Long-stay visas (Type D)
Finnish Residence permit to look for work or start a business
A post-graduation job-seeker permit letting graduates and researchers stay up to two years to find work or launch a business.
Important information
- Issued by
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)
- Maximum duration
- Two years
- Can be split into parts of at least 6 months, ending within 3 years of the start
- Means requirement
- About EUR 800 per month
- Eligibility
- Completed a Finnish degree, or (EU-directive researchers) finished research in Finland
Who it's for
Graduates who have completed a degree in Finland, and researchers who have finished research work, who have not yet found employment and want time to job-search or start a business.
Requirements
- Holding or having previously held a study or research residence permit in Finland
- Having completed a Finnish degree, or (for EU-directive research permit holders) finished research work
- Not yet having found employment
- Sufficient means of support (about EUR 800/month)
- A valid passport
What you can do
- Stay in Finland to look for a job or establish a business
- Work while holding the permit
- Use the time flexibly, including splitting it into parts
- Switch to a work or entrepreneur permit once you find employment or start a business
How to apply
Apply in the Enter Finland online service (or on paper) after completing your studies or research, showing proof of the completed degree/research and sufficient funds, and pay the fee.
Verify your identity at a Migri service point. The permit is granted for up to two years.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for the permit to look for work or start a business
- Proof of completed degree or finished research in Finland
- Evidence of sufficient means of support
Frequently asked questions
Up to two years. You may take it in one block or split it into parts of at least six months each, as long as the final part ends within three years of when the permit first started.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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