Explore Your Future
After Your Studies in Finland
Career and Residency Options
Next Steps After Studying in Finland for International Students
Graduating from a Finnish university opens the door to a world of opportunities—not just academically, but professionally and personally. Finland’s forward-thinking immigration policies and supportive innovation ecosystem make it one of the best places in Europe to build your future. Whether you’re looking to start a career, launch a business, continue your studies, or settle long-term, Finland offers clear and flexible pathways for international graduates. From job-seeking residence permits to entrepreneurial support and permanent residency options, this guide will help you navigate your next steps in Finland after graduation
1. Apply for a Job-Seeking or Start-Up Residence Permits
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Residence Permit
After completing their studies in Finland, international graduates are eligible to apply for a one-year residence permit specifically designed for job seeking or starting a business. This post-study permit allows graduates to remain in the country while they actively look for employment that matches their qualifications or work on launching a business idea.
The application must be submitted before the expiry of the student residence permit, and it’s valid for up to 12 months. This period offers valuable time to transition from studies to professional life in Finland’s dynamic and innovative job market.
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Eligibility:
Must apply within 5 years after graduation from a Finnish institution
2. Apply for a Residence Permit for Employment
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Residence Permit for Employment
After securing a job in Finland, you become eligible to apply for a residence permit based on employment. This permit allows you to legally live and work in Finland while contributing to the local economy. The type of permit you apply for depends on the nature of your job—for example, whether it’s a specialist role, seasonal work, or a position requiring general qualifications. The process typically involves submitting your employment contract, proof of qualifications, and financial documentation. Once granted, the residence permit opens doors to long-term career growth, social benefits, and a potential pathway to permanent residency or even Finnish citizenship over time.
Make sure to apply for the correct type of employment-based residence permit that matches your job offer. The permit category depends on your role, qualifications, and salary level. For example:
Specialist Permit is intended for highly skilled professionals, such as IT experts, engineers, or researchers.
The General Employment Permit applies to most other jobs that require specific skills but are not classified as specialist positions.
EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified non-EU workers with a higher salary threshold, offering faster access to permanent residency.
3. Apply for Start-Up Permit
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The Finnish government offers strong support for international graduates who wish to become entrepreneurs. If you have an innovative and scalable business idea, you may be eligible to apply for a Start-up Permit. This special residence permit allows non-EU entrepreneurs to establish and grow their business in Finland.
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Why Choose Finland for Your Start-Up?
– Access to government grants and support
– One of the world’s most innovative economies and
you can target 27 member countries
– Vibrant startup hubs like Helsinki, Oulu, and Tampere
– Strong support networks, funding opportunities, and
accelerators
What You Need to Do:
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1. Develop a strong business idea
It should be innovative, scalable, and have global market potential. You can find a clear step-by-step guide in multiple languages for starting a business on the official government website below.
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2. Apply for a Business Finland pre-assessment
You must submit your application along with your business proposal through the following web link to obtain the Finnish Start-up Permit.
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3. Get approval from Business Finland
You are required to obtain approval from Business Finland before applying for the Finnish Start-up Permit. This involves submitting your business plan and other required documents. Full details and application guidelines can be found at the official Business Finland website
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4. Apply for a Start-up Residence Permit
Once you receive the Finnish Start-up Permit approval, you can proceed to apply for the Start-up Residence Permit through the following link.
4. Continue Further Studies
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Residence Permit for Employment
After completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree in Finland, you have the opportunity to continue your academic journey by pursuing master’s or doctoral (PhD) studies. If you choose to further your studies, you can extend your residence permit based on your new study program.
For those entering doctoral (PhD) studies, it’s important to note that many PhD positions in Finland are structured as paid research jobs . This means PhD candidates often work as researchers at universities or research institutes and receive a monthly salary or research allowance, which covers living expenses and provides financial stability throughout the program
5. Apply for Permanent Residency
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Residence Permit for Employment
After residing continuously in Finland for four years with an A-type residence permit (continuous residence), you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit. However, to qualify, you must meet at least one of the following key criteria set by the Finnish Immigration Service.
– Annual income of €40,000
– A recognized master’s/postgraduate degree + 2 years of Finnish
work experience
– High proficiency in Finnish or Swedish
6. Apply for EU Long-Term Residency
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Residence Permit for Employment
If you have lived legally and continuously in Finland for at least five years with a valid residence permit, you may qualify for EU long-term resident status. This status offers more stability and benefits, such as easier mobility within the EU and fewer restrictions on renewing your residence permit. To be eligible, you must also meet certain conditions, including sufficient income, integration into Finnish society, and language skills..
7. Family Ties and Marriage
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Residence Permit for Employment
If you marry a Finnish citizen or an individual who holds a legal residence permit in Finland, you are eligible to apply for a residence permit based on family ties. This type of permit allows you to live in Finland with your spouse and is granted on the basis of your family relationship. In addition to marriage, cohabiting partnerships, registered partnerships, and child-parent relationships may also qualify under family ties. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, adequate financial resources, and housing arrangements..
