Finland Visa for Indians

About Finland Visa

Finland offers various types of visas to accommodate different travel purposes and durations. From tourist and business visas to residence permits, there's a visa option for every traveller.

Features of Finland Visa

A Finland visa offers several features tailored to meet the needs of travellers:

• Easy Entry to Schengen Countries: With a Finland visa, you gain access not only to Finland but also to other countries within the Schengen Area.
• Online Application: The Finnish E-visa system enables applicants to apply online, saving time and effort compared to traditional methods.
• Multiple Entry Option: Some Finland visa types, like Tourist Visas, allow multiple entries, offering flexibility to enter and leave Finland multiple times.
• Travel Medical Insurance Requirement: A valid travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa. This insurance covers medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation.

Documents Required for a Finland Visa

Before applying for a Finland visa from India, travellers need to gather the following documents:

1. Documents Required for Finland Tourist Visa

   • A valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended stay in Finland
   • Completed Visa application form
   • Recent, colour photograph meeting specified Finland Visa Photo requirements
   • Proof of Itinerary with details of round-trip flights or travel plans to Finland
   • Travel medical insurance
   • Proof of accommodation
   • Proof of sufficient funds

2. Documents Required for Finland Work Visa

   • All documents required for a tourist visa, along with
   • Proof of employment on official letterhead with other requisite details
   • If self-employed, the company's Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration

3. Documents Required for Finland Student Visa

   • All of the above documents, along with
   • Proof of studies: For students, proof of enrollment at the school or institute serves as evidence of their studies.

Finland Visa Types

Finland offers various visas based on the purpose and duration of travel. Here's a summary of the common Finland visa types available for Indian travellers:

1. Transit Visa (Type A): It permits its holder to transit through the international transit area of an airport during a layover or flight change. The Visa doesn't allow them to leave the international transit area.
2. Type D Visa: It is allowed for certain categories of applicants for one of the following types of first residence permits for Finland:
   • Specialist Residence Permit
   • EU Blue Card
   • Start-up Entrepreneur Residence Permit
   • Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Residence Permit for Specialists or Managers
   • Top or Middle Management Work Residence Permit
   • Study Residence Permit
   • Researcher Residence Permit
3. Type B Visa: The Schengen category C visa permits short-term travel in the Schengen Area for not more than 90 days over a period of 180 days. It can be obtained in the form of:
   • A Single-entry Visa: It allows the individual holder to enter Finland once.
   • A Double-entry Visa: It allows the individual holder to enter Finland twice.
   • Multiple-entry Visa: It allows the holder several consecutive visits to the Schengen area with the total duration of the stays not exceeding 90 days in a 180-day period. It is valid for a maximum of 5 years
4. Limited territorial validity Visa: It allows the individual to travel in only those Schengen States that are specifically mentioned in the visa for exceptional cases, such as international obligations or humanitarian reasons.

Who can Apply for a Finland Visa?

Indian citizens who wish to travel to Finland for tourism, work, employment or education, can apply for a Finland visa. However, they need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Hold a valid passport with sufficient validity beyond the intended stay in Finland.
• Provide evidence of the purpose of the visit, such as a travel itinerary, invitation letters, or event registrations.
• Demonstrate financial stability to cover travel expenses, accommodation, and living costs during the stay in Finland.
• Comply with Finland visa requirements and provide all necessary documents as per the embassy/consulate guidelines.

How to Apply for a Finland Visa?

Indians applying for a Finland visa need to follow the following steps:

1. Determine the Visa Type
   Select the appropriate visa type based on the purpose and duration of travel to Finland.
2. Gather the Required Documents
   Collect all necessary application documents as per the checklist, including passport, photographs, insurance, etc. to accompany your online visa application form.
3. Submit Visa Application
   • Visit the official website of the Finnish embassy or consulate for long-term Finland Visa or residence permits and follow the instructions to complete the online visa application form. For short-term visas, you can apply through the official website of VFS Global .
   • Upload the required documents and pay the Finland visa fee online as per the specified guidelines.
   • Submit the completed application form and await further instructions from the embassy/consulate.
4. Schedule and Attend Your Visa Appointment
   After filing the visa form, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photos taken. On the day of your scheduled appointment, bring along your completed visa application form and other supporting documents.
5. Track Application Status
   • Track the progress of your visa application online using the application reference number provided during the application process.
   • Await notification of visa approval or any additional requirements from the embassy/consulate.
6. Receive Visa Approval
   • Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification or communication from the embassy/consulate.
   • Follow the instructions provided to collect the visa from the embassy/consulate or arrange for delivery as applicable.

Finland Visa Fees

The visa fees for Finland vary depending on the visa type, duration of stay, and processing method. Here's an overview of the typical visa fees for Indian travellers:

*Note that Finland visa fees are subject to change and may vary based on currency exchange rates and government regulations. It's advisable to check the latest visa fee information before applying for a Finland visa.

How to Check Finland Visa Status?

After submitting your Finland visa application, you can track its status online through the official website of the Finnish embassy or consulate. Here's how to check the Finland visa status:

1. Visit the Official Embassy/Consulate Website: Go to the designated visa application tracking section on the official website of the Finnish embassy or consulate.
2. Enter Required Details: Provide the necessary information, such as the application reference number mentioned on the invoice/ receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, date of birth or other required information.
3. Check Status: Follow the prompts to check the Finland visa status, including processing updates, approval status, or any additional requirements.
4. Contact Embassy/Consulate: If you encounter any issues or have inquiries about your visa application status, contact the embassy/consulate or visa processing centre for assistance.