for temporary study only
  • Requires formal acceptance from a Finnish higher education institution before application
  • Fee and financial barriers may exclude applicants from lower-income backgrounds

Application Process

1

Arrange internal transfer

Company initiates intra-corporate transfer

2

Verify qualification

Ensure transfer within same company group

3

Prepare documents

Employment contract, company docs, salary details

4

Apply via fast-track

Submit through Enter Finland online service

5

Pay fee

EUR 240 application fee

6

Receive decision

2 weeks with fast-track

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Online Residence Permit Application for Studies (Enter Finland)—

Ready to see if the Exchange Student Residence Permit (Vaihto-opiskelijan oleskelulupa) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery