Finland Student Visa Process for Indian Students

Studying in Finland is a dream for many Indian students seeking world-class education, modern campuses, and a safe, innovative environment. But before beginning your academic journey, securing the right student visa, officially known as the first residence permit for studies, is essential. The process may seem daunting, involving admission confirmation, financial proof, health insurance, and biometrics at VFS or the Finnish mission. However, with the proper guidance and timely preparation, it becomes straightforward. This blog provides Indian students with every detail of the Finnish student visa process, from eligibility and documents to application steps, fees, and post-study opportunities.

Who needs a residence permit for studies?

You need a first residence permit for studies if you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen (e.g., an Indian national) admitted to a full-time degree or exchange program in a Finnish higher education institution for stays over 90 days. Apply online via Enter Finland, then complete identity verification (biometrics) in person at a Finnish mission or VFS application center.

What are the eligibility and key requirements for the Finland student visa process for Indian students?

Eligibility Criteria-

• Confirmed admission-

• You must have an official offer/admission letter from a recognized Finnish higher education institution for a full-time program (degree, exchange, or preparatory course).

• Purpose of stay-

• Your primary purpose in Finland must be studies (not work or other reasons).

• Duration of stay-

• The program must last more than 90 days. A Schengen visa may be required for shorter courses.

Key requirements-

• Valid passport-

• Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. All pages should be in good condition.

• Proof of funds (Living expenses)-

• You must show at least €800 per month or €9,600 per year for living costs.

• Funds can be shown via bank statements, scholarships, or sanctioned education loans.

• Tuition fee proof-

• Provide a receipt of tuition fee payment, waiver, or scholarship confirmation from your university.

• Health insurance (mandatory)-

• If studies < 2 years → Insurance must cover at least €120,000 in medical expenses.

• If studies ≥ 2 years → Insurance must cover at least €40,000 for medicines.

• Academic documents-

• Previous degrees, mark sheets, and certificates (with official translations if not in English).

• Passport-sized photos-

• As per Finnish police photo guidelines (biometrics will also be taken at VFS/Embassy).

• Accommodation and travel plans (recommended, not always mandatory)-

• Proof of student housing application or booking.

• Tentative travel itinerary (not always required but helpful).

• Online application and fee payment-

• Apply via the Enter Finland portal, upload documents, and pay the fee (€450 online / €550 paper).

• Biometrics and Identity Verification

• Mandatory in India at VFS Global or the Embassy/Consulate of Finland.

Financial support- Requirement of money-

As of 2025, you must show at least €800 per month (or €9,600 per year) for living costs, unless your program provides sufficiently covered benefits (e.g., fully funded scholarships/living stipends). Proof can be bank statements, scholarship letters, or a funding guarantee.

Health insurance requirement-

• If your studies last less than two years, your insurance must cover medical expenses up to €120,000.
• If your studies last two years or more, your insurance must cover prescription medicines up to €40,000 (and meet Migri’s other policy conditions).
• Choose a policy valid in Finland for the intended stay (or renewals).

What are the fees and processing time for the Finland student visa for Indian students?

1. Fees & Costs-

A. Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) Fees-

• Online (e-application)- €450
• Paper (paper-based)- €550
• For minors (<18 years)-

• Online- €270

• Paper- €300

B. D-Visa (Long-Term Visa Sticker)-

• Online- €95
• Paper- €120

C. VFS Global Service Charges (Biometrics/Appointment)-

According to Futurity Career Partners-

• VFS service fee- ~€70 (approx. ₹5,600)
• Optional courier fee (to receive residence card): ~₹482
• Total at VFS (in INR)- ₹6,082

Summary table-

Fee Type	Amount
Migri Online Application	€450
Migri Paper Application	€550
Migri Online (Minor)	€270
Migri Paper (Minor)	€300
D-Visa (Online)	€95
D-Visa (Paper)	€120
VFS Service Fee (India)	€70 (~₹5,600)
Optional Courier at VFS (India)	~₹482

 

2. Processing time-

A. Average decision timeline-

As of August 2024, Migri statistics show-

• About 94% of student permit applications are decided within 30 days.

A more recent update from April–May 2025 indicates-

• Approximately 75% of first-time student permit applications get a decision within 30 days.

B. Physical residence permit card delivery-

Once the decision is made (especially if no D-visa is issued), the physical card is typically delivered within around six weeks after the decision.

C. Factors affecting delays-

• Backlogs may occur in peak periods or at specific missions (e.g., New Delhi); though student applications are prioritized, appointment and processing delays may still occur.
• As a result, some applications may extend beyond the typical 30-day window, especially if additional documents or interviews are requested.

The optional D-visa (fast entry after approval)-

If you are granted a residence permit and a D visa with it, you can enter Finland without waiting for the physical residence permit card; the card will then be delivered to a collection point near your Finnish address. This can shave days or weeks off your arrival timeline. After your ID appointment, your passport must remain with the mission/VFS to get the D-visa sticker. Check the specific instructions when you apply.

Planning pointer- If your course start is close, opt for the online application + ensure your biometrics appointment happens quickly + consider the D-visa if available to you.

What is the Finland Student Visa Process for Indian students from India?

A. Before you apply-

• Accept your university offer and secure any fee payment receipts (if required by your institution before enrollment).
• Gather money proof (see section 2) and insurance meeting Migri thresholds.
• Confirm your passport validity (ideally through the end of your first academic year).

B. File online upon entering Finland-

• Create an account on Enter Finland and choose “First residence permit for studies.”
• Complete the form carefully (program details, address, funds, insurance).
• Upload all supporting documents (PDF scans, precise and complete).
• Pay the processing fee online to trigger processing. (If you can’t, you can pay later at the mission/VFS, but your case won’t move until it’s paid.)

C. Book biometrics/identity appointment (India)-

After submitting online, you must prove your identity in person and provide fingerprints & photo. In India, Finland uses VFS Global to identify residence permits. Appointment availability and centers are listed on country pages; New Delhi is a key hub, and other VACs operate per MFA guidance. Follow the VFS Finland India pages to book.

You can prove your identity at a Finnish mission (Embassy/Consulate) or a VFS Application Centre. Country—specific rules apply; consult the mission’s page.

Carry to VFS/mission-

• Original passport (+ photocopies).
• For the appointment/confirmation, enter the Finland application summary.
• Original documents you uploaded (admit letter, fee receipts, bank proofs, insurance certificate, academic transcripts, photos that meet Finland/Police photo rules if asked).
• Payment proof (if already paid online) or payment method (if paying there).
• Any additional forms the center asks you to bring.

D. Track and respond-

• Watch Enter Finland for status updates and requests for additional information.
• Processing begins only after fee payment and identity verification.

E. Decision, D-visa (if granted), and residence permit card-

• If approved for a D visa, you may travel to Finland immediately with the D visa sticker and collect your residence permit card there.
• If you don't have a D-visa, your residence permit card is usually sent to the mission (or, if you proved your identity at VFS, to the nearest mission) for pickup.

Which documents are necessary for the visa process?

1) Passport-

• Valid through processing and travel. All relevant pages (ID page & past visas).

2) Offer/Admission letter-

• From a Finnish university/UAS, with the program name and start date.

3) Financial evidence (living costs)-

• Bank statements, scholarship letters, or funding guarantees covering €800/month (or €9,600/year) for the first year (or as required). If fees are high or your city is expensive, consider showing more than the minimum for credibility.

4) Tuition-fee proof (if applicable)-

• Receipt or confirmation of payment/waiver/scholarship.

5) Valid health insurance-

• If studies < 2 years: policy with €120,000 medical coverage.
• If studies ≥ 2 years: policy with €40,000 for medicines (plus required medical coverage). Ensure zero or low deductible and full validity in Finland for the intended duration.

6) Academic records-

• Degree certificates, transcripts, mark sheets, and (if asked) official English translations.

7) Passport photos-

• Per Finnish Police photo guidelines, some centers take live photos/fingerprints.

8) Accommodation plan (optional but helpful)-

• Rental confirmation, student housing queue registration, or university housing info.

9) Travel plan (tentative)-

• It is not mandatory for the permit decision, but it is helpful for your timeline and (if asked) D-visa planning.

How can Indian students show their financial strength?

• Personal bank statements- Ideally 3–6 months with consistent balances. Avoid sudden lump-sum deposits without clear provenance.
• Parent/sponsor funding includes an affidavit of support, relationship proof, the sponsor’s bank statements, and income proof (ITRs/salary slips).
• Scholarships/stipends- University letter stating exact amounts and timing.
• Education loans- Sanction letter showing approved amount and disbursement terms; keep the disbursement schedule handy.

Remember, the minimum living cost is €800/month, separate from tuition. If your university city is pricey or you don’t have housing, showing a sensible buffer strengthens credibility.

Health insurance-

• Pick the correct threshold based on program length (see Section 2).
• Policy language—It provides an English certificate spelling out coverage sums (€), geographic validity (Finland), start/end dates, and deductibles/exclusions.
• Start date- Align with intended travel/course start (and D-visa plan if applicable).
• Renewals—If you initially buy a one-year policy for a multi-year degree, diary renewal well before expiry to avoid gaps (this affects extended permits).

Biometrics/identity in India: VFS playbook

• Book via the VFS Finland India site’s appointment system. Bring your Enter Finland application summary and originals.
• Expect fingerprints, photographs, and document checks; pay any VFS service charge.
• If you plan to use a D-visa, be prepared to leave your passport with the mission/VFS if instructed so that the sticker can be affixed promptly after the decision.

Related Reading: – F-1 Student Visa: Requirements, Process & Preparation Tips – What Is the Difference Between a Visa and a Passport? – Difference between Study Visa vs Study Permit

What about working in Finland while you study?

Your student residence permit includes work rights:

• Up to an average of 30 hours/week in paid employment over the calendar year (you can exceed some weeks if the yearly average is within 30).
• Unlimited when the work is integral to your degree (e.g., required practical training, thesis work with a company).
• These rules were relaxed compared to the old 25-hour cap years ago.

What will be the initial requirement after you arrive?

• Residence permit card—If you entered with a D visa, you can pick up your card at the Finnish collection point once notified. If you didn’t get a D-visa, you’ll collect the card at the mission where you proved your identity (or the nearest mission if you identified at VFS).
• Finnish personal identity code (PIC)—If you proved your identity only to VFS, you might not be auto-registered. Follow DVV instructions to obtain/confirm your PIC for banking, healthcare, etc.
• If you plan to work, open a bank account and get a tax card. Universities often help with orientations.

Extending your permit (later)

If your studies run longer than your first permit, apply for an extended permit before expiry via Enter Finland (you can use it from inside Finland). Maintain insurance and means of support, and keep proof of progress in the study handy.

What are the post-study options after studying in Finland?

After completing studies in Finland, Indian students have several post-study options that make the country an attractive destination for building a career or continuing education. Here are the main opportunities:

• Residence permits for job search or entrepreneurship—After graduation, Students can apply for a two-year residence permit to look for work or start a business in Finland. This is commonly known as the job-seeker permit. You can apply immediately after your student residence permit ends.

• Work opportunities- Once you secure a job related to your field of study, you can apply for a residence permit for an employed person (work permit) or a specialist permit. Finland seeks skilled professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and business.
• Entrepreneurship- Students who wish to start their venture can apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurship. Support for startups is strong in Finland, with initiatives like Startup Permit Finland and innovation hubs.

• Permanent residency pathway—If you have lived in Finland continuously for 4 years with a residence permit, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may also qualify for Finnish citizenship, subject to language and integration requirements.

• Further studies—Students may extend their residence permit if they plan to pursue another degree (e.g., a Master’s after a Bachelor’s, or a PhD after a Master’s).

• EU mobility options- With a Finnish residence permit, students may also explore opportunities in other EU/Schengen countries for short-term studies, research, or employment.

What common mistakes do Indian students make in the Finland student visa process?

• Many students submit incomplete or incorrectly filled visa application forms, which leads to unnecessary delays.
• Some fail to provide valid proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses in Finland.
• Applying with an expired or soon-to-expire passport is a frequent mistake.
• Students often overlook the need for proper health insurance that covers their entire stay.
• Low-quality or incorrectly formatted passport photographs are sometimes submitted.
• Attaching the official acceptance letter from a recognized Finnish university is another standard error.
• A few students either miss essential supporting documents or submit fake documents.
• Not booking the biometrics appointment on time causes unnecessary delays.
• Some students apply too close to the start of their academic program, leaving insufficient time for processing.
• Overlooking the requirement for legalized or apostilled academic documents is another mistake.
• Ignoring emails or requests for additional information from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) often leads to rejection.
• Students sometimes fail to apply for a D visa when required for faster entry into Finland.
• Providing inconsistent or false information during the visa interview can severely impact the outcome.
• Lastly, many students forget to track their application status regularly, making it harder to respond to updates promptly.

Conclusion-

If you line up the four pillars: admission, money, insurance, and identity verification, the Finnish student residence permit process is very manageable. Securing a Finland student visa is the first step for Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in this innovative and globally respected study destination. While the process requires careful planning—covering admission, financial proof, insurance, and biometrics—following the official guidelines ensures a smooth journey. The option of a D-visa further eases timely entry, and the permit also provides work opportunities during studies and post-graduation pathways. With its supportive policies, safe environment, and academic excellence, Finland offers a promising future for Indian students. You can confidently embark on your educational journey in Finland by preparing thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What exactly is the “student visa” for Finland?

Ans- The first residence permit for studies was filed online via Enter Finland, plus in-person identity verification at a mission/VFS.

Q2. How much money do I need to show?

Ans- At least €800/month or €9,600/year for living costs (plus tuition arrangements).

Q3. What are the insurance rules?

Ans- <2 years: cover €120,000 medical expenses. ≥2 years: cover €40,000 for medicines (and other policy conditions).

Q4. How much are the government fees?

Ans- 2025 fees: €450 (online) or €550 (paper) for the first residence permit for studies.

Q5. How long does processing take?

Ans- It varies. Check Migri’s Processing Times and live queues; timing starts after fee payment and identity verification.

Q6. What is the D-visa, and do you need it?

Ans—It’s a long-term national visa sticker that enables you to enter Finland faster after approval. It's useful if the course start is close and your residence permit card isn’t ready yet.

Q7. Can you work while studying?

Ans- Yes, an average of 30 hours/week in paid employment across the calendar year is unlimited if the work is part of your degree.

Q8. Where do you give biometrics in India?

Ans- At VFS Global centers authorized for Finland or the Finland mission, check the India pages and book an appointment online.

Q9. Do you have to leave your passport after biometrics?

Ans- If you apply for a D-visa, you may need to leave your passport so the visa sticker can be affixed promptly once your permit is granted. Follow the mission/VFS instructions.

Q10. After graduation, can you stay and look for jobs?

Ans- Yes. Apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business (commonly up to 2 years) or switch to a work-based residence permit after getting a job.