Working In Finland: Opportunities For International Students

Finland is a popular destination for international students, thanks to its high-quality universities, stable economy, and healthcare. As of 2022, the Finnish government has made it easier for international students to work and stay in the country by increasing the number of working hours for non-EU students from 25 to 30 hours per week and extending the duration of the job-seeker's permit for international graduates and researchers from one to two years. International students can now seek work in Finland for up to two years after graduation and can apply for the permit up to five years after completing their studies. Additionally, Finland has introduced speedy visa processing and high visa approval rates, making it a competitive option for students from non-EU markets.

Work permits and visas

International students in Finland are required to obtain a student visa if their course duration is more than 90 days. This visa is granted by Finnish Immigration and is valid for one year. Students can apply for an extension at the Finnish Missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visa serves as a residence permit and allows students to work and study in Finland without requiring a separate work permit.

Students from EU/EEA countries can work during their studies in Finland without any restrictions on hours and do not need a work permit. However, non-EU/EEA international students can only work part-time, with a maximum of 25 hours per week on average. Since 2022, the Finnish government has increased the weekly work limit for non-EU/EEA students to 30 hours, providing more flexibility for international students to gain work experience while studying.

After completing their studies, international students in Finland have the option to stay and look for job opportunities. There are two types of work and residence permits available for international students intending to stay in Finland after graduation: the Residence Permit to Find Jobs in Finland after Study and the Residence Permit on Basis of Employment in Finland. The first type of permit allows students to stay in Finland for up to one year to seek employment. It is non-renewable, and students who cannot find a job within this period must return to their home country. However, the majority of students find employment within this timeframe. The second type of permit is based on having secured employment in Finland after graduation.

It is important to note that international students in Finland are required to have private insurance that covers their medical and pharmaceutical expenses to obtain a residence permit. Additionally, they are responsible for paying taxes on their income, with the tax amount depending on the length of their stay.

Working hours

International students in Finland are allowed to work during their studies, but there are some restrictions. These restrictions depend on the student's nationality and the nature of their employment.

If you are a non-EU/EEA national, your paid employment is restricted to a maximum of 30 hours per week on average. This equates to 120 hours per month or 1,560 hours per year. You can adjust your hours on a weekly basis, but the average should not exceed 30 hours per week during academic terms. There are no limitations on working hours in full-time employment during holidays.

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, there are no restrictions on work hours, and you can engage in part-time or full-time employment without any regulatory constraints. However, you should ensure that your work does not interfere with your academic progress.

Regardless of nationality, if you are an international student doing an internship that is part of your degree, there is no 30-hour limit. The same applies if you are doing practical training or thesis work related to your degree.

Income and taxes

The average monthly income for international students in Finland is approximately €2,500 for part-time work. Earnings can vary based on factors like job type, hours worked, and individual employer policies. Salaries for part-time jobs typically range from 7 to 13 euros per hour, depending on the sector and working hours.

If you work in Finland, you must pay taxes on your income. The taxation policy depends on the length of your stay and the type of employment. International tax agreements may allow tax deductions for students, but this usually only applies if your work in Finland is directly related to your studies at home.

Job opportunities

International students in Finland have various job opportunities, with the ability to work while studying and after graduation. Here is an overview of the job landscape for international students in Finland:

Working While Studying:

Finland allows international students to work part-time during their studies, providing an opportunity to earn an income and gain valuable experience. The weekly work limit for non-EU/EEA students was previously 25 hours per week but has been increased to 30 hours per week. This change provides more flexibility for international students to balance their studies and work commitments.

International students in Finland can find part-time job opportunities in various sectors. The availability of jobs may depend on factors such as language skills, with fluency in Finnish or Swedish being advantageous. Many students work during the evening, weekends, and summer vacations. The lowest salary for international students in part-time jobs ranges from 7 to 8 euros per hour, but they can typically earn between 9 and 13 euros per hour. Working on evenings, holidays, and Sundays can result in higher pay rates.

Post-Graduation Work Permit:

Finland has introduced reforms to make it easier for international students to stay and work after graduation. The "jobseeker's permit" duration has been extended from one year to two years, providing more time for graduates to find suitable employment. Additionally, the work permit can be applied for within five years after graduation, and applications can even be made from outside Finland. This extended duration enhances the chances for international graduates to pursue careers and establish themselves in the Finnish job market.

Residence Permit Options:

International students in Finland have two main residence permit options: the Residence Permit to Find Jobs in Finland after Study and the Residence Permit on the Basis of Employment in Finland. The first option allows students to stay in Finland for up to one year to seek employment, while the second option is based on securing employment in the country. It is important to note that the first type of permit is non-renewable, and students who cannot find a job within the year may need to return to their home country.

Visa Considerations:

Students from non-EU/EEA countries intending to study in Finland for more than 90 days need to obtain a student visa. This visa is typically valid for one year, and extensions can be applied for at "Finnish Missions" under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visa serves as a residence permit, allowing students to work and study in Finland without requiring a separate permit. International students should also be prepared to cover their living costs and ensure they have adequate insurance coverage, as medical expenses are not covered by the residence permit.

Tax implications

International students in Finland are typically treated as non-resident taxpayers and are only taxed on income received from Finnish sources. This means that if you are an international student in Finland and you receive income from another country, it is usually not taxed in Finland. However, income from a Finnish employer will be taxed in Finland. The tax rate for non-residents is 35%, and you can apply for a tax-at-source card. This card will outline your eligibility for a tax-at-source deduction, which is €510 per month or €17 per day.

If you are an international student working part-time in Finland, you are required to pay income tax, and the amount of tax depends on the nature of your job and your salary. It is important to check the tax requirements with your employer before signing an agreement. International students have more job restrictions than EU/EEA nationals, so it is essential to be aware of and abide by all the conditions.

Finland has tax treaties with over 70 countries to prevent double taxation. These treaties usually apply to grants that foreign trainees receive from their home countries or pocket money paid by the EU. However, the six-month rule, which states that an individual must work in the country of study for at least six months for the treaty to apply, may impact eligibility. Additionally, the tax exemption does not apply to wages paid by Finnish public sector bodies or specific organisations, or for work performed in Finnish aircraft or vessels.

International students in Finland can now look for jobs for two years after graduation, and they can apply for the permit up to five years after completing their studies. This permit can be obtained from outside Finland, which is beneficial for graduates who have previously had to leave the country due to visa constraints.

Healthcare and insurance

As an international student in Finland, you will need to purchase adequate health insurance coverage for your time in the country. The Finnish National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme of Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland) only covers permanent residents. Thus, as an international student, you will need to purchase a plan from a private insurance provider before you leave for Finland. This is enforced when you apply for your visa.

If you have a Kela card, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you do not need to take out additional insurance. The card must be valid even after you have moved to Finland. The insurance excess may not be more than EUR 300. If you stay in Finland for less than a year, your insurance must be valid throughout your entire stay in Finland. If your studies in Finland take longer than a year, your insurance must be valid without a break for at least one year. There cannot be any restrictions on the validity of your insurance. It must be valid throughout your entire stay in Finland.

There are very few carriers of private health insurance in Finland because of the reliance on public universal health insurance. Instead, international students will be required to get health insurance that covers international travel and living in Finland. The Atlas Travel, Student Secure and Europe Travel plan are popular options that will meet the requirements listed by the embassy, consulate, and police stations. International students will be required to show proof of insurance for the full duration of their studies.

The Finnish government has made it easier for international students to work and stay in the country. The number of hours students can work while studying has increased from 25 to 30 hours per week. International students can now look for jobs in Finland for two years after graduation, up from one year. International students can apply for the permit up to five years after graduation, and they can even apply from outside of Finland.

Frequently asked questions