Finland Student Residence Permit
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 30-120 calendar days
- Fee
- EUR 600
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a non-EU/EEA national. EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement and do not need a residence permit.
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Purpose of visit
Must have been accepted as a student at a Finnish higher education institution or other educational institution for degree studies or vocational qualification
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Financial
Must have at least EUR 800 per month (EUR 9,600 for one year) available for living expenses
Minimum funds: EUR 9,600
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Health
Must have private health insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical expenses in Finland
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting ICAO standards
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statement showing at least EUR 9,600 in applicant's personal account, scholarship award letter, grant confirmation, financial guarantee from sponsor; Minimum amount: EUR 9,600 (EUR 800 per month for 12 months)
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via Enter Finland, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 600 (online application), EUR 750 (paper application)
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Finland; Minimum coverage: Must cover medical and pharmaceutical expenses during stay in Finland
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain an official acceptance/admission letter from a Finnish higher education institution
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Online application
Complete and submit the residence permit application online at enterfinland.fi. Upload all required documents.
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Fee payment
Pay the processing fee of EUR 600 (online) or EUR 750 (paper) via the Enter Finland portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the nearest Finnish embassy/consulate to verify your identity in person
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Document submission
Attend the embassy/consulate appointment with your passport and original documents for identity verification
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Biometrics
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the embassy/consulate
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Processing wait
Processing time varies from 1-4 months depending on the embassy and time of year. You can track your application status online.
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Visa collection
Once approved, a residence permit card will be issued. If you applied for a D visa simultaneously, a visa sticker will be placed in your passport for initial entry.