Residence Permit for Studies vs Student Permit (Permit B)
Student visa comparison: Finland and Switzerland. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
 CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Finland | Switzerland |
| Program type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 mo | 12 mo |
| Proof of funds | $11,106 | $31,725 |
| Application fee | $694 | $112 |
| Work during study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
Tuition
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Mixed | Subsidized |
| Tuition-free scope | Eu eea | None |
| Tuition-free condition | Free for EU/EEA citizens and those with permanent residence in Finland. Finnish/Swedish-taught programs free for all. | — |
| Tuition minimum | — | $1,269 |
| Tuition maximum | $20,826 | $5,076 |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 months | 12 months |
| Maximum duration | — | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | 12 months | 12 months |
Financial requirements
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | $11,106 | $31,725 |
| Application fee | $694 | $112 |
| Dependent fee | $694 | $112 |
Work during study
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours per week (term) | 30 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | Yes | No |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Automatic | Separate permit |
Requirements
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Required | Required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Required |
| Accommodation proof | Not required | Required |
| Visa interview | Not required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent restriction | Spouse/partner and children. Must show sufficient funds for the family. | Spouse and children. Very strict financial requirements for family accompaniment. |
| Spouse can work | Yes | No |
| Spouse work unrestricted | Yes | No |
| Children can attend school | Yes | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent residency | Yes(4 yrs) | Yes(10 yrs) |
| Citizenship | Yes(5 yrs) | Yes(12 yrs) |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | Yes | Yes |
| Fraction of time counted | 1.00 | 0.50 |
Application process
|
FI
Residence Permit for Studies
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | In person |
| Processing time | 14–60 days | 42–90 days |
| Apply in-country | No | No |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen access | Yes | Yes |