Suomi.fi for Service Developers
Go directly to contents.
Responsible for the service Finnish Immigration Service

Application for students and researchers: residence permit to look for work or to start a business

  • Permit or other obligation
  • Nationwide
  • Public service

Apply for a residence permit with this application if you need a residence permit to look for work or to start a business and you do not yet have a job. The permit must be applied for within five years from the date when your residence permit for studies or research expired.

Do the following

  1. Make sure you meet the requirements for a residence permit.

You must meet the requirements for granting a permit in order to be issued a residence permit. The requirements must be met throughout the period of validity of the residence permit.

2. Make sure you have all the necessary attachments.

You will need various attachments for your residence permit, such as a valid passport and a passport photo.

3. Fill in the application and pay the fee.

Fill in the application in the Enter Finland online service. If you are unable to use Enter Finland, fill in a paper application.

4. Prove your identity.

Book an appointment to visit a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) or a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity.

5. Wait for a decision.

The Finnish Immigration Service will contact you if they need additional information for your application. Reply to the request on time.


Period of validity

The permit is valid for a fixed time.

The service is provided by

Finnish Immigration Service

Responsible for the service

Finnish Immigration Service
Text edited by: Finnish Immigration Service
Updated: 31/8/2026