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Applying for a residence permit for studies

The application form for a residence permit for studies (OLE_OPI) can be printed out from the section Application forms. The forms can also be obtained from Finnish diplomatic missions and the police. The application form includes instructions on how to fill it in and a list of required attachments.

Applying for a residence permit abroad

A student who has been accepted to study at a Finnish educational institution must apply for a residence permit in advance through a Finnish diplomatic mission. The permit is to be applied for in the country in which the student resides legally. In practice this means the home country of the applicant, or the country which has granted him or her a residence permit.

 Fill in the application form and submit it, along with relevant appendices, to the Finnish diplomatic mission. Required obligatory appendices:

• letter of acceptance from a Finnish educational institution, which includes information on the duration of studies, the language of study and the degree aimed for
• details of comprehensive health insurance cover
• proof of means of support.

Exact information on other possible appendices will be found on section E of the application form (OLE_OPI).

The applicant must remain abroad while waiting for the decision on the permit application. The first residence permit is issued by the Finnish Immigration Service, which receives the application from the Finnish diplomatic mission.

Applying for a residence permit in Finland 

In exceptional cases, a residence permit for studies can be granted in Finland. This can be done if the student has initially come to Finland with a visa in order to attend an entrance exam, and the studies begin so soon after the entrance exam that the student would not have time to go back and apply for and receive the residence permit in his or her home country.

In Finland, the residence permit application is submitted to the police. The applicant can reside in Finland and begin his or her studies even if the decision on the permit has not been issued at the time when the studies begin. If the application is denied, the applicant is usually forced to discontinue his or her studies and leave the country.

How much is a residence permit application?  

A charge is made to cover the processing of a residence permit application. The charge must be paid when submitting the application for processing.

How long is the application processing time?

Please see the average processing times.  

Extension of a residence permit 

Applications for extensions of residence permits are submitted to the police, which also issue the decision on the permit application.

Further information

Police departments

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