Finland Study Visa is open for Pakistani Students 2025-26. Pakistani students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees in Finland require a residence permit, not a visa.
A residence permit is required for stays in Finland exceeding three months. This requirement does not apply to nationals of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Your Path to Studying in Finland: The Residence Permit for Pakistani Students
Dreaming of studying in Finland? As a Pakistani student, you’ll need a Residence Permit. This guide provides the essential information to help you decide if Finland is your ideal study abroad destination!
Eligibility at a Glance
- Who Needs It? Pakistani students planning to study in Finland for more than 3 months.
- Who Doesn’t? Nationals of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Key Steps to Your Finnish Student Visa
- Apply Online: Start your application electronically via enterfinland.fi
- Biometrics & Identification: Book an appointment at the Embassy of Finland in the United Arab Emirates for fingerprinting and photos.
- Document Submission: Present all required documents at your appointment.
- Processing: Your application is transferred to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for processing.
- Decision & Delivery: If approved, your Residence Permit card will be delivered to the Embassy.
- Potential Interview: Be prepared for a visa interview during the process.
Cost & Financial Requirements
- Application Fee: 1390 AED (approx. $378 USD).
- Payment Options: Online, at a visa application center in Pakistan, or via bank transfer (check specific instructions).
- Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate €560 EUR per month to support yourself during your studies.
Essential Documents & Requirements
- Proof of Funds: (As mentioned above)
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for the Finnish visa.
What You DON’T Need (for Pakistani Students)
- English Language Proficiency Test: No need to prove English skills.
- Medical Test: Not required before arriving in Finland.
- Restricted Bank Account: You won’t need to set up this type of account.
Understanding Your Residence Permit
- Validity: The permit is typically valid for the duration of your studies.
- Renewal: You may need to renew your permit annually.
- Post-Study Stay: To remain in Finland after graduation, you’ll need to apply for a different visa or renewal.
Important Notes
- Apply Before Arrival: You must apply for the Residence Permit before coming to Finland.
- Application Progress: You can track your application status online via enterfinland.fi.
- Processing Time: Be patient, processing times can be long.
- Fee is Non-Refundable: The application fee will not be refunded even if your application is cancelled or denied.
- Lost/Expired Card Abroad: If your permit card is lost, stolen, or expired while abroad, you may apply for a D visa for return to Finland if your residence permit is still valid. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a new residence permit.
Where to Apply & Get More Info
- Electronic Application: enterfinland.fi
- Paper Application: migri.fi
- Biometrics & Identification: Embassy of Finland in the United Arab Emirates.
- VFS Global Service Centre: Apply for your permit at the VFS Global service centre in Abu Dhabi.
- Official Immigration Website: migri.fi (Finnish Immigration Service) for the most detailed and up-to-date information.
Why Finland?
Beyond Santa, Finland offers:
- Thousands of lakes and stunning landscapes.
- Unique architecture and design.
- A world leader in educational innovation.
- A culture that embraces and learns from failure (annual Day for Failure!).
- Top study options in Management, Computer Sciences, and Engineering & Technology.
Ready to embark on your Finnish study adventure? Start planning your Residence Permit application today!
