Finland student residence permit and post-graduation options in 2026
A non-EU/EEA student coming for qualifying studies generally needs a residence permit for studies. Finland also has a distinct post-study permit for job seeking or starting a business.
Study place, funds and insurance
The applicant needs an eligible study place and must meet the current financial and insurance requirements.
Migri's current student threshold is €800 per month. If the studies last at least one year, the applicant normally needs €9,600 available for the first year when submitting the application. If tuition remains unpaid, sufficient funds for the tuition fee must also be shown.
Private insurance meeting Migri's requirements is also required.
Work while studying
A study permit allows paid employment in any field for an average of 30 hours per week. The weekly number can vary as long as the permitted average is respected over the relevant assessment period.
Internships or diploma work that are part of the degree and earn study credits are subject to the specific study-work rules and can fall outside the ordinary 30-hour restriction.
After graduation: work or business permit
A person who completed a degree, qualification or research in Finland and has a job, trade or business activity may be able to obtain a residence permit on that basis without using the ordinary labour-market-test route.
Job seeking or starting a business
If you completed qualifying studies or research and do not yet have sufficient work, you can apply for the residence permit to look for work or start a business.
The permit can be granted for up to two years and can be applied for within the applicable post-study window. It provides broad work rights while the person looks for a longer-term basis.
This is not an automatic permanent-residence permit.
Permanent residence after Finnish higher education
From 8 January 2026, Finland has a permanent-residence application path linked to specified Finnish higher-education degrees, with its own language requirement. That does not mean every graduate automatically receives permanent residence; the exact degree, language and other statutory conditions must be met.
Related: permanent residence, specialist permit, Finland hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- Migri — Residence permit for studiesgovernment · accessed 2026-09-20
- Migri — Income requirement for studentsgovernment · accessed 2026-09-20
- Migri — After graduationgovernment · accessed 2026-09-20