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Finland Business Visa Eligibility, Required Documents & Fees

Last Update: 05-12-2024

Tram Line, Helsinki, Finland

Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. What is a Finland Business Visa?
  3. Finland Business Visa Eligibility
  4. Finland Business Visa Requirements
  5. How to Apply for a Finland Business Visa?
  6. What is the Validity and Processing Time of a Finland Business Visa?
  7. Finland Business Visa Fees
  8. What Business Activities are Permitted with a Finland Business Visa?
  9. Conclusion
  10. FAQs
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Introduction

Applying for a Finland business visa involves several steps and requirements to ensure a smooth and successful process. From determining the visa type and preparing the necessary documents to booking appointments and tracking your application status, each step plays a crucial role in obtaining your visa. 


Understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and permitted business activities is essential for Indian citizens planning to travel to Finland for business purposes.

What is a Finland Business Visa?

A Finland business visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to travel to Finland for business-related purposes. It is typically issued to individuals who need to engage in activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or training sessions related to their business interests in Finland.

Finland Business Visa Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for Indians applying for a business visa to Finland typically include the following:


  1. Purpose of Visit: Applicants must demonstrate that their primary purpose for visiting Finland is for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, or training sessions.
  2. Invitation Letter: A formal invitation letter from a Finnish company or organisation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit is usually required. This letter should also include information about the inviting company, contact details, and any financial support or accommodation arrangements provided.
  3. Financial Means: Applicants must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Finland. This may include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or proof of income.

Finland Business Visa Requirements

Mandatory Documents

Visa Application Form

Complete the visa application form, sign it, and bring it to your appointment.

Original Passport

  • Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay
  • Minimum of 2 blank pages. 
  • Issued within the last ten years

Photograph

  • One recent colour photo
  • Dimensions: 35mm x 40mm.
  • White background

Invitation Letter

  • A valid invitation from a Finnish company should be on official company letterhead, stamped, and dated. It must include contact information (address, email, telephone number) and the name, position, and signature of the countersigning officer. 
  • The letter should specify the applicant's name, travel dates, and reason for the invitation.

Bank Statement

  • Covering the past three months
  • Statement should not be more than four days old on your appointment day.
  • Recommended bank balance is at least Euro 30 (INR 2,650/-) per day per person for the entire trip.

Cover Letter

Cover letter explaining your travel purpose, dates, passport number, and details of any accompanying applicants.

Travel Insurance

Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros, specifying coverage for accidents, illness, medical emergencies, and evacuation.

Proof of Accommodation

Submit hotel reservations for your entire stay in the Schengen area.

Flight Reservation

Provide a confirmed roundtrip ticket and reservations for internal transfers within Schengen states (e.g., flight, train itinerary, or car rental).

Supporting Documents

If Employed

  • Last three months' pay slips
  • Leave letter on company letterhead with authorised signatory's name, designation, contact details, your name, salary, years of employment, and leave approval date.

If Self-Employed

  • GST certificate and company registration proof
  • Company bank statement
  • Company income tax return

Photo Specifications of Finland Business Visa

For a Finland business visa application as an Indian citizen, your photo must meet specific requirements:


Freshness: Ensure your visa photo is not older than 6 months.


Size and Dimensions: Your photo should measure 35mm by 40mm (width x height). Your face should occupy 70 to 80% of the image, and the background must be plain white.


Photo Specifications of Finland Business Visa


Head Position: Make sure your head is fully visible and centred in the photo.


Eyeglasses and Headgear: If you wear eyeglasses, ensure there's no glare obscuring your eyes. Religious headgear is permitted, but your entire face, including cheeks and ears, must be fully visible.


Quality: The photo should be in colour, high-resolution, and well-lit, with no shadows, red-eye, or reflections.

How to Apply for a Finland Business Visa?

Apply For Finland Business Visa Through VFS Global

To apply for a Finland business visa through the VFS Global Application Centre in India, follow these steps:


Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify the appropriate visa type for your business trip to Finland and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Familiarise yourself with the required documents, processing times, and fees.


Step 2: Prepare Documents

Gather the necessary documents for your visa application, tailored to your business visa category. Ensure that any photos adhere to biometric requirements, which you can typically fulfil at Visa Application Centres.


Step 3: Fill out Application Form

Complete your visa application form on the governemnt website, where you can find detailed instructions on required documents and passport photos. You can also use a PDF application, ensuring to cross-reference the website for necessary documents.


Finland Online Application for Schengen Visa


Step 4: Book Your Appointment

Schedule a Finland visa appointment at the VFS Visa Application Centre for biometric data collection, including fingerprints and a photo. Each applicant, including family or group members, must book individual appointments.


Step 5: Pay Your Fees

After application submission, pay the visa fee. If you print the form to bring to the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment.


Step 6: Visit the Visa Application Centre

Personally submit your completed visa application form and documents at the designated Visa Application Centre, unless instructed otherwise.


Step 7: Track Your Application

Use the VFS online application tracking tool with the reference number issued during payment at the VFS centre and your date of birth to monitor your application status.


Step 8: Collect Your Visa

Contact the Visa Application Centre to inquire about passport collection options. If collecting in person, bring the receipt and valid government ID. Representatives must present their ID, the original ICR, and a notarized power of attorney if required by local laws.

What is the Validity and Processing Time of a Finland Business Visa?

The validity and processing time for a Finland business visa typically range as follows:


Validity: The validity of a Finland business visa is usually granted for up to 180 days. However, the actual validity period may vary depending on the discretion of the Embassy or Consulate handling the visa application. It's essential to check the visa stamp or the approval notice for the exact validity period granted.


Processing Time: 15 to 21 working days from the date of submission of the visa application. However, Finland business visa processing time may vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the specific requirements of the Embassy or Consulate.

Finland Business Visa Fees

Visa TypeFee TypeAmount

Schengen Visa (Type - C)

VFS Appointment Fees

Euro 29 (INR 2,434/-)

Schengen Visa (Type - C)

Embassy Fees (up to 6 years old)

No Fees

Schengen Visa (Type - C)

Embassy Fees (6-11 years)

Euro 40 (INR 3,500/-)

Schengen Visa (Type - C)

Embassy Fees (11+ years)

Euro 80 (INR 7,000/-)

What Business Activities are Permitted with a Finland Business Visa?

With a Finland business visa, you're typically permitted to engage in a variety of business-related activities, including:


  1. Attending business meetings and conferences.
  2. Negotiating business contracts or agreements.
  3. Participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, or seminars.
  4. Conducting market research or business development activities.
  5. Exploring investment opportunities.
  6. Signing contracts or agreements with Finnish companies.
  7. Training sessions or workshops related to business operations.
  8. Establishing business contacts or partnerships.
  9. Attending training programs or courses related to your profession or industry.

It's important to note that the specific activities permitted may vary depending on the purpose of your visit and the conditions of your visa. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions of your visa and consult with relevant authorities if you have any questions about the scope of permitted activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Finland business visa requires thorough preparation and adherence to the application process outlined by VFS Global. 


By following the steps provided and ensuring that all required documents are in order, Indian citizens can increase their chances of securing a Finland business visa efficiently. 


With the flexibility to engage in various business activities, a Finland business visa opens up opportunities for networking, negotiations, and professional development in Finland.

FAQs

How can I get a Finland business visa from India?
  • To obtain a Finland business visa from India, follow these steps:
  • Determine your visa type and eligibility criteria.
  • Prepare the required documents, including an invitation letter from a Finnish company.
  • Fill out the visa application form either online or in PDF format.
  • Book an appointment at the VFS Visa Application Centre for biometric data collection.
  • Pay the visa fee and submit your application at the Visa Application Centre.
  • Track your application status online and collect your visa once processed.
How do I obtain a business invitation for a Finland business visa?

You can obtain a business invitation for a Finland business visa by requesting it from a Finnish company or organisation you plan to conduct business with. The invitation should be on official letterhead, stamped, and signed by an authorised person. It should include your name, travel dates, purpose of visit, and other relevant details.

Are there any language requirements for a Finland business visa?

There are no specific language requirements for a Finland business visa. However, it's advisable to have a basic understanding of English or Finnish, especially for communication purposes during your business activities in Finland.

Is there a minimum investment requirement for a Finland business visa?

There is no minimum investment requirement for a Finland business visa. However, you may need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Finland, as specified by the visa application requirements.

Can I apply for a Finland business visa if I'm attending a conference or trade show?

Yes, you can apply for a Finland business visa if you're attending a conference or trade show. Business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or trade shows are typically permitted under a Finland business visa.

Can I apply for a Finland business visa if I am self-employed?

Yes, self-employed individuals can apply for a Finland business visa. You'll need to provide relevant documents such as proof of self-employment, business registration, income tax returns, and any other documents demonstrating your business activities and financial stability.

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