Is it Easy to get PR in Finland for International Students in 2025?

Are you an international student seeking permanent residency in Finland? Do you want to know is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? You are at the right place. This blog covers everything you need to know about the permanent residency in Finland. You can learn how to start as an international student, switch to a work permit, and get a PR. You will also learn about the PR types, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Is it Easy to get PR in Finland for International Students? An Overview 

Yes. It is easy to get a PR in Finland as an international student. The New Finnish law (2025) has made it easier for you to get permanent residency in the country. This means that-

1. Study time is counted– Earlier the time you spent on studies (B-permit) was not countred for PR. Now, it is! The time you spend as an international student is counted towards your permanent residency as you will get an A permit.
2. Extension on Job Seeker Permit– A job seeker permit is given for 1 year. Now, it is available for up to 2 years!
3. Increased work opportunities for students– The employment opportunities have increased. Therefore, it is easy for international students to find a job.

How Can International Students Get PR in Finland?

Is it Easy to get PR in Finland for International Students? Yes. It is easy to get a PR as an international student. Here is how you can get a PR.

Get a First Residence Permit 

To study in Finland you need to get a First Residence Permit. The residence permit that was previously issued was a B permit. A B permit is for temporary residence in the country. The time spent during this permit was not considered for a PR. However, as per the new rules, you can get an A permit for studies. A permit is a continuous residence permit and time spent holding this Permit is counted for PR.

Get a Residence Permit to Look for Work

After you have stayed in the country on A permit you can apply for a ‘Residence Permit to Look for Work or to Start a Business’. This is also an A permit. This permit is valid for 2 years. You can get this permit to look for employment, or to start a business in Finland.

Apply for a Finland Work Permit 

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. Once you get a job you can apply for a work permit. Finland issues work permits for different kinds of work. For example, you can get a work permit as a generally employed person, secure employment in the field of culture or the arts, work in mass media, etc. The duration of a work permit is tied to your employment contract. 

Apply for Permanent Residency

After you have stayed in Finland for 4 to 5 years you can apply for PR. You must ensure you have met the PR requirements before you apply. The Finlanad Permanent Residency is valid indefinitely. However, you need to renew your PR card every 5 years.

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Types of PR in Finland 

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. The following are the different types of PR provided by Finland. Both PR is valid for an indefinite period. You can apply based on the eligibility criteria you meet.

1. The P Permit- After staying continuously for 4 years on an A permit you can apply for a P Permit. You must need to renew this.
2. P-EU and P-EY permit- These are permanent EU permits given to third-country nationals. (For example, Indians). You need to stay in Finland on an A permit or P permit for 5 years to get this. No need to renew this.

Difference Between a P Permit and a P-EU Permit 

The P Permit and a P-EU permit might sound similar but they are different in terms of the benefits they offer, and scope. The difference is provided below:

Particulars	P-Permit	P-EU permit
Validity	This permit is valid only in Finland	This permit is valid across all EU countries
Application	You need to stay for 4 years in Finland to apply for this PR	You need to stay in Finland for 5 years to apply for this
Duration of stay	You cannot easily move to other EU countries	You can easily work or study in other EU countries
Revocation	Your PR can be revoked if you stay for 2 years outside Finland	Your PR can only be revoked if you stay for 6 years outside Finland or 12 months outside the EU.

Eligibility Criteria to Get a PR in Finland as an International Student

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. However, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the specific PR. 

Particulars	Eligibility Criteria to Get a Finland P Permit	Eligibility Criteria to Get a Finland P-EU/P-EY Permit
Duration of Stay	You must have stayed for at least 4 years in Finland	You must have stayed in Finland for 5 years
Residency Permit Requirement	Held Finland A permit for 4 years continuously (stayed in Finland for 2 years)	Stayed in Finland for 5 years on an A Permit, or a P permit
Residence Permit Condition	The requirements of Your current Residence permit are met	Your residence permit is valid when you are applying
Funds	Not asked	You must have sufficient funds to stay in the European Union
Absence	Not stayed outside Finland for holiday, travel, or to work abroad	Not stayed outside Finland for holiday, travel, or to work abroad
Application for Residence Permit	Applied for the first residence permit on the day of your entry into Finland	Not asked

Finland PR Requirements for International Students

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. However, apart from the above eligibility criteria you need to meet additional requirements. These requirements have to be met irrespective of which PR you will be applying for.

General PR Requirement	Description
A valid passport	The passport must be valid while you are applying for a PR
Not prescribed a prohibition of entry	You must not have been banned from entering Finland
Not a danger to public order and security.	Do not have a criminal record
Not a danger to public health	Must not have any contagious diseases
Not a danger to Finland’s international relations.	Must not create international problems for Finland
Written consent from parents	If you are below the age of 18

When to Apply for a Finland PR as an International Student?

As an international student, it is best to know when you can apply for a Finland PR. You can apply for a PR when-

1. You have stayed in Finland for 4 to 5 years
2. You meet the requirements to get a Finland PR (P permit or P-EU permit)

How to Apply for a Finland PR as an International Student?

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is easy to get a PR for Finland. You can follow the step-by-step instructions to get a PR.

1. Decide the type of PR you want to apply– Finland issues two types of PR. A P permit for PR for Finland and a P-EU permit for PR valid in the EU. Choose which one you want.
2. Decide how you want to apply- You can use the Finnish Immigration (e-service) or apply in person. 
3. Fill out the visa application form- Visit the E-service and fill out the application form, or visit the Immigration service centre get the form and fill out the same.
4. Pay the PR application fee- The PR application fee is paid online at the time of application (if you are using e-service). Otherwise, the application fee is paid at the  Finnish Immigration Service Centre.
5. Show your documents and get your biometric taken – Whether you are applying online or in person you need to show your original documents at the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity. You also need to submit your biometric information
6. Processing and decision- At this stage, your PR application is processed. You will receive a text message or email if you have applied online. The Finnish Police or the Finnish Immigration Service (by post) will inform you about the decision if you have applied offline.

Understand the cost of living in Finland as an International student 

How Long Does it Take to Process Finland Permanent Residency Application?

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. Once the application is submitted the processing takes place. The processing time for a Finland PR is provided below. 

Particulars	Finland PR Processing Time
PR Application processing time (majority cases)	5–10 months
PR Application processing time (minority cases)	13–15 months
PR application renewal processing time	1 week to 6 months

Note– the processing time is the same for online and on-paper applications.

How Much is the Filing Fee for Permanent Residence?

The permanent residence application fees for Finland are as follows-

Finland PR Type	PR Fee (electronic application)	PR Fee (paper application)	PR Fee (applicants under 18)
P Permit	EUR 240	EUR 350	EUR 180
P-EU/P-EY Permit	EUR 240	EUR 350	EUR 180

What are the Finlnad New Rules for International Students in 2025?

The Finlnad New Rules for International Students 2025 is provided below:

Finland’s New Rules for International Students	Description
Tuition Fees	Previously you had to show tuition fees for every year. Now you only have to show the tuition fee amount for 1 year
Working hours	Earlier you could only work for 25 hours a week. Now you can work for 30 hours a week
When to work	Now you can work throughout the year (not just during your term time)
PR counted for studies	Now your study time is also counted as time of stay for PR
Job Seekers Permit	You can stay a job seeker for 2 years
Study permit renewal	Now you only have to apply once

How Much International Students Can Earn in Finland?

As an international student, you can work part-time for 30 hours a week. The average pay per hour is provided below:

Particulars	Pay Per Hour
Average part-time earnings of an international student	EUR 9 to EUR 13
Minimum part-time earnings of an international student	EUR 7 to EUR 8

The monthly income of an international student is around EUR 900 to EUR 1300.

What are the Finland Permanent Residence Benefits?

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. Moreover, there are several benefits of getting a Permanent Residency in Finland. Some of these benefits are provided below:

1. Stay indefinitely- You can stay in Finland for an indefinite period.
2. Working and studying– You can work and study in Finland as long as you have the PR without restrictions. 
3. Social security benefits- You can access the social security benefits in Finland. For example, education benefits, healthcare benefits, etc.
4. Travel to the Schengen area– You can travel to the Schengen area without getting a separate visa.
5. Access EU- If you get a P-EU/P-EY permit you can even work and study in the EU for less than 6 years. 
6. Your path to citizenship– The Finnish permanent residency is a path to obtain citizenship in the country.
7. Finnish law protection– You can enjoy protection under the Finnish law just like a regular citizen.
8. Family reunification– You can reunite with your family members and even get their residence permits!

Are you interested in studying in Finland? Watch this video, to learn all about studying in the world’s happiest country.

How Long Does it Take to Get Citizenship in Finland for International Students?

Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Yes. It is. You can get a PR within 4 to 5 years of continuous stay in Finland. Moreover, you also become eligible for citizenship. You can apply for Finland citizenship after 8 years. You can apply for citizenship after 5 years only if you are a stateless person, have the language skills, or a spouse of a Finnish citizen. On the other hand, Co-applicants (your children) can get citizenship after 5 years of stay.

FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question- Is it easy to get PR in Finland for international students? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey! 

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