Requirements for a Finland Visa

Thinking of travelling to Finland and don’t know what’s required for a visa? Whether you’re an EU citizen or from elsewhere, we’ll help you figure out exactly what documents you need to prepare for your visa application.

What is a Finland Visa?

A Finnish visa is a type of legal document that allows visitors to enter and stay in the country temporarily. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip, a Finland visa can be valid for anywhere between 3 and 90 days. In most cases, you’ll need to apply for a visa prior to your departure.

Types of Finland Visas

Finland has several types of visas, each of which come with various restrictions and requirements:

• Schengen visa: This kind of visa allows you to stay in Finland for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period.
• National visa: A national visa allows you to stay in Finland for longer periods of time, usually up to one year. This type of visa may also give you the right to work in the country.
• Study visa: If you want to attend a course or programme of study in Finland, you’ll need to apply for a study visa.
• Work visa: If you’ve secured employment in Finland, you’ll likely need to apply for a work visa.

Who Needs a Visa for Finland?

Whether or not you’ll need a Finland visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa, as long as their purpose of travel is tourism, short-term business, or visiting family/friends.

Citizens of other countries may need a visa to travel to Finland. Note that many of the visas mentioned above (e.g. study or work visas) require specific reasons for your visit, and will usually only be granted to those who can prove their purpose of travel.

Requirements for a Finland Visa

The exact requirements for a Finland visa will depend on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. However, you’ll typically need to provide evidence of the following:

• Your passport and any other travel documents. It must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure date.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Finland.
• Proof of medical insurance.
• A cover letter outlining the purpose of your trip (e.g. business, tourism, etc.).
• A detailed itinerary of your trip.
• Evidence of the host’s accommodation for your stay (if applicable).
• Evidence of current employment.
• Proof of past academic qualifications (if applicable).
• Evidence of a signed research agreement (if applicable).
• Proof that you have an invitation from a Finnish national or an EU/EEA national (if applicable).

How to Apply for a Finland Visa

The process for applying for a Finland visa is fairly simple. You’ll need to complete an online visa application form and then make an appointment to submit your documents at your local Finland Embassy or Consulate.

Once your application has been received, the embassy or consulate will contact you to advise on the next steps. Usually, a decision will be made within 15 days of receiving your application, but this can vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Fees for a Finland Visa

The fees for a Finland visa depend on your age and nationality. Typically, a visa costs 60 euros (~65 US dollars) for most non-EU citizens, and is free for those under the age of 18 or over the age of 64.

Fees must be paid before your application can be submitted. Note that the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

FAQs

• Do I need a visa if I’m in transit through Finland?
  Yes, you’ll usually need a transit visa even if you’re just passing through the country. If you’re travelling with an EU or Schengen visa, however, you may be exempt.
• How long can I stay in Finland with a visa?
  The length of time you’re allowed to stay will depend on the type of visa you have and the purpose of your visit. Usually, Schengen visas are valid for up to 90 days, while national visas may be valid for up to one year.
• Am I eligible for a Finland visa if I’m a student?
  Yes, you may be eligible for a Finland student visa. However, you’ll need to prove that you have a place on a degree course or other approved programme of study.
• What documents do I need to apply for a Finland visa?
  The exact documents you’ll need will depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. However, you’ll typically need to provide a valid passport, proof of medical insurance, a cover letter, and evidence of your host’s accommodation (if applicable).
• How much does a Finnish visa cost?
  The fee for a Finland visa depends on your age and nationality. It typically costs 60 euros (~65 US dollars) for non-EU citizens, and is free for those aged under 18 or over 64.

Conclusion

Whether you want to explore Finland for a short holiday or stay longer for work or study, it’s important to make sure you have the right visa. From Schengen visas to national visas, there are a variety of options, but you’ll likely need to provide evidence of your passport, medical insurance, cover letter and host’s accommodation, as well as other documents depending on your nationality and purpose of travel.

Before you embark on your adventure, it’s a good idea to check the latest information about requirements for a Finland visa and research the documents you’ll need to provide. That way, you can avoid any hiccups when it comes to applying for your visa.