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Post-Degree Job Seeker Permit (Työnhakuoleskelulupa tutkinnon perusteella)
FinlandFinland•Europe
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Post-Degree Job Seeker Permit (Työnhakuoleskelulupa tutkinnon perusteella)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €2,210

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Overview

Graduates of Finnish educational institutions can remain and seek employment for up to 2 years with full work authorization.

This post-degree job seeker permit allows recent graduates of Finnish educational institutions to remain in Finland and seek employment for up to two years. Issued under code OLE_tyonhaku, it is available to those who have completed a degree in Finland. You must demonstrate minimum financial resources of €12,360 annually and apply within five years of your previous study permit's expiration.

The permit grants full work authorization and is renewable. Application fees are €750 for online first-time applications or €800 for paper submission; extended permits cost €230 online or €430 by paper. Processing takes approximately two to three months. Your spouse may work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for international graduates seeking flexibility to explore the Finnish job market without a pre-existing employment contract while building toward permanent residence.

Cost Breakdown

First permit – online applicationEUR €750
First permit – paper applicationEUR €800
Extended permit – online applicationEUR €230
Extended permit – paper applicationEUR €430
TotalEUR €2,210

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Degree Completed in Finland Work Permit (Oleskelulupa Suomessa suoritetun tutkinnon perusteella)
Finland flagFinland

Degree Completed in Finland Work Permit (Oleskelulupa Suomessa suoritetun tutkinnon perusteella)

Validity6-9 months
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have or have had a residence permit for studies or research in Finland.

Must have completed a degree in Finland or finished research work.

Must not yet have a job in Finland or have a job with a salary too low for a work-based permit.

Must have sufficient financial resources for living in Finland.

Must apply within five years of the expiry of the previous residence permit for studies or research.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

12,360 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Degree certificate or proof of completed research

Proof of sufficient funds

Completed application form via Enter Finland

Passport-sized photograph

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Full work authorization without requiring a pre-existing job offer
  • Up to 2 years to find employment or start a business after graduation
  • Spouse and family can work and reside without additional restrictions
  • Counts toward permanent residency qualification in Finland
  • Processing typically takes 2-3 months with affordable fees (€750 online)
  • No language requirement specified for application or employment
  • Dual intent permitted — job search and entrepreneurship both allowed

Worth Knowing

  • Must have completed degree or research in Finland; cannot substitute foreign education
  • Application must be filed within five years of previous permit's expiration date
  • Requires proof of minimum annual financial resources (€12,360 EUR)
  • Only available to graduates of Finnish educational institutions or resident researchers

Application Process

1

Apply via Enter Finland

2

Pay fee

3

Visit a service point to prove identity

Application Forms

OLE_tyonhakuOptionalFill online

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