⚖️ 🇫🇮 Residence Permit for Studies vs 🇧🇷 Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE)
📊 AT A GLANCE
| Metric | 🇫🇮 Residence Permit for Studies | 🇧🇷 Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | 12 mo | 12 mo |
| Proof of Funds | $11,106 | $400 |
| Application Fee | $694 | $100 |
| Work During Study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | No |
💰 TUITION
| Detail | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Policy | Mixed | Mixed |
| Tuition Free Scope | Eu eea | All |
| Tuition Free Condition | Free for EU/EEA citizens and those with permanent residence in Finland. Finnish/Swedish-taught programs free for all. | Enrolled at a federal or state public university. |
| Tuition Max | $20,826 | $8,000 |
| Scholarships Available | Yes | Yes |
📅 DURATION
| Detail | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | 12 months | 12 months |
| Max Duration | — | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal Duration | 12 months | 12 months |
💵 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Funds | $11,106 | $400 |
| Application Fee | $694 | $100 |
| Dependent Fee | $694 | $100 |
💼 WORK DURING STUDY
| Detail | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours/Week (Term) | 30 hrs | — |
| Unlimited Hours | No | No |
| Freelance Allowed | Yes | No |
| On Campus Only | No | No |
| Work Permission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
📋 REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Required | Required | Required |
| Institution Accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health Insurance | Required | Not required |
| Medical Exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal Record Check | Not required | Required |
| Accommodation Proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa Interview | Not required | Not required |
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
| Detail | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Dependents Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent Restriction | Spouse/partner and children. Must show sufficient funds for the family. | Spouse and minor children. |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes | No |
| Spouse Work Unrestricted | Yes | No |
| Children Can Attend School | Yes | Yes |
🌍 POST-STUDY PATHWAYS
| Detail | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | No |
| Work Permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent Residency | Yes (4 yrs) | Yes (4 yrs) |
| Citizenship | Yes (5 yrs) | Yes (4 yrs) |
| Time Counts Toward PR | Yes | Yes |
| Time Counts Fraction | 1.00 | — |
📝 APPLICATION PROCESS
| Detail | Residence Permit for Studies | Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | In person |
| Processing Time | 14–60 days | 5–15 days |
| Apply In-Country | No | No |
| Multiple Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen Access | Yes | No |