Visas

Short-term visits to Finland

A visa (‘viisumi’ in Finnish) is a short-term residence permit that usually allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of three (3) months. You may need a visa if you, for example, plan to take a short language course in Finland, or if you need to visit Finland in order to take part in an entrance examination.

Whether you need a visa to enter Finland for a short-term visit or not, depends on your nationality. For example, nationals of the Nordic and EU countries do not need a visa to enter Finland. You can check if you will need a visa, and the travel documents accepted by Finland. on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland website.

Visa or a student residence permit?

If your studies in Finland last more than three months you will need a student residence permit or, if you are a Nordic/EU/EEA citizen staying in Finland for more than three months (six months for Nordic citizens), you need to register your residence in Finland.

It is also worth noting that, as a rule, you need to apply for your first student residence permit from your home country. If you have come to Finland with a short-term visa, you will usually need to return to your home country to apply for a residence permit.

Please see the sections ‘residence permits’ and ‘registration’. Detailed information on visa and residence permit requirements is available from the Finnish Immigration Service, or from the Finnish embassy in your home country.

Finnish embassies: www.formin.fi > In English > Diplomatic missions

Finnish Immigration Service: www.migri.fi