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Student — Residence Permit for Studies (Opiskelijan oleskelulupa)
FinlandFinland•Europe
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Student — Residence Permit for Studies (Opiskelijan oleskelulupa)

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

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €400–€750

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Granted for the entire duration of studies; extendable via extended permit application.

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Study permit for non-EU nationals pursuing degrees in Finland, renewable for the full duration, allowing up to 30 hours weekly work.

The Residence Permit for Studies is Finland's primary visa for non-EU/EEA nationals pursuing degree or vocational studies at accredited Finnish institutions. Issued by Migri, the permit authorizes residence for the full duration of studies, provided applicants meet financial requirements (EUR 9,600 liquid funds) and maintain private health insurance.

The permit is renewable as long as studies continue, and applications are processed within 1–3 months. The application fee is EUR 600 online or EUR 750 by paper; minors pay EUR 400 or EUR 430 respectively. Work authorization permits up to 30 hours per week on average in any field, or full-time during holidays if annual average is maintained.

This visa is ideal for international students accepted to Finnish universities or vocational colleges who can demonstrate financial stability and are willing to engage with Finland's education system long-term.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (online)EUR €600
Application fee (paper)EUR €750
Application fee (online, minor)EUR €400
Application fee (paper, minor)EUR €430
TotalEUR €400–€750

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Post-Degree Job Seeker Permit (Työnhakuoleskelulupa tutkinnon perusteella)
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Post-Degree Job Seeker Permit (Työnhakuoleskelulupa tutkinnon perusteella)

Validity2 years
Processing2–3 months
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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
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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have been accepted to study at a Finnish educational institution.

Studies must lead to a vocational qualification or a degree.

Must have sufficient financial resources for living in Finland (at least 800 EUR/month).

Must have private health insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical expenses.

Must have paid the tuition fee or have a scholarship confirmation.

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

Passport photo (max 6 months old) or photo retrieval code

Colour copy of passport biographical page

Certificate of acceptance or attendance from Finnish educational institution

Bank statement covering past 6 months (showing EUR 9,600 available)

Private health insurance certificate

Documentation of paid tuition fee or scholarship confirmation

Form MP_1 (if already in Finland)

Earlier degree certificates (if applicable)

Birth certificate and parental/guardian consent (if under 18)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work permitted up to 30 hours/week on average, or full-time during holidays if annual average maintained
  • Residence permit valid for entire duration of studies with extension options if studies continue
  • Processing typically completes within 1 month in most cases, with maximum 3 months
  • Reasonable financial requirement: EUR 9,600 in savings to demonstrate living cost coverage
  • Dependents permitted to join on accompanying family visas
  • PR pathway available via degree-completion visa upon successful graduation
  • Spouse permitted to work without restrictions while student is studying
  • Comprehensive health insurance requirement integrates students into Finnish social safety net

Worth Knowing

  • EUR 600–750 application fee (online or paper); minors pay EUR 400–430 respectively
  • Private health insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical expenses required
  • Must demonstrate EUR 9,600 in savings to prove ability to cover 12 months living expenses
  • Academic enrollment and progress must be maintained throughout permit validity to renew
  • Must hold formal acceptance from recognized Finnish educational institution before applying

Application Process

1

Verify qualification

Ensure you have been accepted to a Finnish educational institution and meet financial and insurance requirements

2

Gather documents

Collect acceptance certificate, bank statements, insurance certificate, tuition fee proof, and identity documents

3

Complete application

Fill out OLE_OPI form via Enter Finland online service (EUR 600) or paper application (EUR 750)

4

Pay fee

Pay application fee when submitting

5

Prove identity

Book appointment at nearest Finnish mission or service point for identity verification and fingerprinting

6

Await decision

Application processed as high-priority; receive notification by email or text

Application Forms

Go to application portal
OLE_OPIFill online

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