Does Finland issue Schengen visa through its Embassies around the world? The answer is yes, and that is because the country is among the 27 countries that are signatories to the Schengen Agreement. Finland offers different visas besides the Schengen visa, but most short-term visitors prefer it for its flexibility and numerous advantages.
Finland In The Schengen Nation
Finland is a popular destination for tourists and is among the EU's top ten most visited countries. The country is a member of the Schengen Zone as well as many other regional and international agencies. Due to its location, it receives fewer applications for Schengen visas, but most of them are approved, which explains why it occupies the top ten list of visa approval countries.
This visa is only required from visitors from countries that are not on the visa free list. Travelers from visa free countries like the US, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand do not need this visa, and there are 63 visa free countries in all. Furthermore, persons from other Schengen countries don't need this visa either. The document required from visa free visitors instead is an Etias visa waiver which is set to launch next year. For now, eligible visitors are free to visit with only their valid passports.
Where Can You Visit With A Finland Schengen Visa?
It will amaze you to know that this visa grants access to all 27 Schengen countries, not just Finland. If you plan to do a tour of Europe in 90 days or less, this is the visa you need. Instead of applying for separate visas for each country you wish to visit, you can simply apply for a Finland visa and use it to visit other countries of your choice, but you must respect the 90/180 rule.
What Does The 90/180 Rule Mean?
This rule restricts visitors from overstaying in the host country and becomes active the moment you step into Europe. The rule simply means that the visitor can't stay beyond 90 days within 180 days, and staying more than 90 days is a violation that attracts sanctions. Furthermore, this rule extends to trips to other countries as well. So whether you stay in only one or several countries, you must respect the 90/180 rule and plan your trip accordingly.
The Primary Destination Rule
Another rule you must adhere to is the primary destination rule in case you aim to visit other countries apart from Finland. To abide by this rule, you must fill in Finland as your primary destination in the application form. Secondly, you must travel to Finland first before traveling to other countries in the zone. Persons who violate the rule and go to a different country besides the country they filled as their primary destination will encounter issues with the immigration and border control agents in that country and may not even be denied entry.
Can You Work Within Finland with A Schengen Visa?
You are not permitted to work with a Schengen visa, and those caught working and sanctioned by the authorities. Schengen visas are strictly for short term, non commercial purposes. To work in Finland as a foreign national, you must obtain two documents; a temporary resident permit and a work permit which is only issued to persons with work permits. A Schengen visa doesn't qualify you for both documents.
Is There An Application Fee?
There is an application fee for the Schengen visa, which is mandatory. Without this visa, you will not be allowed to submit your application. The visa application fee is €80. Parents or guardians traveling with minors between 6 to 11 years enjoy lower fees of €40. There is no fee for children under the age of 6. The fee is not refundable after payment and must be paid using the process set by the embassy. Also, the receipt generated from the payment must be attached to the application form along with other documents.
Documents For Finland Schengen Visa
A completed application form
Valid passport
Two recent photographs
Cover letter
Proof of financial means
Proof of accommodation
Invitation letter, where applicable
Civil status certificate, where applicable
Travel medical insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000
Copies of previous Schengen visas, if applicable
Visa fee receipt
Flight Itinerary and reserved two way tickets
These documents should be arranged and taken to the embassy on the day of the scheduled application and submitted to the embassy official. If the embassy only collects applications through third-party agents, the documents should be submitted to them. After submission, document processing will commence immediately, and hopefully, the visa should be ready within 15 calendar days.
Does Finland issue Schengen visa? Finland issues this visa because it is a member state in the Schengen zone.