Finland: Additional Two-Year Residency Available for Graduates and Researchers

Researchers and graduates in Finland can now apply for a new two-year residency permit to seek work or start a business after the conclusion of their studies or research work. Once two years have lapsed, the foreign national would need to apply for a different permit type. Applicants must apply for the permit within five years of the expiration of the student or researcher residency permit, but not before the study course or research work is concluded, and cannot be working when they apply. Further requirements include proof of sufficient financial resources (EUR 560 per month) for the duration of the permit. Applicants can apply for the permit while resident in Finland as a student or researcher, as such extending their current residency permit, or can return to Finland after the completion of studies or research work. The government processing time for this type of permit is one to two months, with a fee of EUR 430.