When I first planned my journey from Dhaka to Tampere, one big question came up: Can I work while studying in Finland?
Here’s the truth: Finland doesn’t issue a separate work permit for students. If you’re enrolled full-time in a recognized Finnish university, your student residence permit includes the right to work—with a few key conditions.
In this blog, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Finland Student Work Permit: who’s eligible, how it works, and how to make the most of it.
The Right to Work as a Student in Finland
Let me tell you—when I first read about the Finnish permit system, I was totally confused.
Back home in Bangladesh, I thought I’d need to apply for a separate “student work permit” after arriving. But in Finland, it’s different. When you receive your student residence permit (which is based on your admission to a full-time higher education program), that document includes your right to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during holidays.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Residence Permit ≠ Work Permit
There’s no additional application needed for working, as long as you stay within the limits set by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
This rule is outlined under Finnish Immigration Law, specifically the Aliens Act. It’s designed to help students support themselves while studying, but it also ensures that work doesn’t interfere with education.
Who Can Work in Finland as a Student?
If you’re a Bangladeshi student like me, this is where things get real. To work legally in Finland while studying, you must:
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Be from a non-EU/EEA country
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Hold a student residence permit
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Be enrolled full-time in a recognized Finnish institution
Whether you’re doing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, your right to work is tied to your academic status.
EU/EEA vs. Non-EU/EEA Students
Students from EU/EEA countries have no restrictions on working hours. But if you’re from Bangladesh, India, or anywhere outside the EU/EEA, you’ll have hourly limits—which brings us to the next section.
Work Hour Restrictions for International Students
When I first got a job at a small pizza place in Tampere, I panicked: “What if I accidentally work too much and violate my permit conditions?”
Here’s what I learned (and you need to know):
Students can work 30 hours per week on average during the academic year.
That means:
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It’s not a daily limit, but a weekly average.
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Some weeks you might work 20 hours, others 35—as long as the average is 30 across your academic term.
And the best part? During official university breaks and summer holidays, you can work full-time—no restrictions. I used that opportunity to work in a warehouse during the summer and saved enough to cover my rent for four months!
Real Example:
My friend Arif, who studies IT in Helsinki, works 4 days a week (6–7 hours per shift) at a local tech repair shop. During exam season, he cuts down his hours, but in lighter months, he works more. That flexibility helped him stay within legal limits while paying part of his tuition.
Types of Jobs Students Can Take in Finland
Finding a job wasn’t easy at first—I had to learn how to pronounce Finnish dish names (try saying mustikkapiirakka three times fast!). But once I got into the rhythm, I discovered a few job types that many international students lean toward.
🛵 Popular Part-Time Jobs:
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Cafés and Restaurants: Barista, kitchen help, waiter/waitress
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Delivery Services: Wolt, Foodora (great if you have a bike!)
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Cleaning Services: Offices, apartments, schools
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Retail and Customer Service: Grocery stores, clothing shops
These jobs usually don’t require fluent Finnish, which helps if you’re still learning the language (like I am—kiitos!).
🏫 On-Campus Opportunities:
If you’re lucky, your university might offer student assistant or research roles—especially at the master’s or PhD level. I helped a professor with data collection during one semester and not only earned extra cash, but also built a strong academic reference.
👨💻 Internships and Work Placements:
These are golden if they relate to your field of study. My classmate Saima scored a paid internship at a software startup during her final semester. Not only did it cover her living costs, but they offered her a full-time job after graduation!
How to Apply for the Student Residence Permit with Work Rights
Ah, the student residence permit—arguably the most nerve-racking part of my journey.
I remember sitting in my room in Dhaka, triple-checking every document, worrying I’d miss something and delay my dream. The good news? If you’re organized, the process is totally manageable—and once approved, it includes your Finland student work permit rights as well.
📄 Documents You’ll Need:
Before anything else, gather these essentials:
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Letter of Admission from a recognized Finnish university
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Proof of sufficient funds (at least €560/month or €6,720/year)
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Health insurance covering at least €40,000 per year
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A valid passport
I used my dad’s bank statement for proof of funds and bought health insurance online from a provider accepted by Migri (the Finnish Immigration Service). Just make sure all your documents are translated into English if needed.
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process:
Let me break it down like I did for my cousin last year:
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Create a Migri Account at Enter Finland
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Fill out the application for a residence permit for studies
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Upload your documents (make sure they’re clear and legible)
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Book a biometric appointment at your nearest Finland Visa Application Centre (mine was in Dhaka)
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Pay the application fee (about €350 online)
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Submit and wait—which, honestly, is the hardest part
⏳ Processing Time & Tips:
It usually takes 1 to 2 months to get a decision. Mine came in 5 weeks. Here’s how I avoided delays:
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Double-checked every file format before uploading
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Used only officially translated documents
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Made sure the funds were in the account for at least 3 months
Once approved, your residence permit will clearly mention your right to work up to 30 hours per week. That’s your golden ticket!
Important Considerations and Legal Compliance
Okay, now let’s talk about the stuff nobody wants to read—but absolutely must know.
Working in Finland comes with rights and responsibilities, and not following the rules can get your permit revoked. I’ve seen it happen to a guy who skipped taxes and worked under the table. Don’t be that guy.
💰 Taxes and Income
Yes, even students pay taxes in Finland. But here’s the catch—it’s not as scary as it sounds.
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Once you get a job, apply for a tax card (verokortti) from the Finnish Tax Administration.
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If your income is below a certain level, you might pay very little or no tax.
When I worked part-time at a bookstore, I handed my employer my tax card, and they handled everything else. Easy!
📃 Contracts and Wages
By law, you must get a written employment contract—don’t accept shady handshake deals.
Your contract should include:
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Work hours
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Salary
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Job description
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Termination clauses
And yes, Finland has a minimum wage system tied to different industries. My job paid €11.50/hour, which helped me cover groceries and rent.
⚖️ Know Your Rights:
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You’re entitled to breaks, fair pay, and safe working conditions.
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Your employer can’t make you work beyond the legal limit just because you’re a foreigner.
Finland takes labor rights seriously. You’re protected here—more than I ever expected.
Transitioning from Student to Worker After Graduation
This is the exciting part. You’re done with classes, thesis submitted—and now it’s time to build a life.
I’m currently in this phase, so here’s what I’ve learned:
🧭 Option 1: Job-Seeking Residence Permit
After graduation, you can apply for a residence permit for job-seeking or entrepreneurship. This gives you up to 2 years to stay in Finland and find a job or start a business.
I applied for mine right after completing my thesis. Just needed:
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Proof of graduation
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Updated health insurance
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Enough funds to support myself
🧑💼 Option 2: Work-Based Residence Permit
Got a job offer? Congrats! You can now apply for a work-based residence permit, which puts you on the path to permanent residency.
My friend Samiha, who graduated in nursing, landed a job in a hospital in Turku. She transitioned smoothly to a work permit, and now she’s saving to buy her first car in Finland!
🏡 Long-Term Stay and PR
If you live in Finland continuously and meet certain criteria (language, employment, residency duration), you can eventually apply for permanent residency or even citizenship.
That’s the long game I’m playing—and it all started with understanding my student work rights from day one.
Tips for Finding a Part-Time Job in Finland
Landing my first part-time job in Finland felt like winning a lottery—after weeks of rejections, unanswered applications, and a lot of learning.
But once I cracked the code, things got easier. Here are the tips that helped me (and can help you too):
🔍 Where to Search for Jobs
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Online Job Portals:
I checked Jobly.fi, Oikotie, and TE-palvelut almost daily. Most postings are in Finnish, but you can filter for English-speaking roles. -
University Career Services:
My university had a career center with postings just for students. That’s how I found my first on-campus assistant job. -
Local Networks:
Don’t underestimate the power of community. A Bangladeshi senior helped me get a referral for a restaurant job. Word of mouth matters! -
LinkedIn:
Create a professional profile, connect with locals, and follow companies you’re interested in.
📄 Building a Finnish-Style CV and Cover Letter
In Finland, simplicity and clarity win.
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CV: 1–2 pages, clean layout, clear headings.
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Cover Letter: Customized to each job. Keep it polite, professional, and to the point.
Pro tip: Always include a short section about your language skills, even if you only know basic Finnish—it shows effort.
🗣️ Language Requirements: Can I Work in English?
Yes—but it depends on the job.
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English-speaking jobs are more common in cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere, especially in tech and tourism.
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Customer-facing roles often require Finnish, but some restaurants and delivery services are more flexible.
I took a free Finnish course offered by my university, and even knowing a few words (“hei,” “kiitos,” “anteeksi”) helped me connect better at work.
Conclusion
Looking back, understanding the Finland student work permit rules made my study abroad journey smoother, safer, and more fulfilling.
To recap:
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Your student residence permit includes work rights—no separate permit needed.
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Stick to the 30-hour limit, pay your taxes, and know your rights.
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Start networking early, build a strong CV, and don’t give up on the job hunt.
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Use your university support system—they want you to succeed.
Finally, remember this: Studying abroad is about more than grades. It’s about growing as a person, learning to stand on your own feet, and finding your rhythm in a completely new world.
Balance your work and academics wisely, stay informed, and never be afraid to ask for help. Your Finnish adventure is waiting—and trust me, it’s worth every step.
FAQs About Working While Studying in Finland
Can I work more than 30 hours per week if I manage my schedule?
Nope—30 hours per week on average during the academic term is the legal limit. You can go over only during holidays.
What happens if I violate work hour limits?
It’s serious. Migri can revoke your residence permit for breaking work rules. One guy I knew had to leave Finland because he ignored the limits. Please—don’t risk it.
Do I need a separate work permit for internships?
No—if your internship is part of your studies, your student residence permit covers it. Just make sure your university confirms this in writing if needed.
