STAY BACK AND GET A WORK PERMIT IN FINLAND

Posted date: 02 Feb 2023

Why Should You Study in Finland? Due to its stable government, healthcare system, and
Nordic region, Finland is frequently cited as one of the world's happiest nations. For domestic
students and residents of the EU/EEA, higher education is entirely free in Finland. International
students received free education in Finland until 2017. Since then, tuition fees have been
implemented. They provide high-quality education and house international-level research
facilities. Moreover, there are options for both job and study in Finland. Before we get into the
alternatives for staying in Finland and working, it's vital to look at visa regulations and work
permits.
The Student Visa in Finland is given by Finland Immigration, and when the course students
choose lasts more than 90 days, they must apply for a student visa, which is usually good for one
year. One can apply for a permit extension at "Finnish Missions"-Ministry of Foreign Affairs if
they wish to prolong their current one. As long as the visa is valid, students may work and study
in Finland without the need for separate authorization.
Work Permit for Students in Finland
For students who are enrolled in Finland for their studies, it is legal to work, study, and work
there. However, there are limitations on the number of hours that students can work, much like in
many other nations. International students in Finland with valid student visas are permitted to
work a part-time employment for no more than 25 hours a week. Additionally, only occupations
relevant to the students' fields of study are permitted. The working hours are not limited to 25
hours during the breaks.
Stay back in Finland Option
A separate permit is needed to stay back in Finland and work after finishing your studies. For
overseas students who are staying behind in Finland, there are two types of employment and
residence permits they can apply for:
? After Studying in Finland, you will need a residence permit to find work.
? Permit to Reside in Finland Based on Employment

As we delve deeper into each of them, the first option, for seeking employment after study in
Finland, is for students who are willing to return to Finland once their studies are complete and
are now seeking employment there. This permit has a maximum validity period of one year and
is non-renewable once issued. Students who are unable to find employment must return to their
native country. However, for the majority of students, one year is sufficient to secure
employment in Finland. It is anticipated that the rules governing the stay back may alter soon,
and it is possible that students will be permitted to stay back for up to two years.
The second category is self-explanatory and is for students who secured employment in the
nation before their prior visa expired. Students may apply for a stay-back residence visa in
Finland before that period expires, for a maximum of four years or the length of their job,
whichever is shorter.

Since the processing time for the residence permit might take between 30 and 150 days, students
should begin applying well in advance of the expiration of their study permit in Finland. Students
must submit an application to the local authority in Finland that the Finland Immigration
Services has designated.

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GSP Admin