Student Residence Permits in Finland — Official Guide
If you are a non‑EU/EEA citizen planning to study in Finland for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a student residence permit before arriving. The permit is issued by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) and gives you legal status to study in Finland. Migration and Home Affairs
Where to Apply
➡️ Enter Finland – Official Online Application Portal
Use this portal to submit your student residence permit application:
https://enterfinland.fi/ Migration and Home Affairs
Once you submit the application online, you must usually visit a Finnish embassy/consulate in your home country to:
✔ Prove your identity
✔ Provide fingerprints (biometric data)
✔ Submit original supporting documents studies.helsinki.fi
Who Needs a Student Permit
✔ Non‑EU/EEA citizens intending to study in Finland for more than 90 days. Migration and Home Affairs
✔ You must apply before arriving in Finland; a tourist visa is not sufficient. UEF Kamu
EU/EEA citizens: do not need a residence permit, but if staying longer than 3 months they must register their right of residence in Finland. UEF Kamu
Nordic country citizens: can enter and stay without a residence permit. UEF Kamu
Basic Requirements to Apply
When applying, you generally must provide:
✔ A valid passport
✔ Passport‑photo that meets official guidelines
✔ Letter of acceptance from a Finnish educational institution
✔ Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
✔ Proof of valid health insurance
✔ Evidence of paid tuition fees (if applicable) Migration and Home Affairs+1
Financial Requirements
You must show you have enough money to support yourself during your studies:
➡️ Most sources currently indicate around €800 per month (approx. €9,600 per year), though verification levels and interpretation can vary. VAMK+1
Tip: Always check the official Migri page for the latest financial requirement before applying. Policies update frequently.
Health Insurance
For non‑EU/EEA applicants, valid health insurance is mandatory at the time of application. Aalto-yliopisto
✔ Your insurance must cover medical costs sufficiently (often up to a high level, e.g., €40,000 if your studies exceed 2 years). Aalto-yliopisto
✔ Without proper insurance, the residence permit application may be refused. studies.helsinki.fi
EU/EEA citizens: If you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), private insurance may not be required. Aalto-yliopisto
Duration of the Permit
✔ Your student residence permit is usually granted for the duration of your study program (e.g., the full degree). Migration and Home Affairs
✔ If your studies are shorter than two years, your permit might be issued accordingly. Migration and Home Affairs
Important: You must renew your permit before it expires if you continue your studies. Late applications may lead to gaps in your legal status.
Post‑Decision Monitoring
Migri may automatically check your permit after it is granted, including:
✔ Whether you have started your studies
✔ Whether you are progressing
✔ Whether requirements are still met dailyfinland
Standard Step‑by‑Step Process
Get accepted by a Finnish educational institution
Prepare required documents (passport, photos, acceptance letter)
Submit online application via EnterFinland
Book an appointment at your local Finnish embassy/consulate
Visit the mission for identity verification and fingerprints
Wait for a decision
If approved, receive a residence permit card
Travel to Finland with permit card ready before arrival studies.helsinki.fi
Official Student Permit Links
| Topic | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Finnish Immigration Service – Studies | https://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland (search on Migri site) |
| Enter Finland – Apply Online | https://enterfinland.fi/ |
| EU Immigration Portal – Student Finland | https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/student-finland_en |
After Arrival in Finland
✔ Register at DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency) if your stay is longer than 3 months.
✔ Get a Finnish personal identity code (required for bank accounts, healthcare, etc.). UEF Kamu
Your university will usually guide you on DVV registration and local procedures.
Tips for Student Applicants
✔ Apply as early as possible — processing can take weeks or months. Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu - Jamk
✔ Incomplete applications slow processing.
✔ Keep your insurance and funds proofs clear and complete.
✔ Always use EnterFinland.fi — avoid unofficial third‑party services.
⚠️ Important Reminder
Rules, financial thresholds, and procedures change often. Always verify all information on the official Migri and EnterFinland websites before applying. Translations may slightly alter meanings, so check the original English content when possible. If you find outdated info on our page, please report it to us so we can update it promptly.