Finland Visa
Traveling to Finland
Finland is known for its gorgeous natural beauty (crystal clear lakes, snowy northern wilderness) as well as its chic capital of Helsinki. In addition to Finnish, Russian, and Swedish, English is widely spoken throughout the country, which has a reputation amongst travelers for being safe, clean, and welcoming.
You may need a visa to travel to Finland, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed). There are numerous types of visas for Finland, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Finland visas have different Finland visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Finland visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Finland is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Finland will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Finland visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business (Finland Schengen Business visa)
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study
- Tourism (Finland Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Finland Working Visa (Finland Work Permit)
This is a kind of short term Finland Working visa that allows you to work in Finland for under 90 days—without it, you may be unable to work in the country, even if you are staying less than 90 days.
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Finland Transit visa
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
Long term visas to Finland are granted to successful applicants for one of the following types of first residence permits for Finland:
- First residence permit for seasonal work
- First residence permit for work (Finland Work permit)
- First residence permit for studies (Finland Student visa)
- First residence permit for families
- EU Blue Card
- ICT Residence Permit (intra corporate transfer)
- Residence permit for a specialist
- Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur
- Residence permit for a family member
Finland visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Finland.
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Finland)
Visa fee
Your Finland visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Fees are generally non-refundable, even in the case of a denied visa.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Finland visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Finland visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Finland
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents will likely need to be written in Finnish or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Finland visa application
Applicants for Finland visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Think about how long you need to be in Finland; stays of over 90 days traditionally require a long-term visa.
Select your Finland visa purpose
Determine what type of Finland visa you need. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Finland or the multiple entry visa for Finland will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Finland cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find the physical destination for your application (the Finland Embassy/ Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live). - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Apply for the Finland Schengen visa by downloading the universal Schengen visa form and submitting it at your subsequent in-person visa appointment.
Most applicants for long term Finland visas (residence permits for Finland) can apply online through the official Finnish portal. If you are unable to access the online form due to your application destination, you will likely apply directly through your local Finland mission. Regardless of how you apply (online or in person) you will typically need to officially submit your at your application destination in order to fulfill various in-person requirements.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Finland visa type. - Pay your Finland visa fee
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be able to pay for your visa online. Alternatively, you will be asked to submit payment at step 4 (your visa interview).
- Schedule your visa interview
Almost all Finland visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Finland visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months if you apply through the Finland visa portal, you may be able to schedule your interview online. Alternatively, you may need to reach out to your application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Finland visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Where to apply for Finland visa
Finland visa application processing occurs at Finnish embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world (i.e. your application destination).
Depending on the type of Finland visa you seek, you may be able to apply online. However, even online applicants must fulfill the in-person Finland visa requirements, which can only be fulfilled at your application destination.
If you are outside of Finland and are applying for a Finland visa, you will apply through the Finland embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live. If there is no Finnish mission in your country, you will likely apply through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Finnish interests abroad. See:
When to apply for a Finland Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Finland are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Finland visa processing time
The Finland visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Finland visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Finland visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Finland. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Finland (visa) by submitting an application to your local Finland embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Finland visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Finland or a single entry visa for Finland.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Finland (different Finland visa, such as a Finland Student or Finland Tourist visa).
