Get Your Finland Visa Online
Fast visa processing for tourism, business, and Schengen travel — discover Santa's homeland and Arctic wonders
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Finland Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications processed within 10-15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit to Finland. Our intelligent system validates your information in real-time, ensuring compliance with Schengen visa requirements and catching common errors before submission.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page with minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay), recent biometric photograph meeting EU specifications, travel insurance with €30,000 coverage, accommodation proof, and financial documentation. Our document specialists verify everything meets Finnish Immigration requirements.
3
We process your application
Your verified application is prepared for submission to VFS Global or the Finnish Embassy. We schedule your visa appointment, provide guidance for your interview if required, and monitor your application status continuously, keeping you informed via email and SMS at every stage.
4
Receive your Finland visa
Once approved, your Schengen visa sticker is affixed to your passport. Collect it from the application center or receive it by courier. Your visa grants access to all 27 Schengen countries — tervetuloa Suomeen!
Finland Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 90 days
For EU/EEA citizens and 60+ visa-exempt nations
Schengen Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Short-stay visa for tourism and family visits
Schengen Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For business meetings, conferences, and trade fairs
Working Holiday Visa
Up to 12 months
For young adults from partner countries aged 18-30
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond planned departure from Schengen
- Travel insurance with €30,000 minimum medical coverage
- Proof of sufficient funds (€50/day recommended)
- Confirmed accommodation for entire stay
- Return or onward flight booking
- Purpose of visit documentation (invitation, itinerary)
Visa-Free Access & Schengen Entry
Finland, as a member of the European Union and Schengen Area since 2001, follows common European visa policies. The country welcomes millions of visitors annually to experience its unique blend of Nordic design, pristine nature, and Arctic adventures.
Visa-Free Entry for EU/EEA Citizens
Citizens of EU and EEA member states enjoy unlimited visa-free access to Finland with no restrictions on length of stay. You can live, work, and study freely with just a valid national ID card or passport. Nordic citizens from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland have additional freedoms under the Nordic Passport Union.
Schengen Visa-Free Countries
Over 60 countries have visa-free access to Finland and the entire Schengen Area for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many Latin American nations. The 90/180 rule applies cumulatively across all 27 Schengen countries — time spent in Germany or France counts toward your Finnish allowance.
ETIAS Authorization (Coming Soon)
Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) approval before visiting Finland. This simple online process costs €7 and is valid for 3 years, allowing unlimited entries to all Schengen countries.
Schengen Visas & Long-Stay Options
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Travelers from countries requiring visas must apply for a Schengen visa at Finnish embassies, consulates, or authorized visa application centers (VFS Global). The Type C visa allows stays of up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, family visits, conferences, cultural events, or medical treatment. Single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas are available based on travel history and purpose.
Required Documentation:
• Completed Schengen visa application form
• Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure with 2 blank pages
• Two recent biometric photographs (35x45mm)
• Travel medical insurance with €30,000 coverage including repatriation
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, rental agreement)
• Financial means (bank statements, employment letter, sponsorship)
• Round-trip flight reservation
• Detailed travel itinerary
Finnish National Visa (Type D)
For stays exceeding 90 days, you need a Finnish national visa or residence permit. This applies to students enrolled in Finnish universities, employees with job offers, family reunification cases, and researchers. Type D visas are processed directly by Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) and allow both long stays in Finland and short visits to other Schengen countries.
Special Visas & Residence Permits
Working Holiday Visa
Finland offers working holiday arrangements with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. Eligible applicants aged 18-30 (35 for some countries) can obtain a 12-month visa to travel, work, and experience Finnish culture. Limited annual quotas apply — applications open each January.
Student Residence Permit
International students accepted to Finnish higher education institutions apply for a residence permit rather than a visa. Finland's world-renowned education system, including free tuition for EU/EEA students, attracts over 20,000 international students annually. Non-EU students need to demonstrate €6,720 per year for living expenses.
Startup Visa
Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas can apply for Finland's Startup Visa, granting a 2-year residence permit to build companies in Finland's thriving startup ecosystem. Business Finland evaluates applications based on team, product, and market potential.
Processing Times & Fees
Schengen visa processing typically takes 10-15 calendar days, though peak summer season may extend to 30 days. Standard fees: €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-11, free for children under 6. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Entry Points & Practical Information
International Entry Points
Finland has excellent connectivity through multiple entry points. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is the main international gateway, serving as a hub for Asian and European connections. Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) in Lapland welcomes seasonal charter flights for Northern Lights and Santa Claus Village visitors. Other international airports include Turku (TKU), Tampere (TMP), and Oulu (OUL). Ferry connections from Stockholm (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), and St. Petersburg (Russia) provide scenic Baltic Sea arrivals.
Border Crossings
Finland shares land borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia. EU/Schengen borders with Sweden and Norway have no passport controls for citizens of Schengen countries. The Finnish-Russian border at crossings like Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, and Imatra requires full passport control and valid visas for applicable nationalities.
Finnish Immigration Requirements
• Present valid passport and visa (if required) to border officers
• Be prepared to show return tickets and accommodation proof
• Demonstrate sufficient funds (approximately €50/day)
• Have valid travel insurance documentation accessible
• Answer questions about purpose and duration of visit honestly
Tips for Smooth Entry
Arrive with printed copies of your visa, accommodation confirmations, travel insurance, and flight itineraries. Finnish border officers are professional and efficient — having organized documents speeds processing. Entry stamps are still given for non-EU citizens even within Schengen.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Excellent service for my Finland Schengen visa! The team helped me prepare all documents perfectly. Approved in just 12 days. Heading to Lapland next month!"
"DoVisa made the complex Schengen process so simple. They scheduled my VFS appointment and even prepared me for potential interview questions. Highly recommend!"
"Good experience overall. Processing took the full 15 days but the team kept me updated throughout. Got my visa and saw the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi!"
"Applied for a business visa to attend a conference in Helsinki. DoVisa handled everything professionally. Document checklist was incredibly thorough."
"Third time using DoVisa for Schengen visas. Always reliable and their customer support responds within minutes. Finland visa approved without issues."
"Helpful service. Had some confusion about insurance requirements but support clarified everything quickly. Visa arrived before my travel date as promised."
"Applied for Finland visa to visit Santa Claus Village with my kids. The process was straightforward and DoVisa provided great tips for traveling with children."
"Fantastic experience! Got my multiple-entry Schengen visa through Finland. Now I can explore all of Nordic Europe. Worth every penny."
"Very professional service. The document review caught an error in my bank statement that could have caused rejection. Small fee, big peace of mind."
"Used DoVisa for my working holiday visa to Finland. The process was smooth and they explained all the steps clearly. Starting my gap year adventure soon!"
"Excellent support during my student residence permit application. They helped me gather all Finnish immigration requirements. Now studying in Helsinki!"
"Solid service for Schengen visa. The online portal made tracking my application easy. Would use again for future European trips."
Finland Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Finland?
Finland offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose and duration of stay. Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) allows up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, family visits, conferences, or medical treatment. Finnish National Visa (Type D) is for stays exceeding 90 days, including studies, employment, and family reunification. Working Holiday Visa permits young adults from partner countries to work and travel for up to 12 months. Residence Permits are required for long-term stays covering employment, studies, entrepreneurship (Startup Visa), and family ties. As a Schengen member, a valid Finnish visa also grants access to all 27 Schengen countries.
Do I need a visa to visit Finland?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and length of stay. EU/EEA citizens can enter Finland freely with no visa required and stay indefinitely. Visa-exempt nationalities (over 60 countries including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Citizens of countries not on the exemption list must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling. The 90-day limit applies cumulatively across all Schengen countries — if you've spent 30 days in Germany, you have only 60 remaining for Finland. Use our visa checker to confirm requirements for your nationality.
What is the Schengen visa and how does it work for Finland?
The Schengen visa is a unified short-stay visa valid across 27 European countries including Finland. When Finland is your main destination or first point of entry, you apply at the Finnish embassy or authorized visa center. The visa allows 90 days of stay within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Single-entry visas permit one entry; multiple-entry visas allow unlimited crossings during validity. Your visa validity period may exceed the allowed stay duration — a 1-year multiple-entry visa still limits each trip to 90 days. Finland shares visa data with other Schengen states, so overstays affect future applications to any member country.
What documents are required for a Finland Schengen visa?
The Finnish Schengen visa requires comprehensive documentation. Essential documents: Valid passport (3+ months validity beyond departure, 2 blank pages), completed visa application form, two biometric photos (35x45mm), and visa fee payment. Travel documentation: Flight reservations (round-trip), detailed itinerary, and accommodation proof (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement). Financial proof: Bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter with salary details, or sponsor's financial documents with relationship proof. Insurance: Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage including emergency repatriation, valid across all Schengen states. Purpose-specific: Business invitation letters for work trips, enrollment confirmation for students, or family invitation with proof of relationship. All documents should be in English, Finnish, or Swedish, or include certified translations.
How long can I stay in Finland with a tourist visa?
A Finland Schengen tourist visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit applies cumulatively across all 27 Schengen countries — time spent in Estonia, Sweden, or any other Schengen state counts toward your 90-day allowance. The 180-day period is a rolling window calculated backward from each date. For example, if you spent 60 days in the Schengen Area and left on January 1st, you must wait until enough days pass for your previous stay to fall outside the 180-day window before returning. You cannot reset the counter by exiting and immediately re-entering. For stays exceeding 90 days, you need a Finnish national visa (Type D) or residence permit, which requires a specific purpose like employment, studies, or family reunification.
Can I extend my Finland visa while in the country?
Schengen visa extensions are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances. Finnish Immigration (Migri) may consider extensions for: serious illness or medical emergency, force majeure (natural disasters, flight cancellations beyond control), or important personal reasons like a family emergency. Extensions are not granted for tourism, wanting to stay longer, or employment opportunities arising during your visit. If approved, you'll receive a stamp extending your stay — you cannot exceed 90 days total in the Schengen Area. To apply, contact Migri before your visa expires with documentation supporting your case. For planned long stays, apply for the correct visa type (Type D national visa or residence permit) before traveling. Overstaying your visa results in fines, deportation, and potential bans from the Schengen Area.
Can I work in Finland with a tourist visa?
No, Schengen tourist visas and visa-free entries explicitly prohibit employment. This includes paid work, unpaid internships for Finnish companies, freelancing for Finnish clients, and any business activity beyond meetings and conferences. Permitted activities on tourist status: attending business meetings, conferences, and trade fairs; negotiating contracts (without performing work); sightseeing and vacation; visiting friends and family; short courses and seminars. For legal employment, you need a residence permit for employed persons, which requires a job offer from a Finnish employer and approval from the TE Office (employment authority). Processing takes 2-4 months. The Working Holiday Visa allows limited work for citizens of partner countries aged 18-30. Digital nomads working remotely for non-Finnish employers exist in a gray area — technically unauthorized but rarely enforced for brief stays.
What is ETIAS and will I need it for Finland?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers visiting Finland and other Schengen countries. Launching in 2025, it applies to citizens of 60+ countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. How it works: Complete an online application (takes ~10 minutes), pay €7 fee, and receive authorization within minutes to days. ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, allowing unlimited entries. It's not a visa — visa-exempt travelers still enjoy visa-free access, but must have ETIAS approval before boarding flights or ferries to Finland. ETIAS doesn't change stay limits (still 90/180 days) but allows border authorities to pre-screen travelers for security purposes. EU/EEA citizens and those requiring Schengen visas are not affected by ETIAS.
Do I need to print my Finland visa?
Unlike electronic visas (eVisas), the Schengen visa is a physical sticker affixed to a page in your passport. You don't need to print anything — the visa itself is already in your passport after collection from the embassy or visa center. What to carry: Your passport with the visa sticker, plus printed copies of supporting documents — travel insurance, accommodation confirmations, return flights, and financial proof. Border officers may request these upon entry. Digital backup: Keep photos of all documents on your phone as backup, but always have physical copies available. Visa placement: The embassy chooses which passport page receives the sticker. Ensure you have at least 2 blank pages when applying. If your passport is full, renew it before applying for the Finland visa.
How long does Finland visa processing take?
Standard Schengen visa processing for Finland takes 10-15 calendar days from the date of your visa application center appointment. During peak summer season (June-August) and Christmas/New Year period, processing may extend to 30-45 days due to high application volumes. Fastest processing: Business visas with complete documentation are often processed within 5-7 days. Factors affecting timing: Document completeness, nationality (some countries require additional security checks), and embassy workload. Tips for faster processing: Apply early (up to 6 months before travel), ensure all documents are complete and correctly formatted, book appointments well in advance during peak seasons. Urgent processing: Available in genuine emergencies (death of family member, urgent medical treatment) with supporting documentation — not available for forgotten applications or tourism.
What if my Finland visa application is rejected?
Visa rejections, while uncommon with proper preparation, do occur. Common rejection reasons: Insufficient proof of funds, unclear purpose of visit, missing or invalid documents, previous Schengen overstays, weak ties to home country, or inadequate travel insurance. After rejection: You receive a written refusal letter citing specific reasons. You can appeal the decision within 30 days to the Administrative Court of Helsinki — appeals rarely succeed unless procedural errors occurred. Better approach: Reapply with improved documentation addressing the stated concerns. There's no waiting period for new applications. DoVisa's support: Our pre-submission review catches most issues before they cause rejections. If your visa is rejected despite our guidance, we provide complimentary consultation for reapplication and identify specific improvements needed. Service fees are non-refundable, but we'll support your next attempt at no additional consultation cost.
What is the best time to visit Finland?
Finland offers distinct experiences across seasons. Summer (June-August): Midnight sun above the Arctic Circle, pleasant temperatures (15-25°C), perfect for hiking, lake activities, and midnight golf. Peak tourist season with higher prices. Autumn (September-November): Stunning ruska (fall foliage), Northern Lights begin appearing, mushroom and berry foraging season. Fewer tourists, lower prices. Winter (December-March): Snow-covered landscapes, Northern Lights at their best, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, skiing, husky sledding, and ice fishing. Christmas season is magical but book months ahead. Spring (April-May): Snow melts in the south, skiing continues in Lapland, longer days return, excellent photography conditions. Northern Lights: Best viewing September-March in Lapland (Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, Inari). Recommendation: Winter for Arctic experiences and Northern Lights, summer for nature and outdoor activities.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with my Finland visa?
Yes, a valid Finland Schengen visa grants access to all 27 Schengen member states. You can freely travel across borders without additional visas or passport controls within the Schengen Area. Countries included: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Croatia. Important rules: Your main destination or first point of entry should be Finland (the country that issued your visa). The 90/180-day limit applies cumulatively across all Schengen states. If questioned, you should be able to explain your travel plans. Non-Schengen EU countries: Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania have separate visa requirements — check before including them in your itinerary.
Do I need travel insurance for Finland?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants. Minimum requirements: €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and hospital stays, valid across all Schengen countries, includes emergency medical repatriation and evacuation, covers the entire duration of your trip plus buffer days. Policy requirements: Must be from a recognized insurance provider, no excess/deductible exceeding €100, explicitly covers Schengen travel. For visa-exempt travelers: Insurance isn't mandatory but strongly recommended. Finnish healthcare is excellent but expensive for non-residents — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros. What good coverage includes: Medical emergencies, hospitalization, prescription medications, dental emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Winter sports: Standard policies often exclude skiing and snowboarding — purchase additional coverage if planning winter activities in Lapland.
What are Finland's entry requirements beyond the visa?
Beyond visa requirements, Finland has additional entry considerations. Passport requirements: Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years, with minimum 2 blank pages. Proof of funds: Border officers may request evidence of €50/day minimum. Show bank statements, credit cards, or cash. Return travel: Confirmed onward or return tickets from the Schengen Area. Accommodation: Hotel bookings, invitation letter from host, or rental agreement. COVID-19: Requirements have eased but may be reinstated — check current Finnish Border Guard guidelines before travel. Customs: Limited alcohol and tobacco imports from non-EU countries, declare items exceeding €300 value (€430 by air). Prohibited items: Drugs, weapons, certain food products. Tip: Have all documents printed and organized for efficient border processing.
How do I apply for a Finland working holiday visa?
Finland's Working Holiday Visa allows young adults to experience Finnish life while working to fund their travels. Eligible countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Requirements: Age 18-30 (35 for some countries), valid passport, return ticket or funds to purchase one, sufficient funds for initial period (approximately €2,000), health insurance for the stay duration, and no dependents accompanying you. Application process: Apply at the Finnish embassy in your home country. Submit completed application, passport, photos, proof of funds, insurance, and flight reservation. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Validity: 12 months, non-renewable. Work permitted: Any legal employment, but intended for temporary jobs supplementing travel funds. Annual quotas: Some countries have limited spots — applications typically open in January. Note: Unlike Schengen visas, this is a Finnish national residence permit allowing extended stays and employment.
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