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Where and how to apply for a visa?

If you are planning to visit Finland, it is important to know that you must apply for a visa at the Visa Application Centre indicated by a Finnish mission, at a Finnish mission or at a Schengen country mission representing Finland. It is mandatory to submit all visa applications in person, and your biometric identifiers will be collected at the same time. However, if you have given your fingerprints in connection with a previous visa application less than 59 months ago, fingerprints will not be taken again.

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Fill in the visa application form at the website finlandvisa.fi. At the website, you will find information about the documents, appendices and passport photo you need to submit an application. 

 Here’s what you need to know about the visa application process:

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  1. Visa Application Centre (VAC): The Finland Visa Application Centre in the Philippines accepts applications for short stay visas only. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three (3) months beyond your intended stay in Finland, and it should have at least two (2) empty pages available1.

  2. Application Timing: You can submit your visa application no more than six (6) months before the start of your intended visit. Seafarers performing their duties can apply as early as nine (9) months in advance of their planned trip2.

  3. Main Destination: If Finland is your main country of destination, apply for a visa at the Visa Application Centre indicated by a Finnish mission, at a Finnish mission, or at a Schengen country mission representing Finland3.

Remember to gather all necessary documents and submit your application at least 15 days before your travel date.

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Safe travels! 🌍✈️

To all Finnish visa applicants

It is true that applying for a Finnish visa can be a challenging task. However, with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to increase your chances of success. It is important to thoroughly research the visa requirements and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information. Additionally, it is crucial to present yourself as a credible and trustworthy applicant, with a clear purpose for your visit to Finland. With these important factors in mind, you can navigate the visa application process and hopefully receive approval for your visit.

 

Applying for a Finnish visa is not a straightforward task; therefore, it is essential to possess two crucial elements to ensure a successful visa application.

 

Firstly, all applicants seeking entry into Finland must have secured employment or own an established business.

 

Secondly, financial independence is mandatory for all applicants regardless if you are sponsored as the embassy will evaluate their economic status in PH or any other relevant location. Henceforth, presenting one's bank account with sufficient funds covering travel expenses and six months' worth of statements with good cash inflow are prerequisites that should be met without exception.

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Proof Of Sponsorship

In case of a private visit, it is advisable to mention if your host is a friend or your spouse or relative. Please note that an invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. The host’s wealth is not taken into account when the applicant’s economic situation in the home country is assessed (a business visit, for example, is an exception to this, because the applicant is not responsible for the travel costs). If the host pays for the applicant's trip, a proof of sponsorship form with its supporting documents (see below) is attached to the application instead of the invitation. Even if the host pays for the trip, applicants need to provide information on their financial situation in their application. If the host does not pay for the applicant's trip, it is enough to attach a free-form invitation letter to the application.


In addition to the above, you may be asked to provide information concerning the itinerary, means of transport, return trip, financial means of support and assets and employment.

The applicant must have proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration and purpose of the stay and the cost of living in the country.  In Finland a minimum of EUR 50 a day is required.

The inviting party may undertake to use its own funds to finance the visa applicant's travel. For this purpose, the inviting party must fill in the proof of sponsorship form. The form must be signed in the presence of a notary public, who authenticates the signature. The following documents should be attached to the form:

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  • a copy of the inviting party’s identity card and residence permit if the inviting party is not a Finnish citizen 

  • a copy of the inviting party’s employment contract

  • a copy of the inviting party’s last three months’ payslips 

  • a copy of the inviting party’s last three months’ bank statements

  • a copy of the right of possession of the dwelling (a lease agreement, a deed of sale, a register of occupants, or similar) if the visa applicant stays in your dwelling

  • evidence of family relationship if the inviting party and the applicant are relatives, or details of previous meetings, if any (passport stamps, travel tickets, or similar) if the relationship between the inviting party and the applicant is not based on family ties

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𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤?

Fill in this maintenance agreement if you wish to invite family or friends to Finland for up to 90 days and take responsibility for their travel costs and/or accommodation during the stay.

Complete the maintenance form and obtain a printed copy, which your inviter can then have notarized at DVV.

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Inviter may book appointment here for notary.

https://secure.vihta.com/public-ng/dvv/#/reservation

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