🔄Old Law vs. New Law – Key Comparisons
Feature | Old Law | New Law (Effective April 15, 2025) | |||
| Temporary (B permit) – not counted towards permanent residency | Continuous (A permit) – counted towards 4-year residency requirement | |||
| Needed to reapply every academic year | One-time permit valid for the full duration of studies | |||
| Family members typically got temporary permits | Now eligible for continuous permits too | |||
| €560/month (~€6,720/year) – applies each year | Still €560/month for 2024, increasing to €800/month from Nov 2024 (but only for first year) | |||
| 1 year | 2 years | |||
| 25 hours/week during term time only | 30 hours/week, averaged over the entire year | |||
| Study period didn’t count towards 4 years needed | Study period now counts toward PR eligibility |
Explanation of key points:
- Permit Type
Old Law: Students received a Temporary (B) residence permit, which did not count toward Permanent Residency (PR).
New Law: Students now receive a Continuous (A) residence permit, which does count toward the 4-year PR requirement.
- Permit Duration
Old Law: Students had to reapply for a residence permit every academic year.
New Law: Students are given a single residence permit valid for their entire study program, avoiding yearly renewals.
- Family Member Permit
Old Law: Family members (like spouse or children) were given temporary (B) permits, limiting their stay.
New Law: Family members can now also get a continuous (A) permit, which helps them stay longer and qualify for PR.
- Minimum Living Expenses (Student)
Old Law: Students had to prove they had €560/month (around €6,720/year) every year.
New Law: Still €560/month for 2024. From November 2024, this will increase to €800/month, but students only need to show funds for the first year.
- Job Seeker Permit (Post-Graduation)
Old Law: Graduates could apply for a 1-year jobseeker visa after finishing studies.
New Law: Now, graduates get 2 years to search for a job or start a business in Finland.
- Part-Time Work During Study
Old Law: Students could work up to 25 hours per week, only during term time.
New Law: Students can now work 30 hours per week, averaged over the full year, giving more flexibility.
- Path to Permanent Residency
Old Law: The time spent studying didn’t count towards the 4 years required for PR.
New Law: The entire study period now counts toward the 4-year PR requirement, making it easier and faster to get PR.
How Does This Benefit Pakistani Students?
- Fewer Visa Hassles: No need to reapply every year – saves time, effort, and money.
- Faster PR Route: Pakistani students who want to settle in Europe can now count their study years toward Finnish permanent residency.
- Family Inclusion: Bringing dependents becomes more viable, with easier permits for spouses or children.
- Work Opportunities: More flexible part-time work rules and extended post-study work permits offer greater financial stability and career growth.