Janice Lozano
Finland is an attractive destination for international students, offering high-quality education and opportunities to work while studying. The country has made it easier for international students to work and stay, with legislative changes allowing students to work for up to 30 hours per week on average and extending the duration of the jobseeker's permit for graduates. International students can now search for jobs for two years after graduation, and their families can receive continuous residence permits. With a high visa approval rate, speedy processing, and excellent quality of life, Finland is an ideal place for international students to pursue their academic goals and gain valuable work experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours for students with residence permits | 30 hours per week on average |
| Work hours for students without residence permits | N/A |
| Work hours during holidays | No limitations |
| Total work hours per month | 120 hours |
| Total work hours per year | 1,560 hours |
| Work restrictions | Nationality (EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA) and nature of employment |
| Work tax | Applicable |
| Work permit | Not required for EU/EEA citizens |
| Work permit for internships | Required |
| Residence permit type for higher education | Continuous (A) residence permit |
| Residence permit type for other degrees | Temporary (B) residence permit |
| Residence permit for family members | Allowed |
| Residence permit application fee | Free |
| Number of study programmes to apply for | Up to six |
| Duration of "jobseeker's permit" | Two years |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can work part-time in Finland, with an average of 30 hours per week
- Students must pay income tax on their earnings, and may need private insurance
- Students can apply for a residence permit extension of up to a year to search for work after graduation
- Students can apply for a residence permit under the Students and Researchers Directive (EU) 2016/801
- Finland has a high approval rate for non-EU student residence permits, at 93% in 2021
International students can work part-time in Finland, with an average of 30 hours per week
International students in Finland are permitted to work part-time, with an average of 30 hours per week. This rule applies to students from outside the EU/EEA who have a student residency permit. Students from within the EU/EEA can work without a permit or restrictions on hours.
The right to work part-time is also contingent on the nature of the student's employment. For instance, a student who has an internship at an educational institution must have a residence permit. This is because internships cannot be carried out visa-free or with a visa. A residence permit is not granted for unpaid internships, and the intern must receive monetary compensation.
Students with a residence permit for studies can work in paid employment in any field, and the number of working hours can be exceeded some weeks, as long as the average working hours are no more than 30 hours per week at the end of the year. During holidays, students may work full-time, provided that their average working hours remain under 30 hours per week. A student is allowed to work for an average of 120 hours per month, or a total of 1,560 hours per year.
It is important to note that part-time income will not be enough to cover all study expenses. Students will also need to pay income tax in Finland, and the tax amount depends on the nature of their job and salary.
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Students must pay income tax on their earnings, and may need private insurance
International students in Finland are required to pay income tax on their earnings. The income tax rate depends on the student's annual income. Students can estimate their tax rate using the tax percentage calculator, but they must request a tax-at-source card from the Finnish Tax Administration. This requires a Finnish personal identity code. The Finnish Tax Administration will send a pre-completed tax return form in the spring following the year in which the student worked in Finland.
Students who work in Finland and receive wages or salaries from a Finnish employer are subject to Finnish taxes. However, there are tax treaties in place to prevent double taxation, and Finland does not usually impose tax on grants that foreign students or trainees receive from their home countries. Additionally, there is a tax exemption of €510 per month for income received from a Finnish employer. It is important to note that the tax residency status of students and trainees depends on the duration of their stay in Finland, and they may be considered non-resident taxpayers if their stay is less than six months.
Regarding insurance, international students in Finland are required to have adequate international health insurance. Only permanent residents of Finland are covered under the Finnish National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, so international students need to purchase a plan from a private insurance provider. This is enforced when applying for a visa, and the deductible must not exceed €300. The insurance plan must cover medical and pharmaceutical expenses, and it must be valid for the entire duration of the student's stay in Finland.
There are several insurance companies that offer plans specifically for international students studying in Finland, such as Aon Student Insurance, International Student Insurance, and Swisscare – ESI Finland plan. Students can also use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of private insurance. It is important for students to ensure they have the necessary insurance coverage before commencing their studies in Finland.
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Students can apply for a residence permit extension of up to a year to search for work after graduation
International students in Finland are allowed to work while studying. Students granted a residence permit for studies can work in paid employment in any field for an average of 30 hours per week. During holidays, students are allowed to work full-time, as long as the average working hours do not exceed 30 hours per week. Students are also allowed to work an average of 120 hours per month or a total of 1,560 hours per year.
If a student's degree consists of more than half apprenticeship training, they must apply for a residence permit on the grounds of employment. In this case, the right to work is determined by the residence permit for an employed person. If only half of the degree consists of apprenticeship training, the student must apply for a residence permit on the grounds of studying. In this case, the student may work full-time in employment included in the apprenticeship and up to 30 hours per week in other paid employment.
International students in Finland are required to have a residence permit. There are two types of residence permits: national permits and permits under the Students and Researchers Directive (EU) 2016/801. A national residence permit does not allow students to study in a second EU Member State, while a permit under the Directive does. Students who intend to complete part of their studies in a second EU Member State must submit a mobility notification to the competent authorities of the second Member State.
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Students can apply for a residence permit under the Students and Researchers Directive (EU) 2016/801
International students can apply for a residence permit to work and study in Finland. A residence permit for studies can be granted as a national permit or as a permit under the Students and Researchers Directive (EU) 2016/801. Here are the key points to note about the residence permit under the Directive:
Eligibility
To be eligible for a residence permit under the Directive, you must meet the requirements for the permit and be pursuing a higher education degree in Finland. The Directive is applicable if you intend to complete part of your studies in a second EU Member State. In this case, you may need to submit a mobility notification to the competent authorities of the second Member State.
Benefits of the Directive
The Students and Researchers Directive (EU) 2016/801 provides flexibility for students to complete part of their studies in another EU Member State. This allows for intra-EU mobility and the opportunity to take advantage of educational opportunities across the EU.
Work Permit
It is important to note that a residence permit under the Directive does not automatically grant the right to work in Finland. Students with a residence permit are allowed to work in paid employment for an average of 30 hours per week. During holidays, students may work full-time as long as the average working hours do not exceed 30 hours per week over the year.
Family Members
If you are granted a residence permit under the Directive, your spouse and children can also apply for a residence permit based on family ties. They will be eligible for a continuous residence permit if you are pursuing a degree at a higher education institution.
Post-Graduation Options
After completing your studies in Finland, you can apply for an extended residence permit for up to a year to search for work. This allows you to transition from student status to gaining employment and applying for a new residence permit based on your work placement.
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Finland has a high approval rate for non-EU student residence permits, at 93% in 2021
Finland has a high approval rate for non-EU student residence permits. In 2021, 93% of non-EU students' first residence permit applications for study in Finland were approved. This is noteworthy, as it is a very high approval rate relative to other countries. For example, the approval rate for non-EU study visas in Canada is lower, at 85%.
Finland has been working to attract more foreign students to address the country's workforce shortage. International students are seen as a solution to this problem. To achieve this, the Finnish government has implemented several measures to make it easier for international students to obtain residence permits and stay in the country after graduation.
One such measure is the introduction of "continuous" residence permits, which allow international students to remain in Finland for the duration of their studies. This is an extension of the previous policy, which limited residence permits to a maximum of two years. The new legislation also allows students' families to receive continuous permits, which may encourage more students to immigrate to Finland.
In addition to the high visa approval rates, Finland offers speedy visa processing. The average time to obtain a residence permit for students in Finland is 20 days, which is significantly faster than other countries such as Canada and the UK. This quick processing time is likely a significant factor in attracting international students to Finnish universities.
Finland has also expanded work opportunities for international students. The number of hours students can work while studying has been increased from 25 to 30 hours per week. Additionally, international students can now look for jobs in Finland for two years after graduation, up from one year previously. These reforms make Finland a competitive option for students considering studying abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work and study in Finland. Students from outside the EU/EEA who have a student residency permit are permitted to work part-time, up to 30 hours per week on average.
Yes, you need a residence permit to study in Finland. There are two types of residence permits: a national permit and a permit under the Students and Researchers Directive (EU) 2016/801. The type of permit you need depends on the type of studies you will be undertaking.
To obtain a residence permit in Finland, you must meet certain requirements. You must have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your stay, and you must take out private insurance that covers your medical and pharmaceutical expenses. Additionally, there may be specific requirements depending on the type of permit you are applying for.
The average wage for part-time jobs in Finland is approximately 1,500 euros per month. However, individual incomes can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, skills, and industry of employment.
