Finland
Working in Finland After a Degree: Official Rules Summarised
A summary of Migri's residence permit to look for work after a Finnish degree, and the 2026 income figures for the work permit based on a Finnish degree.
By the 47 Fellows team · Bachelor's · Master's · PhD · 3 min read ·
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In brief
This page summarises what the Finnish Immigration Service, Migri, published, as read on 20 October 2026, about working in Finland after a degree. It is general information, not advice on any person's case.
| Option (as described by Migri) | Who it is described for | Length | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence permit to look for work or start a business | People who completed a degree or research in Finland | Up to 2 years in total | Not required |
| Residence permit for work based on a Finnish degree | Graduates of a Finnish degree who have a job | Set by the permit | Required |
Rules change, and the official pages are the final word.
Permit to look for work after a degree
Migri's pages say:
- It is for people who hold or have held a residence permit for studies or research and who completed a degree or research in Finland, and who do not yet have a job, or whose job does not pay enough for a work-based permit.
- It can be granted for a maximum of two years. It can also be taken in up to three parts of at least six months each, with the last part ending within three years of the start of the first.
- It can be applied for right after graduation or within five years of graduating.
- Applicants need sufficient funds for living in Finland.
- Online applications cost less than paper ones. Migri's fee list gives the amounts.
Permit for work based on a Finnish degree
Migri says graduates of a Finnish degree who have a job can apply for a residence permit for work, and that the degree does not need to be recent. Once granted, this permit allows work without restriction. For 2026, Migri lists the required net income as at least €1,210, €1,090 or €1,030 a month, depending on where in Finland the person lives.
Official sources
- Migri, seeking work after graduation or completion of research: https://migri.fi/en/seeking-work-after-graduation-or-completion-of-research
- Migri, degree completed in Finland: https://migri.fi/en/degree-completed-in-finland
- Migri, frequently asked questions for students: https://migri.fi/en/faq-students
Related pages on 47 Fellows
Summary last compared with Migri's pages on 20 October 2026.