Study and skilled work are possible, but most 2026 berry-picker visa applications were refused.
Why Nepalis go: Safe, good public services, and degrees taught in English.
The catch: Tuition for non-EU students, Finnish language needed for many jobs, and seasonal berry visas are tightly restricted after trafficking cases.
Most common route: Study (bachelor's/master's in English) → job → permanent residence.
Residence permit for studies
Study a degree in English, work part-time, and stay to look for work afterwards.
Who it's for: Students admitted to a Finnish university or university of applied sciences.
Cost: Application fee about €350 online; tuition often €8,000–18,000 a year.
Time: 1–3 months.
Stay: Length of studies, then a permit to look for work.
Family: Possible with funds.
Leads to permanent residence: Yes, through work.
Seasonal work (berry picking)
Short visas of up to 3 months to pick wild berries. In 2026 the majority of applications were refused because of exploitation risks.
Who it's for: Seasonal workers with an employer offer.
Cost: Visa fee; travel costs are often loaned and become debt.
Time: Summer season only.
Stay: Up to 3 months.
Family: No.
Leads to permanent residence: No.
Scams to avoid
Berry-picking 'packages' often leave workers in debt with little income.