Finland Work Visa for Indians

About Finland Work Visa

Finland presents an attractive landscape for Indian entrepreneurs and job seekers. Staying there for work allows you to enjoy an excellent quality of life while growing professionally. Here are some key facts about Finland that you should know about.

Documents Required to Apply for Finland Work Visa for Indians

You can stay in Finland for business meetings, conferences, and other purposes on a Schengen- Business visa.

Here's a list of the documents required for a Finland Schengen Business visa.

• Application Form: Complete, date, and sign the Schengen visa application form.
• Photograph: According to the Finland work visa photo requirements, the photos should comply with ICAO guidelines.
  • The photo should be taken in the past 6 months.
  • The width should be 35 - 40 mm.
  • 70 to 80% of the photo should contain your head.
  • Look directly at the camera.
• Travel Document: The passport should be valid for at least three months after the trip, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages. Include copies of the first and last pages and any stamped pages.
• Other Travel Documents: Provide any additional valid or previous travel documents, including those with Schengen visas issued in the past 59 months.
• Travel Medical Insurance: Insurance must cover the entire Schengen area and be valid for the duration of the trip. For multiple-entry visas, coverage for the first trip is sufficient. The policy should cover at least EUR 30,000 and include COVID-19 coverage.
• Documents Confirming the Purpose of the Journey:
  • Proof of Itinerary: Detailed travel plan with all destinations, including flight reservations for roundtrip and any other Schengen states or third countries.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of accommodation arrangements for the entire stay in the Schengen area.
• Documents for Business Travel: An invitation letter from a Finnish company on the official letterhead, including contact details, and signed by an authorised person. The letter should detail the applicant's name, travel dates, and purpose of the visit.
• Documents Confirming Your Financial and Professional Circumstances:
  • Proof of Employment: Employment letter on the official letterhead with contact details, the applicant's name, position, salary, employment duration, and approved leave. If self-employed, include GST registration.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements from the past 3 months, recent salary slips, and ITR verification form from the past two years. If financially supported by an employer, this must be noted in the employment letter.
• Documents for Third Country Citizens: A valid Indian residence permit, which must be valid for 3 months beyond the Schengen departure date.
• Other Documents:
  • Request for Visa Revocation: To be submitted at the Visa Application Centre if applicable.
  • Other Submission Documents: Additional documents required may be added at the Visa Application Centre if needed.

Documents Required for Schengen Visa for Seasonal Work

Similarly, you can stay and work in Finland for a short time on a Schengen visa for seasonal work. Here are the requirements for Schengen Visa for Seasonal Work-

• Travel Medical Insurance: Travel insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the stay and cover all Schengen countries. For multiple-entry visas, coverage for the initial trip is sufficient. The policy should provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and include expenses for sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation.
• Proof of Financial Means: Provide bank statements from the last three months to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses until the first salary. Include Income Tax Returns (ITR) from the past two years.
• National ID: Proof of identity and, if applicable, a copy of the name change certificate.
• Documents for Third Country Citizens: Non-Indian applicants must provide a copy of a valid Indian residence or work permit (original must be shown when applying). The permit should be valid for at least three months beyond the Schengen departure date.
• Other Additional Documents:
  • Permission from Parents/Guardians: Written consent from parents or guardians issued by a district office if the applicant is aged 18-20years.
  • Proof of Relationship: Birth certificate or house registration if the applicant is 18-20 years old. Note that individuals under 18 cannot participate in seasonal work.
• Transport Reservations: Flight reservations for a roundtrip, including any possible travel to third countries and other Schengen countries. If on an organised trip, confirm the travel agent or tour operator.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide accommodation details if it is not specified in the Employer's Assurance Form.
• Employment Contract or Job Offer: A valid contract or job offer from a Finnish employer outlining:
  1. Job location and nature of work
  2. Employment duration
  3. Salary
  4. Weekly or monthly working hours
  5. Paid holiday duration
  6. Other employment terms
  7. Employment start date. The visa validity aligns with the work contract's start date.
• Employer's Assurance Form: Include the Employer's Assurance Form as required.
• Request for Visa Revocation: To be submitted at the Visa Application Centre if applicable.

Do you wish to stay in Finland for an extended period of employment? The documents to be attached to your Finland visa application depend on the type of residence permit you want. Here's a summary of the types of residence permits and documents required for them.

Note: Additional documents may be required. Please check the relevant page of the applicable residence permit.

• Valid Passport: Provide a passport accepted by Finland. Submit it when applying for your residence permit.
• Passport Photo: Submit a recent passport photo (taken within the last 6 months) that meets the police guidelines, or provide a photo retrieval code from a photo shop.
• Colour Copies of Passport: Include colour copies of the passport page with personal details and any pages with notes.
• Proof of Legal Stay: Show evidence that you reside legally in the country where you are submitting your application.
• Form MP_1: Complete and submit Form MP_1 if you are applying for your first residence permit while already in Finland.

Apart from this, you must prove that you are eligible for the residence permit you are applying for. You need to submit additional documents according to your residence permit type such as:

• Proof that you have found a job in Finland.
• Proof that you have the required qualifications for your job.
• Evidence of having sufficient income to support yourself during the validity of your permit.

Types of Finland Work Visa

Finland issues two work visa types — C visa and D visa. Here's a table describing the two Finland work visa types along with their validity or permitted stay.

How to Apply for a Finland Work Visa for Indians?

Listed below is the step-by-step procedure of to apply for a Finland work visa from India.

First, start with the process of applying for a C Visa.

1. Complete the Visa Application Form: Visit finlandvisa.fi to fill out the visa application form. The website provides details on the necessary documents, appendices, and passport photo requirements. You can also complete the application in PDF format, either by hand or digitally. Make sure to review the required documents on the website.
2. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment to submit your application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in your country of residence.
3. Submit Your Application in Person: All applications must be submitted in person, where your biometric information will be collected. If you have provided fingerprints for a Schengen visa application within the last 59 months, they will not be re-collected.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: A processing fee is required for the visa application. The Visa Application Centre may also charge an additional service fee (check the VFS Global Visa Application Centre website for details).
5. Additional Information for EU Family Members: Family members of EU citizens covered by the EU Free Movement Directive can submit their visa application at either a visa application centre or Finland's diplomatic mission abroad.
6. Attend a Personal Interview (if required): You may be invited for a personal interview by the mission to discuss the purpose of your visit.

Now let us see the process of applying for a D visa. You can apply for a D visa and residence permit together. You can also choose to apply for a residence permit first and then separately apply for a D visa.

1. Complete the Application: Fill out the residence permit application online through the Enter Finland service or submit a paper application via Migri.
2. Ensure Accuracy: Carefully complete the residence permit application and verify that all supporting documents are correct.
3. Book and Attend an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Finland Residence Permit Application Centre in New Delhi using the same portal where you submitted your application.
4. Submit Your Application: Visit the VFS visa application centre to verify your identity and pay the non-refundable residence permit fee. This fee will not be returned if you cancel your application or receive a negative decision.
5. Track Your Application: Your application will be forwarded to the Finnish Immigration Service for processing. You can monitor the status of your application online. Be prepared to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested.
6. Await a Decision: Processing times can be lengthy, so please be patient. Each application is reviewed thoroughly. You will be notified once a decision is made.
7. Receive the Decision: If your application is approved, your residence permit card will be sent to the mission. A negative decision indicates insufficient grounds for granting the residence permit.

Finland Work Visa Fees

Here's a summary of the Finland work visa fees that you must pay to submit your visa application.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of Finland Work Visa for Indians?

You can track your Finland work visa status through the website of VFS Global through the following steps.

1. Go to the VFS Global Website: Access the official VFS Global website and find the 'Track Your Application' option.
2. Provide the Required Information: Enter the necessary details including your visa application reference number, last name, and captcha code.

Submit Your Query: Click on 'Submit' to view the current status of your visa application.