Finland Visa Types 2027: Which One Fits You?

Why Choosing the Right Finnish Visa Matters

Finland attracts visitors, students and workers with its excellent education, safe cities, beautiful nature and one of the highest qualities of life in the world. But each purpose of stay needs a different visa or permit, and the rules depend on your nationality. Citizens of EU and EEA countries can live and work in Finland freely and only need to register longer stays, while most other people need a visa or a residence permit. Choosing the right one from the start saves time, money and the risk of refusal.

Short Visits: Tourist and Business Visas

For holidays, family visits or short business trips, many travellers need a Schengen visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To apply, you hand in your application in person at a Finnish embassy, consulate or visa centre no later than 15 days before your trip, with travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000 and proof of money for your stay. The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults. A tourist visa does not allow you to work or study for a full degree in Finland.

Studying in Finland

To study at a Finnish university, you need a residence permit for studies from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). You must show at least EUR 800 a month for your studies, or EUR 9,600 for a year, plus proof that your tuition is paid or covered by a scholarship. To apply, you fill in the online application in Migri’s Enter Finland service, pay the fee and visit a Finnish embassy or visa centre to prove your identity. Students can work an average of 30 hours a week, and graduates can get a permit of up to two years to look for work.

Working in Finland

Most people from outside the EU need a residence permit for an employed person, which requires a job offer from an employer in Finland. Your salary must be at least EUR 1,600 a month before tax (2026 level), and your employer must confirm your terms of employment. To apply, you submit your application online in Enter Finland, your employer adds the job details in its own service, and you prove your identity at a Finnish embassy or visa centre. Finland also has special permits for groups such as specialists, researchers and startup founders.

Family and Permanent Residence

Many people living in Finland with a residence permit can bring their spouse and children, who apply for a permit based on family ties through Enter Finland. Over time, people with a continuous residence permit can apply for permanent residence. In most cases, permanent residence also requires Finnish or Swedish language skills. Each path has its own rules, so check the details on the official Migri website for your situation.

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