Finland Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Finland for your studies.
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An example plan for before you leave
Preparing for Your Studies in Finland
Get your permit, money, insurance and housing ready before you fly to Finland.
You Need a Residence Permit
What to Prepare
- Residence permit: Apply on Enter Finland. The student fee is EUR 600 online.
- Money proof: EUR 9,600 for 1 year of living costs, plus your first year's tuition fee unless you have paid it or a scholarship covers it.
- Insurance: Private insurance that meets Migri's rules.
- Housing: Find a home before you fly. You need an address to register.
- Travel: Fly with your card, or with a D visa and collect the card near your Finnish address.
Your Pre-Departure Timeline
First
Wait for your acceptance letter and check your tuition fee.
Before you apply
EUR 9,600 in your own account and valid insurance.
Within 3 months of applying
Apply online, then visit a visa centre in person to prove your identity.
1 month in most cases
Collect your card or D visa and fly.
Check Your University's Dates
Your university sets its own dates for paying the tuition fee and arriving.
If your permit may come late, tell your university early.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Finland
Tick these off before you fly.
Documents
Valid passport
Bring it to your identity visit.
Acceptance letter
From your Finnish university.
Passport photo
Taken in the last 6 months.
Money
Bank statement for the last 6 months
It must show your name, the bank and the currency.
EUR 9,600 for living costs
For studies of 1 year or more.
Tuition fee proof
Receipt, scholarship letter or the fee in your account.
Travel
Insurance certificate
Valid from the day you arrive.
Housing contract
You need an address to register with DVV.
Residence permit card or D visa
Needed before you fly.
Important Reminder
Staying Safe and in Touch
Save these numbers before you land.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Finland
112 is free from any phone, also a foreign mobile, with no area code.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
Medical Helpline
116 117. Call before going to emergency care.
Poison Information Centre
(09) 471 977 in Finland, or +358 9 471 977 from abroad, 24 hours a day.
Before You Fly
Save 112 for emergencies.
Save 116 117, the Medical Helpline.
Install the free 112 Suomi app (Suomi is Finnish for Finland) so the operator sees your location.
Key Tips Before You Leave
Keep EUR 9,600 for living costs in an account in your own name.
Check that the part you pay yourself on each claim (the excess) is EUR 300 or less.
Ask for a D visa only if you can travel to Finland within 2 weeks of getting your permit.
Carry your bank statement when you fly. The border officer may ask about your money.
Plan your Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) visit for your first week.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Before You Leave for Finland
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