Residence permits for degree students
Note that there are different procedures for EU and non-EU nationals. EU nationals don't need a residence permit to study in Finland but they have to register their right of residence.
Registering the right of residence for EU/EEA citizens
As a citizen of a EU country or Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit for your degree studies in Finland. Instead, you need to register your right of residence if you stay in Finland for longer than 90 days.
Citizens of the EU/EEA member states do not require a residence permit. However please refer to the Finnish Immigration Service for more country specific information on what you should do upon your arrival to Finland.
If you are a Nordic citizen (Denmark, Iceland, Norway or Sweden), register your personal data at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Nordic citizens do not need to apply for EU registration at the Finnish Immigration Service.
Residence permit for Non-EU nationals
If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA member state, you must apply for a residence permit if you are planning to study in Finland for longer than three months.
Please follow the guidelines on how to apply for a residence permit on the pages of Finnish Immigration Service. It is essential that you start the application process soon after receiving the acceptance letter. It might take several months to process the application.
If you encounter problems during the application process please contact the authorities mentioned on the Finnish Immigration Service website.
Bear in mind that you must also have an insurance cover when applying for a residence permit as without it, a residence permit cannot be granted.
Note that the information on this page might be subject to changes. The latest information about the immigration procedures is always available on the Finnish Immigration Services website.