How to Get a Student Visa for Finland (8 Steps)

Finland offers many opportunities for international students. The country has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences, and these institutions offer more than 600 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Finland offers quality education across a wide range of fields.

If your studies in Finland will last longer than 90 days, you will generally need a residence permit for studies rather than a student visa. A visa is intended for short stays, and whether you need one for a stay of 90 days or less depends on your nationality. Apply for your permit as soon as you have been admitted, and check the current processing estimate on the Finnish Immigration Service website before making travel arrangements.

In this article, we will discuss what you should know about applying for a residence permit for studies in Finland, including the costs, steps, and documents needed. We will discuss each requirement as you prepare for your studies in Finland.

Steps on Applying for a Finnish Student Visa

Citizens of an EU member state, a Nordic country, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland do not need a residence permit for studies. However, citizens of an EU member state, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland must register their right of residence if they stay in Finland for longer than 90 days. Nordic citizens follow separate registration rules. For details, check the Finnish Immigration Service website and the Digital and Population Data Services Agency website.

If you are not exempt and your studies will last longer than 90 days, you should apply for a residence permit for studies. For a stay of 90 days or less, check whether you need a visa based on your nationality.

Step 1. Be Admitted to a Finnish Educational Institution

You must have a study place before applying for a residence permit for studies. Your application should include a certificate of acceptance or attendance from your Finnish educational institution. If you have already paid your tuition fee or received a scholarship, include the relevant documentation. If you will pay the tuition fee later, you must show that you have enough money in your bank account to cover the tuition fee and your living costs.

If you have not chosen a Finnish institution yet, Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences. For example, the University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest university and is located in the country’s capital. Other options include Aalto University, the University of Turku, and the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Step 2. Complete the Application Forms with the Documents Needed

You can complete your residence permit application through the Enter Finland online service. If you cannot use Enter Finland, you can complete a paper application. Add the required documents to your application and follow the instructions provided by the Finnish Immigration Service.

Complete the application yourself and provide all requested information. Enter Finland will guide you through the application process.

Step 3. Book an Appointment

After submitting your application abroad, book an appointment at a Finnish mission, such as an embassy or consulate. You must visit the mission to prove your identity.

Step 4. Pay the Application Fee

For a first residence permit for studies, the 2026 processing fee is €600 for an electronic application and €750 for a paper application. If you apply online through Enter Finland, you can pay with a credit card or Finnish online banking credentials when you submit your application, or you can pay when you visit a Finnish mission abroad to prove your identity. If you apply on paper, pay the fee when you visit the Finnish mission.

Step 5. Attend Your Appointment

Attend your appointment at the Finnish mission and bring your original documents. During the visit, you will prove your identity and present the originals of the documents attached to your application. You may also need to provide fingerprints for your residence permit card.

Step 6. Wait for a Decision

The Finnish Immigration Service processes residence permit applications for studies as high-priority applications. Processing times can change, so check the current estimate using the Finnish Immigration Service’s Processing Time Checker.

You should apply for your first residence permit abroad and wait for the decision before moving to Finland. If you visit Finland while your application is pending, you must leave before your visa-free period ends or your visa expires.

Step 7. Get the Results

If you applied online through Enter Finland, you will receive an email or text message when a decision has been made, and you will also see the decision in your Enter Finland account. If you submitted a paper application, the Finnish mission that you selected as your service point will inform you of the decision.

If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision to an Administrative Court. Appeal instructions will be attached to the decision and will explain the deadline, required documents, and submission process.

Step 8. Fly to Finland

After your residence permit has been approved and you have received your residence permit card, you can arrange your travel to Finland. When traveling, bring your passport and residence permit card. Students can also apply for a D visa at the same time as their residence permit application if they meet the relevant conditions and need to travel to Finland before collecting their residence permit card.

After completing your studies, you may apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business. This permit can be granted for a maximum of two years. You must apply within five years from the date your residence permit for studies or research expired.

Documents Needed for Finnish Student Visa

Before discussing the requirements, it is important to clarify the terminology. A visa is generally intended for a short-term or temporary stay of no more than 90 days. You do not automatically need a visa for every short stay: the requirement depends on your nationality.

If your studies in Finland will last longer than 90 days and you are not exempt, you need a residence permit for studies. The permit can be granted for the entire duration of your studies, although its validity can be limited by the validity period of your passport. If your studies will last 90 days or less, check whether you need a visa.

This article focuses on the residence permit for studies. Prepare the following documents before applying:

• A valid passport issued by your country of nationality
• A passport photo that complies with the official photo guidelines, or a photograph retrieval code from a photo shop; the photo must be no more than six months old
• A color copy of the passport page containing your personal data
• If applicable, a document showing that you are legally staying in the country where you submit your application
• A completed residence permit application for studies
• A certificate of acceptance or attendance from your Finnish educational institution
• Documentation of sufficient financial resources, including a bank statement covering the past six months
• A certificate of insurance that covers your medical and pharmaceutical expenses, unless an official exemption applies
• Documentation showing that you have paid your tuition fee or received a scholarship; if you will pay the tuition fee later, you must show that you have enough money to cover it
• Earlier degree certificates and potential employment certificates, if required; these are not required from degree students or exchange students
• If you are under 18 years old, a birth certificate and your parent or guardian’s consent for you to move to Finland

You must have at least €800 per month available for your living costs. If your studies will last one year or longer, you must generally have €9,600 in your bank account when you submit your application. If your studies will last less than one year, you must have €800 for each month of your stay. Separate rules can apply if your educational institution supports your living costs.

FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Finland

Finland offers a wide range of study opportunities for international students. You can learn more about Finnish institutions on the Study in Finland Page. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.