Foreign students arriving in Finland: how to apply for a residence permit
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and are not a citizen of a EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you will need a residence permit for studies. Apply for a residence permit in the Enter Finland online service first and then book an appointment for identification. It is advisable to book the appointment as soon as possible, as the missions may be busy during the summer months.
You may be granted a residence permit for studies if:
- you have been admitted to a higher education institution or other educational institution in Finland and your studies lead to a degree or a vocational qualification
- you are participating in an exchange programme between educational institutions or in some other exchange programme.
Apply for a residence permit for studies in the Enter Finland online service
Fill in the application form on the Enter Finland online service carefully and add all the necessary documents. If you are applying with family members, make sure that:
- the documents concerning family relationships have been legalised
- all the attached documents have been translated into Finnish, Swedish or English
- the applications contain the necessary proof of financial resources.
Book an appointment for identification
After you have submitted your application in Enter Finland, book an appointment for identification to prove your identity and provide your biometric information. Go to the Finland abroad website to check which mission you should visit.
Missions in New Delhi, Kathmandu and Abu Dhabi will prioritise applications for residence permit for studies in June and July
Students will be prioritised so that they can start their studies on time in autumn 2025. The prioritisation of students means that family members of students may not be able to prove their identity at the same time as the main applicant who is applying for a residence permit for studies. Family members are asked to book an appointment before June or after July. More detailed information is available on the relevant mission’s website.