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EU citizens' right to reside in Finland as a student

EU citizens and citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland must register their right to reside in Finland at a police department, if their stay lasts for longer than three months. 

Citizens of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland) are registered at a Register Office if they stay in Finland longer than six (6) months.

What are the requirements for a student's right to reside in Finland? 

The requirements for a student's right to reside in Finland are as follows:

• the main reason for the stay in Finland is to study at a Finnish educational institution,
• the student has sufficient means to support his or her stay in Finland during the studies. 

The student may provide proof of funding in any way he or she chooses. Students from Nordic countries do not need to provide proof of funding.

Student's income 

The student must self-finance his or her stay in Finland during the study period. The Finnish government does not provide funding for an EU citizen to stay in Finland, nor does it cover expenses for medical care for such a person. Persons who come to Finland solely for the purpose of studying are not entitled to the Finnish study grant.

How long is the right to reside in Finland valid? 

The right to reside in Finland is valid until further notice.

Can a student work while studying? 

An EU citizen or a thus comparable person can work while studying in Finland and does not need to acquire a special work permit to do so.

Further information 

Police departments
Permits and licences for foreigners
The local register offices

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