Finland Visa From India – How to Apply for Finnish Schengen Visa Application Requirements Guide

Finland is one of the 26 Schengen countries and it seems to have it all, making it a great destination to visit. The capital city of Helsinki is a good place to start with lots to see and do. You’ll find historical areas in the center of Finland, forests and lakes in the east and you can go skiing or spot some reindeer in Lapland! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Finland visa from India, Finland visa appointment booking, processing time at the Finland visa application center, flight itinerary for a Finland visa, hotel bookings for a Finland visa, Schengen travel insurance for a Finland visa application, and Finland visa application process in India.

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Finland Schengen Visas

61,015 Schengen visa applications for Finland were received by embassies around the world in 2021. 2,745 (4.7%) were rejected. The Embassy of Finland in New Delhi received 376 applications and rejected 66 (19.9%).

Applying for a Finland Schengen Visa from India

To apply for a visa for Finland from India, you must be a natural citizen of India or have the legal right to reside in the country if you were not born there.

Once your application is handed in, the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi will process it and you will receive an answer within 15 days. Please note, it could take longer depending on whether the embassy needs to do further checks. You can apply no more than 6 months ahead of your trip.

Even though the embassy is responsible for processing visa applications, you will submit your application to VFS Global. There are offices across India in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Types of Schengen visas offered at The Embassy of Finland in India

There are different visas that you may apply for and it is important that you apply for the correct one:

1. Schengen C visa – for trips up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family/friends etc.
2. Residence permit – for trips over 90 days for work, study etc. More information about residence permits can be found on the embassy’s website

Visas are usually issued as one of the following:

1. Single-entry visa – allows the holder to enter Finland once and stay for up to 90 days
2. Double-entry visa – allows entry into Finland twice and may be valid within the Schengen area for up to 90 days
3. Multiple-entry visa –  is granted for several consecutive visits to the Schengen area. The total duration of the stays may not exceed 90 days.  A multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 5 years
4. Airport transit visa – allows the visa holder to transit via the international zone of the airport during a stopover or change between two flights. Citizens of the following countries need a transit visa: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka

How Can I Apply for a Finland Schengen Visa from VFS Global in India?

There are several steps to follow when you apply for your visa.

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Visit a Visa Application Center
5. Step 5 – Pay your fees
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport

Step 1 – Identify visa type

The first thing you need to do is identify the correct visa to apply for. Go to VFS Global’s website and click on “Start now”:

Go to “step 1 – identify visa type” and click on the link for “visa type”:

On the next page, you will then see information about visa fees, documents required, photos etc. Read this fully before proceeding to the next step:

Step 2 – Begin your application

The next step is to begin your application. To complete your application form online, go to “step 2” and click on the first link:

You will be directed to the online application form. Click on the link to start an online application:

Then, you will need to create an account before signing in and completing the online application form:

If you would prefer to print the application to complete it, click on the second link:

You will be directed to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Finland. Scroll down and click the link for the application form in your chosen language:

Then you can save the form to your computer:

Regardless of whether you complete it online or manually, you must print the form and make sure it is completed in full and signed.

Step 3 – Book an appointment

Making appointments with the embassy, consulate or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, the visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

You can also make an appointment on your own by following the steps below.

1. Go to “step 3” and click on the link to book an appointment
2. Click on the link to book now
3. Create an account with VFS Global
4. Log in and make your appointment

Step 4 – Visit a visa application center

On the day of your appointment:

1. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment
2. You must attend the appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone in your place
3. Only applicants and one parent/legal guardian accompanying a child under 18 years are permitted to enter the Visa Application Center
4. Printed copies of your visa application, passport bio page, as well as valid passport or travel document with at least 2 empty pages are required
5. All supporting documentation (originals and copies) is required
6. Children under 18 years old need to be accompanied by an adult and this cannot be a member of VFS Global staff
7. If you miss your appointment on the scheduled day, you will need to book a new appointment after 24 hours from your original appointment date

You may also be asked questions about your trip. If this happens, just answer truthfully. Example questions include:

1. What do you know about Finland?
2. How will you fund your trip?
3. What are you going to do in Finland?
4. What job do you do in India?

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

Step 5 – Pay your fees

The visa fees are paid in INR by debit/credit card or cash. The fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.