Finland Visa for Indians: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Finland, the land of the shimmering Northern Lights, mesmerizing forests, and internationally acclaimed saunas, is truly a dreamland for a majority of Indian travelers. Whether planning a trip to Helsinki or anticipating a wintry holiday in Lapland or just contemplating exploring its innumerable lakes and islands, a valid visa for Finland opens your travel door. This comprehensive guide will take you through the whole Finland visa application process, especially focused on the Finland tourist visa for Indian citizens.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Finland?

Yes, Indian citizens do require a visa for visiting Finland. Since Finland is one of the Schengen Zone countries, applicants must obtain a Schengen visa that can be used for traveling through Finland and other Schengen countries for the duration of their stay.

Types of Finland Visa for Indians

Following are some of the common types of Finland visas one can apply for:

Tourist Visa (Short Stay Schengen Visa – Type C): For sightseeing, leisure travel, or visiting friends and family.
Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, or professional events.
Student Visa (Long Stay Visa – Type D): Those enrolled in a course longer than 90 days.
Work Visa: This is for work purposes (which requires a residence permit).

This guide will mainly talk about the Finland tourist visa for Indians.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Finland Visa from India

Step 1: Determine the Correct Visa Title

Decide whether one will be needing a short-stay visa for less than 90 days or a long-stay visa. For tourism purposes, go for the Finland Schengen tourist visa.

Step 2: Acquisition and Filling of Visa Application Form

Visit the Finland Visa Application Portal and download the Schengen visa application form, fill it out correctly.

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Appointment

Appointment scheduling for Finland visa applications from India is through VFS Global. Choose the nearest VFS Finland Visa Application Center to schedule an appointment online.

Prominent VFS centers for the Finland visa from India include:

New Delhi
Mumbai
Chennai
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Kolkata

Step 4: Collect Your Documents

Make sure you have the following documents:

Mandatory Documents:

Completed visa application form, signed by you
Current Indian passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond intended exit)
2 recent color passport photos that comply with Schengen standards
Covering letter stating the purpose of your journey
Round-trip flight reservation
Proof of hotel booking or accommodation
Daywise itinerary of the trip
Travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000
Proof of sufficiency of funds (bank statements for the last 3-6 months, and ITR)
NOC from employer/school (if applicable)
Proof for ties to India (job letter, family details, property documents, etc.)

Step 5: Payment of Visa Fee

The visa fee for Finland for India (as of 2025) is:

€80 for adults
€40 for children aged 6–12
Free for children under 6

Charges shall be paid in INR at the current exchange rate and are non-refundable.

Step 6: Confirm the Visa Application

On the appointment day, please visit your chosen VFS Global Finland Visa Center, where you will submit your documents, biometric data (fingerprint and photo), and pay the visa fee if not done so already.

Step 7: Application Tracking

You will be given a tracking ID upon submitting the application. The status of your Finland visa application can be checked on the VFS Global website.

Step 8: Announcement of Visa Decision

The processing time for a visa is usually 15 days. However, during busy seasons, a longer time may be required; it is, therefore, recommended that you apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date.

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Finland Visa Processing Time for Indians

Standard: 15 calendar days
Peak Season: Up to 30 days
Early Applications Accepted: Up to 6 months before the travel date.

Finland Visa from India: Cost Analysis

Expense Expected Amount (INR)

Visa Fee About ₹7,000 – ₹8,000
VFS Service Charges About ₹2,000
Travel Insurance Between ₹500 and ₹2,000
Document Translation (if applicable) Varies
Flight/Hotel Booking (optional services) Varies

Reasons to Go to Finland

Here are some compelling arguments to put a tourist visa for Finland on your priority list:

Northern Lights: From September to March, treat yourself to an aurora sighting in Lapland.
Santa Claus Village: Charm for families in Rovaniemi.
Saunas and Lakes: The leisurely traditional Finnish sauna by a lovely clear lake.
Helsinki: A great place to find modern architecture and design merged with the Nordic cultural legacy.
National Parks: Gorgeous places great for hiking and canoeing with a high chance for wildlife photography.

Conclusion

Securing a Finland visa for Indians is a simple process as long as one follows the right steps, satisfies all the requirements with documentation, and applies on time. Well, whether it is chasing the Northern Lights, visiting the icy landscapes, or indulging in unique Finnish traditions, Finland sure offers a travel experience of a lifetime.

Apply with Visament: Visa, Passport & OCI Services

Are you gearing up to apply for a Finland visa from India? Let Visament carry some of the burdens of travel preparation in your behalf. We offer end-to-end assistance service for:

Finland Visa Applications
Schengen Visa Services
Indian Passport Renewal
OCI Services for Indian Origin Citizens

Our competent staff will assist in document preparation, appointment schedules, and any other concerns related to processing to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.