Visa Regulations for Entering Finland
Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in Finland.
Non-EU citizens must obtain a visa for stays exceeding 90 days.
Visitors must have a valid passport with at least three months of validity remaining.
Visitors must provide evidence of sufficient funds for their stay in Finland and a return or onward ticket.
- How to navigate the regulations:
Visitors should research the requirements for their intended activities in Finland and plan ahead.
Non-EU citizens may apply for a visa at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with the immigration laws and regulations of Finland.
Types of Visas in Finland
- Short-Term Visa:
Issued for stays up to 90 days in Finland. This visa is suitable for tourism, business, and visiting family or friends.
- Long-Term Visa:
Issued for stays exceeding 90 days in Finland. This visa is suitable for work, study, and family reunification.
- Residence Permit:
Issued to individuals who wish to reside in Finland for an extended period. The residence permit is valid for up to five years and requires a job offer from a Finnish employer or acceptance into an educational institution in Finland.
Visa Exemptions in Finland
As mentioned above, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in Finland.
It’s advisable to check the official Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information on visa exemptions.
Relationship between Visas and Residency Status in Finland
Visitors who wish to reside in Finland for an extended period may be required to obtain a long-term visa or a residence permit. The type of visa or permit will depend on the individual’s purpose, such as work, study, or family reunification.
Residence permits are valid for up to five years and can be renewed.
Reliable Information on Visas for Entry into Finland
- Official Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website:
This website provides information on the visa requirements and regulations for entering Finland.
https://um.fi/entry-into-finland
- Finnish Embassies and Consulates:
Visitors may contact the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate for information on visa requirements and procedures.
How and When to Apply for a Visa for Entry into Finland
You should apply for a visa for Finland well in advance of your planned trip. The earliest you can apply for a visa is six months before your planned travel date. The Finnish Immigration Service recommends that you apply for a visa at least one month before your planned travel date to ensure that your application is processed on time.
The application process for a visa for Finland is carried out online through the Enter Finland service provided by the Finnish Immigration Service. To apply for a visa, you need to create a user account on the Enter Finland website and fill out the application form. You will need to provide personal information, travel details, and information about the purpose of your trip to Finland.
After you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the visa fee online. The fee for a visa for Finland varies depending on the type of visa and the length of your stay. The fee for a short-term visa (up to 90 days) is 80 euros, and the fee for a long-term visa (over 90 days) is 490 euros.
Where to Apply for a Visa for Finland
If you are a US or UK expat, you can apply for a visa for Finland at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country. In the United States, the Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C. handles visa applications. In the United Kingdom, visa applications for Finland are processed by the Finnish Embassy in London.
If you are not a resident of the US or the UK, you can find information on where to apply for a visa for Finland on the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Required Documents for a Visa for Finland
To apply for a visa for Finland, you will need to provide several documents. The required documents vary depending on the purpose of your trip to Finland, the type of visa you are applying for, and your personal circumstances. Here are some of the documents that you may be required to provide:
- A valid passport or other travel document that is valid for at least three months after your planned stay in Finland
- A completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Travel medical insurance that covers medical expenses up to 30,000 euros
- A travel itinerary that includes information on your planned activities in Finland
- Proof of accommodation in Finland, such as a hotel reservation or a rental agreement
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Finland
- A letter of invitation from a Finnish host, if applicable
If your documents are not in Finnish, Swedish, English, or another Nordic language, you may need to provide translations of your documents. The translations must be done by an authorized translator.
For more information on the required documents for a visa for Finland, you can visit the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
How Long Does the Application Process for Getting a Visa for Finland Usually Take?
The application process for getting a visa for Finland varies depending on the type of visa, the country of application, and the individual case. In general, the processing time for a visa application for Finland is about 15 calendar days from the date the embassy or consulate receives the application.
However, some visa applications may take longer to process, especially if additional documents or information are required. If your visa application is taking longer than expected, you can contact the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application for an update on the status of your application.
Cost of a Visa for Finland
The cost of a visa for Finland also varies depending on the type of visa, the country of application, and the individual case. Here are some of the common visa fees for Finland:
- Short-stay Schengen visa: 80 euros for adults, 40 euros for children between 6 and 12 years old, free for children under 6 years old
- National visa for stays of more than 90 days: 100 euros for adults, 50 euros for children between 6 and 12 years old, free for children under 6 years old
There may be additional fees for services such as SMS notifications or courier delivery of the visa. These fees vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply for a visa.
It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.
In addition to the visa fee, you may also need to pay for other costs associated with your visa application, such as the cost of obtaining required documents, translation services, or travel expenses to the embassy or consulate.
If you are unsure about the cost of a visa for Finland or any associated costs, you can contact the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for a visa or visit the website of the Finnish Immigration Service (https://migri.fi/en/visa-fees).