Icon

Residence permit for students in Finland: why may Finland cancel residence permits for hundreds of foreign students and how to obtain a document?

Education
Residence permit
Popular
Expats
Finland
Residence permit for students in Finland: why may Finland cancel residence permits for hundreds of foreign students and how to obtain a document?

The Finnish Immigration Service plans to cancel most residence permits issued to foreign students. Read more about the reasons for this decision, who may lose their permit, and the procedure for obtaining a student residence permit.

Legal advice on education abroad
Legal advice on education abroad
Buy


Finland is reviewing student residence permits for compliance with the requirements. As of the end of September 2024, 264 student permits had already been revoked, and 216 cases were pending.


How many residence permits for students in Finland have been reviewed?


In September 2023, an automatic review of student residence permits was introduced. Over the past 12 months, 5,795 residence permits were reviewed, and the analysis revealed that some students no longer meet the necessary conditions.


Why is Finland reviewing student residence permits?


According to current Finnish regulations, permits issued for a period of more than six months are subject to periodic review. The first review takes place three months after the permit is issued, and then annually.




You can get advice on education abroad on the Visit World portal. Our lawyers can answer all your questions about the current rules for admission to certain educational institutions, as well as help with the preparation of documents for admission and study abroad. To order a specialist consultation, follow this link.




Why study in Finland?


Finland is known to have one of the best education systems in the world. Almost half of its population has completed higher education, as the country offers a variety of study programs.

Tuition fees are very affordable for international students, and third-country nationals can enjoy the same rights as any other student, thanks to Finland’s equal opportunities policy. However, in order to study in Finland, you will need a student visa and a corresponding residence permit.


Who is eligible for a student visa to Finland?


To be eligible for a student visa, foreigners must meet these criteria:

- Be enrolled at a Finnish university, which means that you must apply for a study program before you apply for a visa.

- You must not have any entry bans to the Schengen area.

- You must not have any criminal convictions.

- You must not pose a danger to Finland and its interests.


What documents are required for a student visa to Finland


- A valid passport – its validity expires at least three months after your departure from Finland.

- A photo.

- A copy of the biography page of your passport.

- Confirmation of registration – You need to provide proof that you have been accepted to a study program at a Finnish university.

- Health insurance.

- Sufficient funds – You must have at least 560 euros in your personal bank account per month to cover your daily expenses during your studies.

- Confirmation of tuition fees paid.

- Scholarship certificates.

- Civil status documents – birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, adoption documents, etc.

- Previous diplomas.


What to do after receiving a visa?


After your application has been processed, you will receive a response regarding your visa.

When your student visa application is ready, you can travel to Finland. Once you arrive in Finland, you can register at the local immigration office to register your temporary status as a foreign student.


How long is a student visa to Finland valid for?


A Finnish student visa is valid for two years. If your study programme is less than two years long, the visa will only be valid for the duration of your study programme. If your study programme is longer, you can extend your student permit until the end of your studies.


Can I stay in Finland after my studies?


If you manage to find a job in Finland, you can change your student visa to a work visa or a researcher visa, depending on what interests you. A work visa is usually valid for one year, but it can be extended if you have a job.


Can I get permanent residence on a student visa?


After graduation, a student visa is no longer valid. To get permanent residence, you must have been a regular resident of Finland for about 5 years.

If you want to apply for permanent residence, you must have a job, internship, research project, etc. ready after graduation so that you can change your student visa to a work visa. With a work visa, you can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years in Finland.


How long does it take to obtain a student residence permit?


In September 2024, the average time for issuing a first residence permit for students was reduced to eight days (compared to 36 days in 2023).

Extensions of student permits now take an average of around 20 days, a significant improvement from 63 days in the previous period.


Is Finland interested in attracting international students?


Despite stricter monitoring of student permits, Finland is interested in attracting qualified foreign talent. In particular, the Government is considering granting permanent residence to people who have completed a master's degree in Finland and passed a Finnish or Swedish language test. However, a final decision on this proposal has not yet been made.


Finland is a promising country for international students, especially considering that the state is currently trying to balance stricter migration controls with initiatives to retain qualified specialists.


Let's remind you! Finland is a country of a thousand lakes that attracts potential migrants. Expats come here because the state has a stable economy, developed medicine, a well-built education system, incredible nature and high levels of happiness for the population. We have already told you what is needed to obtain a residence permit in Finland and what the procedure is for obtaining citizenship in 2024.






Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld


To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Finland;

Legal advice on immigration to Finland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Finland;

Medical insurance all over the world.



We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.

Frequantly

asked questions

Can a foreign student obtain permanent residence in Finland?

Permanent residence is possible after four years of continuous residence permit, including a period of study, especially if you work after graduation.

How can I get a residence permit in Finland?

What are the new rules for obtaining a residence permit in Finland?

Recommended articles

2 min

Education How to study in Australia in 2025: admission procedure, visa application and basic rules

How to study in Australia in 2025: admission procedure, visa application and basic rules

Hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world dream of studying in Australia, because it is in this country that you can get the education you dream of and learn English perfectly. Find out how to enter a higher education institution in Australia in 2025, what are the requirements and conditions for obtaining a visa

05 Dec. 2024

More details

1 min

Residence permit Residence permit Hungary: available ways to obtain the document

Residence permit Hungary: available ways to obtain the document

Moving to Hungary allows an expat to enjoy life in one of the EU countries, get a job with a high level of payment, a prestigious education and high-quality medical care. Find out what methods of moving to Hungary are available to a foreigner in 2024

11 Nov. 2024

More details

2 min

Education Higher education in Europe 2024/2025: which European countries offer free or very cheap tuition to international students?

Higher education in Europe 2024/2025: which European countries offer free or very cheap tuition to international students?

To get a higher education in Europe is the dream of many applicants in different parts of the world. However, most people think that it is expensive and almost impossible, although this is not the case at all. Find out which European countries offer free or very cheap tuition to international students

21 Nov. 2024

More details

2 min

Education Canada vs. Australia: which country is the best choice for international students seeking immigration?

Canada vs. Australia: which country is the best choice for international students seeking immigration?

More and more prospective students are choosing to study abroad, as foreign education opens the way to new knowledge, experience and can be a good start for building a career. Find out which country, Canada or Australia, will be the best choice for international students in 2025

28 Nov. 2024

More details