Finland Schengen Visa Application Requirements

Finland, the land of a thousand lakes, has a population of 5.60 million and is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Located in  Northern Europe, it shares land borders with Russia, Norway, and Sweden.

You can apply for the Finnish Schengen Visa since 2001 when Finland as an EU Member State also joined the Schengen Area.

Often rated as the happiest country in the world, and known for its unique education system, Finland is listed sixth most visited of the countries in the border-free travel area of Schengen. The Aurora Borealis, Santa Claus Village, the Aland islands, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, the Olavinlinna Castle, and many others have proven to be very alluring for world travelers.

Fun fact about Finland: The Finns are the world’s biggest coffee drinkers, each gulping down no less than 12 kg of the black substance annually.

Finland Entry Requirements

Due to the common Schengen travel area, all EU nationals can enter the territory of Finland only carrying their valid travel documents or passports. Citizens of the Nordic countries, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland are not subject to the passport requirement. They can travel to Finland with only an ID.

Non-EU travelers wishing to visit Finland are required to present some documents when they show up at the Finland port of entry. These documents are:

A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond their planned date of exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.

A visa – if they are subject to the Finland visa regime.

You may also be asked for other supporting documents such as an invitation letter from a Finnish host, proof of lodging, or a round-trip ticket. For more information in this regard, contact the local consular services of Finland in your home country.

Aside from these documents, the Finnish border officer may ask you a few questions regarding your trip to Finland like:

What is your purpose of visiting Finland?

How long do you intend to stay in Finland?

Where are you going to stay in Finland? Etc.

The Finnish border police will then give the decision whether you shall be permitted to enter Finland, and thus the Schengen territory, or not. Make sure that the Finland border officer stamps your passport when you enter Finland. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Finland.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Finland?

All nationals of EU / EEA member states can enter and travel in Finland and the whole Schengen Area without a visa. However, there are some categories of third-country nationals who need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Finland.

If you belong to one of the two categories below, then you will need a short-stay visa to enter Finland and any other member country of the Schengen zone:

You are the national of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.

You are the national of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously not permitted to enter Finland or any other Schengen country visa-free.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Finland?

Before you start the application process for a visa to Finland, check what type of visa you need. The visa type you have to apply for, depends on your purpose of entry to Finland.

The Schengen visa types for Finland for stays up to 90 days within six months are as follows:

Finland Airport Transit Visa. For travelers who need to land on one of the Finnish airports in order to get a flight to their non-Schengen / non-EU destination country.

Finland Transit Visa. For travelers who need to disembark on one of the Finnish harbors in order to get a vessel to their non-Schengen / non-EU destination country.

Finland Tourist/Visitor Visa. This is for non-EU individuals who want to visit Finland for the purpose of sightseeing, exploration, or vacation, as well as for those who have friends or family members living in Finland and want to pay them a visit.

Finland Business Visa. For travelers who need to participate in business activities taking place in Finland.

Visa for Official Visit in Finland. For foreigners on an official trip to Finland.

Finland Medical Visa. For patients coming from third-countries, wishing to obtain medical treatment in Finland.

Visa to Study in Finland. For students who wish to attend a study course/training/internship in Finland.

Finland Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews. For those who wish to attend a cultural event or a sports event organized in Finland, or those that are traveling to Finland as a part of a film crew.

Please note that these visas permit you to stay in Finland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you need a visa to stay in Finland for a longer period, apply for a Finland National Visa instead.

What Documents Are Required for a Finland Schengen Visa Application?

The mandatory Finland visa requirements for stays up to 90 days are as follows:

Finland visa application form. Complete the form by answering all of the questions, print it, and then sign it at the end.

Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photo requirements for the Finland Schengen visa application.

Your valid passport. Which must meet the criteria as set by the Schengen member states. Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages in order to affix visa and that it has been issued within the last 10 years. It should also have a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Finland and the whole territory of Schengen.

Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).

Finland Travel Health Insurance. That covers any medical emergencies for at least €30,000 that occur in Finland and the whole Schengen territory.

Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A flight booking containing the dates you plan to enter and leave Finland, flight numbers, and your details.

Proof of accommodation. Which shows where you will be staying while you are in Finland. I.e. a hotel booking.

Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Finland. You will need to prove to the Finnish Embassy / Consulate that you possess a minimum of 30€ per day for your whole planned stay in Finland.

A cover letter. Write in this letter about your purpose of applying for a visa to Finland as well as other details regarding your whole trip to Finland.

Additional Finland Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

The additional Finland visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows:

If employed:

Employment contract

Current bank statement for the latest 6 months

Leave permission from the employer

Income Tax Return (ITR) form or

If self-employed:

A copy of your business license

Company bank statement for the latest 6 months

Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

Proof of enrollment

No-objection certificate from school or university

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If retired:

Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months

>>NOC Certificate from school.

Additional Finland Visa Requirements for Minors

Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Finland, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Finland Visa Requirements in their application file:

Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Finland.

Finland application form signed by both parents.

Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.

If the minor will be travelling alone or with another person:

An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, expiry date, a recent photograph, and valid visa copy.

A notarized parental authorization to travel to Finland, signed by both parents/guardians

*Note: When applying at the Finland embassy/consulate in the home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Finland

According to your purpose of entry to Finland, you will need to provide some extra documents. Following find the additional Finland visa requirements based on your purpose of traveling to Finland.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Finland

When applying to obtain a Finland Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa (if needed) for the final country you are travelling to.

The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to Finland

When applying to obtain a Finland Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are travelling to.

The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book (required only for seafarers).

Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark (required only for seafarers).

Employment contract. Contract with the navigation company/ship in order to board the ship (required only for seafarers).

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Finland

When applying to obtain a Finland Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

Invitation letter from the Finland company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.

A dispatch letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Finland.

Business bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.

Memorandum and Article of Association. It should be submitted in an original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies).

Trade License (first issued and present renewal).

Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Finland, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Finland

When applying to get a Finland Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).

Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Finland, the establishment of origin and the trainee.

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Finland

When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Finland, you must provide the following additional documents:

A local medical report. Issued from a doctor/clinic/hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Finland.

A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Finland, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.

Proof of financial arrangement made.

Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Finland for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Finland visa for the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Finland you must provide the following additional documents:

Event Information. As:

Invitation letter from the relevant body in Finland with details on the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Finland.

Entry tickets to the event.

Enrollment conditions.

Detailed program of the event in Finland.

Other documents that present the Names of the applicants (crew members) and other relevant information about the event.

Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners’ certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Required Documents for a Finland Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Finland Citizen

When applying to get a Finland visa as the spouse of a Finland national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

Proof of Finland citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Finland nationality or naturalization order).

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Finland marriage certificate.

Finland family record book.

Finland Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

When applying to get a Finland visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

The official invitation copy.

Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, events by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

How to Apply for a Finland Short-Stay Visa?

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Finland, you must follow these steps:

Select the right visa types you need to enter Finland.

Figure out where you need to apply for a Finland visa.

Complete the application form for a Finland short-stay visa.

Collect the statutory Finland visa requirements.

Appoint a visa interview.

Attend the interview at the appropriate Finland Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

Where to Apply for a Finland Short-Stay Visa?

According to how Finnish authorities have regulated visa submission in your country of residence, you may have to apply at one of the following Finnish diplomatic bodies in your country of residence:

The Finland Embassy

A Finland consulate

A Visa Application Center to which Finland has outsourced visa submission

The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Finland has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

If Finland is the only country in the Schengen area that you plan to visit, then submit your short-stay visa application at a Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit other countries aside from Finland as well, submit your short-stay visa application at a Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if one of the following situations corresponds to your situation:

You will be spending more days in Finland, than in the other countries.

You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Finland.

Please keep in mind that you cannot apply for a short-stay Finland visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa. You will be permitted to file a Finland short-stay visa application at a Finland Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if you are a:

A citizen of the country from where you are applying.

A foreign citizen on a permanent/temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Finland Visa?

The processing time for a Finland short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. This period may be extended up to 30 days in cases when Finland is represented in the country by another Schengen state, or during peak seasons when the Finnish embassy is processing a lot of applications.

On the other hand, exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Finland embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

Make sure you submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Finland, in order to avoid any possible delay in the processing of your application.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Finland Visa?

The Schengen Visa fees or Finland  are as follows:

€80 for adults and

€40 for children under the age of 12.

Free of charge for children under the age of 6

Still, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.

Check the list of the Finland Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!

How Long Can We Stay in Finland Without a Visa?

If you are a national of the EU / EEA member countries can enter and stay in Finland visa-free for as long as you want. You will still have to register at the local authorities if you wish to remain here for more than three months.

If you are a national of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of South Korea, and the United States of America you can also enter Finland and remain there for as long as you wish. However, if you wish to stay longer in Finland need to obtain a residence permit from the relevant Finland authorities, within three months of arrival in Finland.

If you are a national of any of the rest of Finland visa-exempt countries you are allowed to remain in Finland and the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, within a six-month period. For longer stays, you need to obtain a long-stay visa to Finland.

If you are a national of any of the countries that still have not signed a visa-free agreement with Finland and the other Schengen members, you must obtain a visa before heading to Finland, or any other Schengen member country.

IMPORTANT: Avoid breaking this guideline because remaining too long in the Schengen area may result in penalties.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Finland?

Yes, you can extend your Finland Schengen visa at the Finnish Police, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Finland, as i.e. you cannot leave Finland and the Schengen area due to a force majeure or humanitarian reason.

You can also apply to extend your visa due to serious personal reasons, such as a severe sudden illness of an immediate family member who has a permanent residence in Finland.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Finland to understand under what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Finland Schengen Visa.

Can My Finland Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, your Finland visa can be revoked, in case the competent Finland authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

If the visa has already been granted to you, it will be annulled if the conditions for issuing it were not met at the time when it was issued.

If the visa has already been granted to you, it will be revoked if the conditions for issuing it are no longer met.