Residence rules relaxed for international students, researchers

The Finnish government has relaxed its residence rules for international students and researchers who are studying and working in Finland.

Key Points:

• As of April 15, international students can now receive residence permits for the duration of their entire education. Previously, authorities required students to apply for a permit extension every year of their education.
• Foreign students and researchers are now eligible for a two-year residence permit to find work after graduation if they have an income of at least 560 euros per month or 6,720 euros per year.
  • Eligible individuals can submit an application for the two-year residence permit up to five years from their graduation date even if they are no longer residing in Finland.
• Authorities increased the amount students and researchers can work from an average of 25 hours per week to 30 hours.

Additional Information: Family members of students and researchers are eligible to receive residence permits. More information regarding the relaxed rules for international students is available here.

BAL Analysis: Finnish authorities relaxed residence rules for international students and researchers to make it easier for students to stay in the country after graduating.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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