Finland Visa Processing Time: Essential Guide for Indians

For Indian nationals planning to visit Finland, understanding the visa processing times and requirements is essential. Whether you're applying for a Finland tourist visa to explore the country’s scenic beauty, a business visa to attend meetings, or a residence permit for long-term work or study, being well-informed about the process can make your application smoother.

This blog will guide you through the key aspects of Finland visa processing, helping you navigate the application process with confidence and ensuring that you’re well-prepared for your journey to Finland.

For Indian nationals, Finland tourist and business visas typically take around 15 to 21 working days to process. These Schengen visas allow short stays in Finland, usually for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. They are ideal for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, conferences, or other short-term activities.

However, if you plan to stay in Finland for longer periods, such as for work or study, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The processing time for these long-term visas, like Finland work visas and study visas, is generally 30 to 45 working days. These permits are essential for those planning to engage in long-term employment, academic programs, or entrepreneurship in Finland.

The processing time of a Finland tourist visa can take approximately 15 to 21 working days.

A Finland tourist visa is a type of Schengen visa that allows non-EU nationals to visit Finland for short stays, typically for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is intended for those who wish to travel to Finland for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending short business meetings or cultural events.

Documents required for a Finland tourist visa:

The processing time of a Finland business visa can take approximately 15 to 21 working days.

A Finland business visa is a type of Schengen visa that permits non-EU nationals to visit Finland for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or other business activities. This visa is typically valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period and allows the holder to travel not only to Finland but also to other countries within the Schengen area.

The processing time for a Finland business visa may vary depending on the applicant's situation and the workload at the visa application centre. 

Documents required for a Finland business visa:

The processing time of a Finland study visa can take approximately 15 to 21 working days.

A Finland study visa is a type of Schengen visa that permits non-EU nationals to visit Finland for study-related purposes, such as attending courses, participating in exchange programs, or pursuing academic research. This visa is typically valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period and allows the holder to travel not only to Finland but also to other countries within the Schengen area.

If your studies in Finland take longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit for studies. This permit is granted for the entire duration of your studies, ensuring that you can stay in Finland legally for the length of your academic program. To apply for a residence permit, the applicant must provide additional documentation, including proof of admission to a Finnish educational institution and evidence of sufficient financial resources to the visa application centre or the embassy.

If you want to work in Finland for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. The processing time for a Finland work visa for Indians is typically around 30 to 45 working days. This visa allows non-EU nationals to work in Finland for short-term employment, usually for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

This permit is essential for those planning to engage in long-term employment in Finland and is granted for the entire duration of your work contract. To apply for a residence permit, the applicant must submit additional documents, including a work contract and proof of sufficient financial means, to the visa application centre or the embassy.

A Finland entrepreneur visa is a type of residence permit designed for non-EU nationals who plan to start or run a business in Finland. This permit is essential for those who intend to work as self-employed individuals or establish a company in Finland. The applicant must demonstrate that their business is viable and meets the required criteria for entrepreneurship in Finland.

Documents required for a residence permit as an entrepreneur:

A Finland Specialist visa is a type of residence permit for non-EU nationals who are highly skilled professionals intending to work in Finland. This permit is specifically designed for specialists with expertise in areas such as technology, science, or business, who are being recruited by Finnish companies for short-term or long-term assignments.

Documents required for a residence permit as a specialist:

This residence permit is granted for the duration of the employment contract and can be renewed if the employment continues.

The EU Blue Card is a type of residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals who wish to work in Finland. This permit is designed for individuals with specialised skills and qualifications who have been offered a job in Finland that requires a high level of expertise. The EU Blue Card provides the opportunity to work and reside in Finland, as well as travel within other EU countries.

The processing time for an EU Blue Card application is usually around 30 to 45 working days.

Documents required for an EU Blue Card:

A Finland residence permit to look for work is a type of residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to stay in Finland temporarily while seeking employment or starting a business. This permit is particularly useful for recent graduates of Finnish universities or researchers who wish to explore job opportunities in Finland after completing their studies or research.

The processing time for finland look for work permit is typically 1 to 2 months.

Documents required for a look for work  residence permit to look for work:

This residence permit is granted for a maximum of 12 months and is non-renewable. If you secure employment during this time, you must apply for a work-based residence permit before your current permit expires.

A Finland Internship visa is a type of residence permit designed for non-EU nationals who wish to undertake an internship in Finland. This permit is suitable for individuals participating in an internship as part of their studies or for those who have been offered an internship by a Finnish company or organisation.

Documents required for a residence permit for an internship:

A Finland Internal Transfer visa (also known as an Intra-Company Transfer or ICT visa) is a type of residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to work in Finland as part of an internal company transfer. This permit is designed for employees who are transferred from a company’s branch outside the EU to its branch or subsidiary in Finland.

Documents required for a residence permit for internal transfer:

As another option, you can perform Finland visa tracking application through VFS Global:

If you applied for your Finland visa with Teleport, you can easily track the status of your application using the Teleport dashboard. Tracking your Finland visa application is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s how you can track your Finland visa status with Teleport:

Applying for a Finland visa requires careful planning, especially for Indian nationals. Tourist and business visas typically have a processing time of 15 to 21 working days, making them suitable for short-term visits. For longer stays, such as work or study, you’ll need a residence permit, which takes around 30 to 45 working days to process.

Ensuring that all your documents are complete and applying well in advance is key to a smooth application process. Additionally, tracking your Finland visa status through platforms like VFS Global or Teleport keeps you updated on your application's progress, helping to avoid any last-minute surprises.

By understanding the specific processing times and requirements for each visa type, you can navigate the application process more efficiently, ensuring a successful and hassle-free experience.