Finland Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, Finland offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and a strong commitment to social well-being. From breathtaking landscapes to thriving urban centers, it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to the popular Nordic nation.

If you're considering making Finland your home, this guide will provide you with all the essential information about visas and the application process.

When do you need a visa for Finland?

You do not need a visa for Finland if you are a citizen or resident of a Schengen member state. Citizens from Australia, the UK, Canada, and the USA can also travel visa-free to Finland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Here’s a full breakdown:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you can travel to Finland without a visa.
• Visa-exempt countries: Finland also allows visa-free travel for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) for citizens of several other countries.
• Third-country nationals: If you're not a citizen of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or a visa-exempt country, you'll need a Schengen visa to visit Finland, even for short stays.
• Long stays and specific purposes: If you plan to stay in Finland for longer than 90 days or you intend to work, study, or engage in certain activities, you'll need a residence permit if you are from a non-EU country.

Remember:

• Visa requirements can change, so it’s best to confirm all information with the official Finnish government website.
• You can use the Application Finder on the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs website to help you determine the correct visa or permit for your situation.

Finland visa requirements

The specific documents required for a Finnish visa or residence permit application can vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. However, here are some general guidelines:

General requirements

• Completed application form: Fill out the online application form available on the Finland Visa website. Print and sign the completed form.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Finland and have been issued within the last ten years. It should also have at least two blank pages for visas.
• Passport photos: Provide one recent passport-style colour photograph that meets the specifications on the Finnish Police website.
• Travel medical insurance (for short-stay visas): Your travel insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and cover the duration of your stay. The minimum coverage should be €30,000 and include expenses for sudden illness, accidents, repatriation, and repatriation in case of death.
• Supporting documents: Depending on the visa type, you may need to provide additional documents such as:
  • Proof of travel arrangements (flight reservations, itinerary)
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, rental agreement, invitation letter)
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.)
  • Documents related to the purpose of your visit (employment contract, university acceptance letter, etc.)
  • Proof of sponsorship (if applicable)
  • Parental consent for minors

Additional information

• Invitation letter: For private visits, an invitation letter from your host in Finland is recommended. It should include their contact details, your details, and the purpose and duration of your visit. However, an invitation letter does not guarantee a visa.
• Proof of sponsorship: If your host in Finland is covering your travel expenses, they need to fill out a proof of sponsorship form and provide supporting documents.
• Financial means: You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Finland. The minimum requirement is €50 per day.
• Prior consultation: Some Schengen States require consultation on visa applications from certain countries. Check the list of countries requiring prior consultation on the Finnish Immigration Service website.
• Interview: You may be asked to attend a personal interview at the embassy or consulate to discuss the purpose of your visit.

Remember: 

• All documents should be in English, Finnish, or Swedish or translated into one of these languages by a certified translator.

Finland visa application process

Applying for a Finnish visa or residence permit involves the following steps:

1. Fill in the application form: The primary way to apply is through the online application form available at Finland Visa. This website provides detailed information about the required documents, appendices, and passport photo specifications for your specific visa type.
2. Check required documents: Even if you choose to fill out a PDF application form, it's crucial to review the specific document requirements for your visa category on the official website.
3. Submit your application:
   • Online: Complete and submit your application electronically through the Finland Visa website.
   • PDF form: If you prefer, you can download the PDF application form, fill it out by hand or on your computer, and submit it along with the required documents at a Finnish embassy, consulate, or visa application centre.
4. Pay the visa application fee: The visa application fee must be paid when you submit your application. You can usually pay online or at the visa application centre.
5. Attend an appointment (if required): Depending on your nationality and visa type, you may be required to attend an appointment at a Finnish embassy, consulate, or visa application centre to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
6. Wait for a decision: The processing time for your application can vary depending on the visa type and your individual circumstances. You can track your application status online if this service is available.
7. Collect your visa: Once a decision is made, you will be notified. If your application is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa from the embassy, consulate, or visa application centre. If your application is refused, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the refusal.

Remember:

• Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel dates, as processing times can vary
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Finnish embassy, consulate, or visa application centre for assistance.

How to get a permanent residence permit in Finland?

A permanent residence permit lets you live and work in Finland indefinitely without worrying about renewals. It's a big step towards making Finland your true home.

Who's eligible?

• You've lived in Finland continuously for 4 years with a continuous residence permit (A permit).
• You still meet the requirements for your current continuous residence permit.
• You've been in Finland for at least 2 of the past 4 years.

Important note:

• If you're a family member of an EU citizen and have lived legally in Finland with them for 5 years, you don't need a permanent residence permit. Instead, you can apply for a permanent residence card.

How to apply:

• Make sure you're eligible: Double-check you meet all the requirements before you apply.
• Apply in Finland: You need to be in Finland to apply for a permanent residence permit.
• Fill out the application: You can find the form and instructions on the Finnish Immigration Service website.
• Wait for a decision: The processing time can vary, but you can check the estimated time using the Processing Time Checker on the website.

Good to know:

• You can apply for a permanent residence permit even if your current permit hasn't expired yet, as long as you meet the residency requirement.
• If you've committed any crimes, it might affect your chances of getting a permanent residence permit.
• You can't get a permanent residence permit if you're only in Finland for studies or to look for work. You'll need to have another valid reason for staying, like family ties or a job.

Learn More

How do you get Finnish citizenship?

If you're not a Finnish citizen by birth or descent, don't worry! You can still become one through naturalisation.

Here's the deal:

• Residency: You need to have lived in Finland continuously for at least 5 years with a permanent residence permit. If you have good Finnish or Swedish language skills, you might be able to apply after only 4 years.
• Clean record: You can't have any criminal convictions or unpaid debts.
• Language skills: You have to prove you can speak and write Finnish or Swedish well enough to get by in everyday life.
• Financial stability: You have to show that you can support yourself financially.

Learn More