Finland which is official known as Republic of Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. Finland boasts a population of 5,562,447 as of January 2023. Situated in Northern Europe, it connects land borders with Norway, Russia, and Sweden.
If talk about applying for the Finnish Schengen Visa, the services have been initiated sine year 2001 when Finland joined the Schengen Area.
According to the United Nations Sponsored World Happiness Report, Finland has also been known as the happiest country in the world. It’s the 6th most visited countries in the border-free area of Schengen.
Fact: The Finland natives are the biggest coffee drinkers; every individual consumes no less than 12KG of the black coffee annually.
Entry Requirements for Finland
Because of the common Schengen travel zone, all the EU citizens can visit Finland only if they carry valid travel documents and passports. Apart from, the natives of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland does not require passport. They can make travel to Finland with their IDs.
Those who are non-EU travellers planning to visit Finland are required to show documents at the Finland entry port. These documents are:
- A valid passport or travel documents which should be valid at least 3 months beyond their date of exit from the Schengen area, and must be issued over the last 10 years.
- A visa, if they are subject to the Finland visa authorities
As a travellers you may also be asked to show other supporting documents like as proof of lodging, letter from a Finnish host, or a round ticket. One can contact to local consular services in Finland in your native country to get more information:
Besides this, the Finnish border officer may question you regarding your trip to Finland such as:
- Purpose of visiting Finland
- How long you intend to stay?
- Where you are going to stay in Finland?
The Finnish frontier guards will then determine whether you may be allowed to come into Finland, and so the Schengen region, or not. Ensure that the Finland boundary guard stamps your passport when you arrive in Finland. Without a mark, you could be fined or taken into custody from Finland.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Finland?
All nationals of European Union / European Economic Area countries are allowed to enter and move about in Finland and the entire Schengen Zone without a visa. Nonetheless, a few groups of citizens from non-member states must attain a visa before visiting Finland.
If you fall within either of the following classes, you will necessitate a short-term visa in order to enter Finland and any other nation that is a part of the Schengen area.
- You are a native of a third-world country that has not secured a visa facilitation treaty with the Schengen nations.
- You are the citizen of a developing nation that has inked a visa liberalization treaty with the Schengen nations, yet you were formerly not authorized to enter Finland or any other Schengen nation without a visa.
What Sort of Visa Do you Require to Enter the Finland?
Prior to beginning the application process for a visa to Finland, confirm which kind of visa you require. The type of visa you should submit an application for is contingent upon your reason for entering Finland.
The type of Schengen visa for Finland to say for 90 days of time period within six months are mentioned below:
Finland airport transit visa. For travellers who need to land at one of Finland’s airports to board a flight to a non-Schengen/non-EU destination country.
Finland transit visa. For travellers who need to get off at one of the Finnish ports in order to sail to a non-Schengen/non-EU destination country.
Finnish tourist visa. For third country nationals wishing to visit Finland for tourism, exploration or vacation
A visa for visiting friends and family in Finland. For citizens of third world countries who have family or friends in Finland and wish to visit.
Business visa for Finland. For travellers who need to participate in business activities in Finland.
Visa for official visits to Finland. For foreigners on business in Finland.
Finnish medical visa. For non-EU patients who wish to receive treatment in Finland.
Visa to study in Finland. For students wishing to study/apprentice/internship in Finland.
Finnish visas for cultural, sports and film teams. For those who intend to attend cultural and sporting events held in Finland or visit to Finland as part of a film crew.
Note: It is important to remember that visas issued allow for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day time frame. If you are seeking residence in Finland for a lengthier period, you should submit a request for a Finland National Visa.
Documents you Need for a Finland Schengen Visa Application?
The necessary Finland visa prerequisites for sojourns up to 90 days are listed below:
Finland visa application form: Complete the Finland visa request form by replying to all the queries, print it out, and sign it when finished.
Two Passport photos: Ensure that your passport has two unused pages for attaching visa stamps, and it was issued within the last 10 years of duration. Additionally, it must be valid for a minimum of three additional months beyond the time-frame of your Finland and Schengen area departure.
Copies of your previous visas (if its applicable).
Finland travel health insurance. That covers any medicinal crises for a minimum of €30,000 that happen in Finland and the whole Schengen area.
Round-trip schedule. Flight booking with dates, flight numbers and details of flights to and from Finland.
Proof of accommodation. This shows you where to stay during your stay in Finland. It’s a hotel reservation.
Proof of citizenship. This can be a child’s birth certificate, marriage certificate, a spouse’s death certificate, etc.
Proof of financial means sufficient during your stay in Finland. You need to prove to the Finnish Embassy/Consulate that you have at least 30 EUR per day for your entire planned stay in Finland.
It’s the cover letter. In this letter, write down your reasons for applying for a Finnish visa and any other details about your overall trip to Finland.
Additional Visa Requirements for Finland Depending on the Status of Employment
If you are employed:
- Employment contract
- Checking statements for the last 6 months
- Employer paid vacation
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or
If you are self-employed:
- Copy of business license
- Company account statements for the last 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If you are a student:
- Proof of registration
- School or college clearance certificate
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If you are a Retired:
- Statement of pension of the latest 6 months duration
If in case applicable:
- Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months
For – NOC Certificate from School.
Additional Visa Requirements for Finland Visa for the Category of Minors
Minor ones seeking a brief-term visa to Finland, or guardians applying for a visa for their minor child, must include the following supplementary Finland Visa Requirements in their application:
- Birth certificate for minors traveling to Finland
- Finland application signed by parents
- Family court order. Where only one parent has sole custody of the child.
For minors traveling alone or with others:
- An initial and duplicate of the accompanying individual’s passport page containing the holder’s details, expiration date, a current photograph, and legitimate visa duplicate.
- A sanctioned parental approval to go to Finland, endorsed by both guardians/safeguards.
Note: When applying at the Finland embassy/consulate in the native land, the guardian or caretaker should accompany their underage offspring.
Additional Requirements Depending on the Reason to Get Entry to Finland
Depending on the intent of your arrival in Finland, you will have to submit a few extra documents. Below is a list of additional Finland visa requirements based on the reason for your visit to Finland.
Documents Required for Schengen Visa for Airport Transit to Finland
The following additional documents must be presented when applying for a Finland airport transit visa:
- A valid visa for the country you are traveling to (if required).
- Air ticket for the last country to travel.
Documents Required for a Transit Schengen Visa to Finland
When submitting an application for a Finland Transit permit, you must furnish the subsequent supplemental material:
A valid visa for the country you are traveling to
Last country ticket to travel.
The original and a copy of the sailor’s notebook (required only for sailors).
A letter from the inviting shipping company. Issued by a shipping company that welcomes the Schengen member states where seafarers disembark (required for seafarers only).
Employment contract. Boarding contract with shipping company/ship (required only for sailors).
Documents Required for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Finland
The following additional documents must be presented when applying for a Finnish tourist visa:
- Account statement. Within the last 6 months.
- Itinerary of Travel. Description of your daily journey, showing when to arrive and leave Finland, what to do, where to stay, etc.
- Prove how you can finance your trip to Finland.
Documents required for Schengen visitor visa to Finland
If you are applying for a visa to visit friends or relatives in Finland, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
Proof of financial means. Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Finland. This could be:
- Bank statements, passbooks, personal bank statements, credit card statements, or balances from the last 6 months.
- Sponsor letter. If other people are financially sponsoring your trip to Finland. Also known as an affidavit of support.
- Itinerary. A detailed daily plan of your trip to Finland.
- Invitation. Written by a relative/friend in Finland inviting you to visit.
- Proof of relationship with host residing in Finland.
Documents You Required for a Business Schengen Visa to Finland
When applying for a business visa to Finland, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- A letter of no objection from your current educational institution (if applicable).
- Internship contract. Signed between Finnish company, home branch and trainees.
Documents You Need for a Schengen Medical Visa to Finland
The following additional documents must be presented when applying for a medical visa in Finland:
- Local medical report. It is issued by a doctor/clinic/hospital in your home country and confirms that you need treatment in Finland.
- A medical certificate from a hospital or doctor confirming your appointment date and health status. You also need to make sure that the hospital can provide certain treatments and you will be admitted accordingly.
- Proof of financial agreement.
- Official treatment/appointment confirmation from the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic)
Documents you Need for a Schengen Visa to Finland for Sports, Cultural, Film crew or religious purposes
If you apply for a visa to Finland for the purpose of attending cultural/sporting/religious events in Finland, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
Information about the event. As:
- An invitation from the Finland competent authority specifying the type of event or activity to be held in Finland.
- Event ticket
- Registration terms
- Detailed program of events in Finland.
- Documents containing other information related to the event, such as the name of the applicant
- Evidence of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winning certificates, proof of world/international rankings (sports).
Documents you Need for Finnish Schengen Visa for Wife/Husband of Finnish Citizen
If you apply for a visa to Finland as a spouse of a Finnish citizen/citizen, you must submit the following additional documents:
- Proof of Finnish citizenship (ID card or consular card or Finnish citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate)
- Finnish marriage certificate
- Finnish family studbook
Documents Required for the Finland Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations
If you apply for a visa to Finland as part of an official delegation, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- Official copy of the invitation
- Evidence of the purpose of the trip (negotiations, meetings, intergovernmental organization events, consultations).
How Do I Apply for a Short Stay Visa for Finland?
To complete the application process for a short-stay visa to Finland, you must complete the following steps:
- Identify the correct visa types necessary for entry into Finland.
- Fill out the application for a short-stay Finland visa
- Make out where you require to apply for Finland visa
- Gather the statutory Finland requirement for visa
- Schedule an interview at the proper Finland Embassy/Consulate/VAC
- Attend the interview at the relevant Finland Embassy/Consulate/VAC
Where can you Apply for a Short Stay Visa for Finland?
Depending on how Finnish authorities regulate visa issuance in your country of residence, you may need to apply to one of the following Finnish diplomatic missions in your country of residence:
- Embassy of Finland
- Consulate of Finland
- Visa application centers where Finland entrusts visa issuance
- Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country entrusted by Finland to issue visas
Who can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Finnish Embassy/Consulate/VAC?
If Finland is the only nation in the Schengen zone that you intend to travel to, then make your brief-stay visa application at a Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC.
Alternatively, if your journey will take in additional countries apart from Finland, make your brief-stay visa application at a Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if any of the below scenarios apply to you.
- You will be devoting a greater proportion of days to Finland than the other countries.
- You will be entering into the Schengen Zone via Finland, and expending equivalent number of days to each nation.
It is essential to recall that you cannot submit an application for a Finland short-term visa from a country where you are at present on a visa. You can only file a Finland brief-stay visa application at a Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC if you are a:
- Citizens of the country of origin of the application.
- Foreign nationals who hold a permanent/temporary residence permit in the country from which they are applying.
How Much Length of Time it Takes to Get a Finland Visa?
The processing period for a Finland short-stay visa could take as long as 15 days. This window may be protracted up to 30 days when Finland is represented in the nation by another Schengen state, or during peak times when the Finnish embassy is managing numerous requests.
In other situations, unusual cases may take up to 60 days, since the Finland consulates may have to confer with other Schengen embassies.
Ensure that you lodge your form within a timely manner, though not any sooner than three months prior to your journey to Finland, to avoid any potential postponement in the handling of your application.
How Much Does it Cost When You’re Applying for a Finland Visa?
The Schengen visa fees you will require are as follows:
- 80 euros for adults,
- For children under 12 is 40 euros.
- Children under 6 years free
Nevertheless, certain applicants are exempt from the cost while others are eligible for a reduced charge.
Note: Glance over the complete list of Finland Schengen Visa fees to ascertain whether you are part of any of these categories.
For How much Time Duration One Can Stay in Finland Without a Visa?
In case you are a national of one of the EU/EEA nations, you can come into and stay in Finland without a visa for an indefinite period. Nonetheless, you are required to register with the local government if you wish to remain in Finland for more than three months.
Additionally, nationals from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of South Korea, and the United States of America may also enter Finland and stay there for as long as they wish. Nevertheless, those who intend to stay in Finland for a longer period have to acquire a residence permit from the relevant Finnish authorities within three months of their arrival.
If you are a national of any of the other visa-exempt countries of Finland, you are authorized to be in Finland and the other Schengen states for up to 90 days, within a half-year span. If you wish to stay longer, you must acquire a long-term visa for Finland.
If you are a native of any nation that has not yet ratified a visa-free arrangement with Finland and the other members of the Schengen zone, you must obtain a visa before traveling to Finland or any other Schengen nation.
Note: It is essential to comply with this guideline, as staying in the Schengen area beyond the allowed timeframe may incur repercussions.
It is Possible to Extend a Schengen Visa in Finland?
Yes, the Finnish Police allow an extension of your Finland Schengen visa in extraordinary circumstances when some new facts and special causes come up post your entry in Finland, like if you cannot depart Finland and the Schengen area due to an unavoidable situation or a humanitarian justification.
You may also be eligible for an extension if there is a sudden and severe illness of a close family member who has a permanent residence in Finland.
Have a look on How to Extending a Schengen Visa in Finland so you can be familiar with the circumstances and necessities for prolonging your Finland Schengen Visa.
Can a Finland Schengen Visa Be Nullified?
Yes, your Finland visa may be nullified or revoked, if the relevant Finland authorities decide that the conditions for granting the visa are no longer applicable.
If the visa has already been accorded to you, it will be annulled should the conditions for granting it no longer be met.
Additional Information to Read: Finland Digital Nomad Visa
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