Finland Visa for Indians: Comprehensive Guide Application Process, and Its Prerequisites (2025)

Finland, with its iconic Northern Lakes and modern displays of nature, draws students, tourism enthusiasts, as well as avid professionals and remote workers. Its burgeoning economy, and well-maintained cities with world-class living standards enhance its appeal for Indians wishing to visit or work. However, Indians wishing to venture travel to Finland need to apply for a specific type of visa before entry. 

In this document, we have covered the capital and business cities of Finland, different types of visas, work and residence permits, along with the required India-Finland visa application details such as fees, appointment scheduling, and processing time. 

Do Indians need a Visa for Finland?

Indians looking to travel to Finland for business, tourism, work or study need to procure a visa and Finland does not have an exception to this rule.

• Visa Type: Schengen ( Type: C Visa) Indians requiring to travel for business tourism or any other reason for a limited time duration (up to 90 days) must procure this visa.
• Visa Type: National Visa (Type D) Visa) For Finnish employment, business engagements, education, long stay tourism, or other residence activities.

Types of Finland Visas for Citizens of India

Schengen Visa (Type C) – Short Stay

• Possible to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Objectives: Travel, business, family reunification, short-term training, and participation in workshops or conferences.

National Visa (Type D) – Long Stay

• Applicable for longer than 90 days
• Rarely used because long-term stays are usually processed through residence permits.

Finland Work Visa (Residence Permit for Employment)

• Applicable for those relocating to Finland for employment.
• Granted as a residence permit, not a conventional visa.
• Requires consent from Migri.

Finland Visa from India: Where & How to Apply

Finland visas for Indian citizens can be processed through VFS Global, which collects documents on behalf of the Finland Embassy in New Delhi.

Finland Visa Application Centers in India are as follows:

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Ahmedabad
• Kolkata
• Pune
• Kochi

You can submit your documents online at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fin

Documents Required for Finland Schengen Visa as a Tourist

The following documents are required for a short-term tourist visa application:

1. Application form filled and submitted either online or on paper.
2. Valid passport (should not expire in the next 3 months after the intended date of return).
3. Passport size photos (35×45 mm) with plain white backdrop.
4. Brief description detailing the intention of the visit.
5. Duly confirmed flight ticket.
6. Proof of accommodation or hotel reservations.
7. Travel insurance – Minimum €30,000 coverage valid in Schengen countries.
8. Sufficient funds – €30,000 bank statements, salary slips, ITR.
9. Proof of employment or study – NOC, employment letter, enrollment letter, etc.

Finland Visa Appointment and Biometrics 

Applicants must make an appointment with VFS Global, then turn up in person to: 

• Document submission.
• Biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
• Visa fee payment.

Steps to book a Finland Visa Appointment: 

1. Go to: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fin
2. Select visa category.
3. Select your nearest center.
4. Select a convenient date and time.
5. Show up for the appointment with the required documents.

💰 Finland Visa Fees (2025)

Note: Work/residence permit fees are paid online via Migri (Finnish Immigration Service) when applying.

Finland Work Visa for Indian Citizens (Residence Permit for Employment)

Unlike several European Union counterparts, Finland does not issue “work visas.” Instead, a residence permit is mandatory for individuals intending to work for more than 90 days.

Types of Residence Permits for Employment

1. Residence Permit for Employed Person (TTOL)

– For standard employment positions, subject to labor market checks.

2. Residence Permit for Specialists

– For high-skilled positions, with remuneration of €3,473/month (2025) or higher.

3. Residence Permit for Start-up Entrepreneurs

– For individuals establishing or engaged in Finnish startups.

4. EU Blue Card

– For high experts holding a salary of €5,209/month (2025) or higher.

Documents Required for Finland Work Visa (TTOL/Residence Permit)

1. Passport with a valid Finland visa.
2. Signed employment contract with a Finnish company.
3. Documents evidencing qualifications (degrees, certificates).
4. CV or resume.
5. Employment terms statement (salary, employment length, terms, etc.).
6. Healthcare coverage (until Finnish coverage begins).
7. Proof of accommodation in Finland.
8. No criminal record (not mandatory, but advisable).
9. Recent passport-sized photos.

How to Apply for a Finland Work Visa (Residence Permit)

1. Sign up on https://enterfinland.fi and create a profile.
2. Select visa type: “Residence Permit for Employed Person.”
3. Complete the online form and submit the required documents.
4. Payment of roughly €490.
5. Book a VFS Global appointment in India for biometric and identity verification.
6. Await a decision from Migri (Finnish Immigration Service).

Finland Work Visa Processing Time (2025)

Note: Delays can occur if documents are missing or background checks are required.

Sample Cover Letter for Finland Work Visa (Residence Permit) 

To: Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) 

Subject: Application for Residence Permit – Employment 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

My name is [Full Name], and I am an Indian national holding a job offer from [Company Name] located in [City, Finland]. I am seeking a residence permit to commence my employment as [Job Title] on [Start Date].

My qualifications include [Degrees/Certifications], and I meet the eligibility requirements for the residence permit. I have enclosed my employment contract, proof of accommodation, and all other supporting documents. 

I am graciously awaiting a favorable reply. 

Sincerely, 

[Full Name] 

[Passport Number] 

[Email & Contact Number] 

Tips for a Successful Finland Visa Application 

• Always use a certified translation for documents not in English.
• Verify names and passport numbers are correctly spelled.• Ensure that your salary and position are in line with the type of residence permit you’ve selected.
• To make the process swifter, use Enter Finland.
• Always show up to your VFS appointment on time and bring the originals of all required documents.

Common Reasons for Rejection of Finnish Visa 

1. Document mismatch or omissions.
2. Inadequate financial documentation or a vague employment agreement.
3. Invalid or lacking health coverage.
4. Salary that is too low for the employment and residence permit being applied for.

5. Previous violations of immigration laws or blacklisting.

Contact Finland Visa Issuing Authority – India 

Embassy of Finland – New Delhi 

E-3, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021 

Phone: +91-11-4149 7500

Email: sanomat.nde@formin.fi 

Website: https://finlandabroad.fi/web/ind  

Final Thoughts: Reasons to Consider Finland 

Apart from being one of India’s favorite tourist locations, it is also increasingly attracting highly-skilled migrants and seasoned professionals from India. Finland also provides an excellent healthcare system, quality education, and an ideal work-life balance. 

Whether it is for leisure, business, or employment, with the right documentation and a solid application strategy, one can obtain a Finnish visit or work visa from India.