Student visa for Finland, for students from United States

Finland does not issue a student visa. You apply for a first residence permit for studies from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), normally online through Enter Finland, and then visit a Finnish mission or service point to prove your identity and give fingerprints.

The fee rose on 1 January 2026: €600 online, €750 on paper, up from €450 and €550. For under-18s it is €400 online and €430 on paper.

The money. You must have at least €800 a month at your disposal. For studies of a year or longer, that means €9,600 in your bank account when you submit the application. The rules on how:

• The money must be in your own account, for your personal use only. Joint accounts are accepted only for under-18s and some exchange students.
• Tuition is separate. If you have paid it, attach the receipt and still show the €9,600. If you have not, your account must hold the first year's tuition plus the living funds. Migri states that funds reserved for your support cannot be used to pay tuition.
• Grants and scholarships reduce the amount euro for euro. Migri's own example: a €2,000 grant means you need €7,600 rather than €9,600 for a one-year programme.
• If your institution provides free accommodation, the monthly minimum falls to €400; with free accommodation and meals, €270.

Health insurance. You need private insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical costs, valid when you arrive. Holders of a Kela card, an EHIC or a UK GHIC are exempt. Migri publishes the minimum cover required on its insurance page: check it before you buy a policy.

Higher education students receive a continuous (A) permit.