Finland immigration is a way to find a new life in a beautiful, innovative country. However, there are necessary steps and requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can call Finland home. From understanding visas to gathering the required documents, navigating the Finnish immigration process can be tiring. Here, we'll break down Finnish immigration information and go through the requirements and procedures to make your trip to Finland as smooth as possible. Having the right information and guidance is the right approach to immigration. Let's go!
Finland Immigration Process
You may require a visa to go to Finland, depending on your country, the length of your journey (duration of stay), and the reason for your trip. However, you don't need a visa to travel to Finland if you live in one of the countries that's part of the EEA/EU or Schengen area. For example, if your country of origin is a Nordic country or among the European countries, you may not need a visa for a short stay. This is because Finland is part of the EU's Schengen zone, where member states have cooperatively agreed upon mutual visa policies for citizens of third countries. It’s also among their immigration policy priorities.
Finland has various visa types, each valid for a particular purpose and time period. However, the requirements and validity periods for these visas vary. You can classify Finland visas into two main types: short-stay and long-stay visas. Long-stay visas are for you if you're considering immigration to Finland.
However, short-stay visa holders can not spend more than 90 days in the country. Another major distinction is the number of permissible entries: a single-entry visa enables you to enter Finland and exit the nation only once, but a multiple-entry visa will enable you to enter Finland and leave as many times as you need.
Types of Visa to Migrate to Finland
1. Finland Transit Visa (Type A)
This kind of visa is only available for use when traveling through Finland. This implies that when you're traveling, you'll make a stop in Finland as you wait for a flight to where you're headed. Certain passengers who don’t have a Finnish background do not have the right to wait in the transit area without a valid visa.
2. Short Term Visas (Type C)
- Visitor visa: This visa is necessary for citizens of countries that are not in the Schengen area who wish to visit relatives or friends in the Schengen area. In this scenario, you must have a letter of invitation from the person you are visiting. A visitor's visa is only useful for 90 days throughout six months.
- Tourist Visa: If you’re of foreign origin, this is the standard tourist visa that is granted to people who want to travel to and discover Finland. It has a three-month validity window of six months.
- Medical Treatment Visa: The holder of this visa can stay up to 90 days in one of the Schengen nations and get treatment for medical conditions.
3. Finland Immigration Visas (Type D)
Type D visas are long-term visas, and they're for you if you're thinking of moving to Finland or staying more than 90 days. Here are the different types of long-term visas.
Finland Family Visa
If you're immigrating to Finland for family reunification, this is for you. Citizens of third countries who wish to visit Finland with family members may apply for a family visa. Although family ties account for most residency applications, it's crucial to understand who qualifies as a family member.
Relatives of those living in Finland or with a permanent residency permit may apply for a family visa to Finland. An immediate family member could be a child, biological parents, cohabiting partner, registered partner, spouse, adoptive parents, or legal guardian. In your family visa application, you must indicate whether your sponsor is your child, your legal spouse, or your biological parents or legal guardian. A family visa is also one way to get Finnish citizenship.
Finland Student Visa
This is for you if you're an international student migrating to Finland for study purposes. The student visa is given to foreign nationals of third countries who choose to stay in Finland to pursue their studies. One of the requirements for getting a student visa is being accepted into a study program. If your foreign language isn’t English, you need to learn it or Finnish.
Holders of Finland student visas are eligible to apply for a residence permit. This is for stays longer than 90 days. Their countries of origin don’t matter. International students who intend to study there for less than ninety days should only apply for a Schengen study visa.
Finland Work Visa
If you're considering Finland immigration for job opportunities, this is for you. Finland offers fantastic job prospects. Many people would want the chance to work in Finland, which was ranked as the seventh richest nation in Europe. Foreign nationals must have a Finland work visa in order to be able to work there without restriction.
The work visa differs from other types of visas in that it is a long-term authorization that lets the holder stay longer than the standard 90-day period. Those who do not require a visa to work in Finland may only work for 90 days before registering as a working resident in Finland.
Finland Visa Requirements
The Finnish immigration service is in charge of all your online applications and citizenship matters. Here are the general things you'll need for your Finland visa application:
1. A passport valid for at least ninety days following the end of travel and has two blank pages at minimum. A printed copy of the front page contains personal information and any previously obtained Schengen visas.
2. Please download, print, and complete the Finland visa application form, then attach it to your supporting documentation when you apply for a Schengen visa.
3. Schengen Travel Insurance: Any traveler entering the Schengen Area must have Schengen travel insurance. The insurance must pay for emergencies, including sudden illnesses, accidents, and even death, up to a maximum of €30,000 in medical costs.
4. Proof of work in the form of official documents such as a letter from the employer, a certificate from school, a registration document, or a sample of pension funds.
5. It is occasionally possible for the embassy to request proof of accommodations. It is necessary to provide reservations for hotels, Airbnb, or rental agreements.
6. Proof of Legal Stay: A document demonstrating that you are a legitimate citizen of the nation where you currently reside is also required. It is to prove your legal nationality or foreign citizenship.
7. Cover Letter: You must prepare a letter explaining why you are visiting and how long you intend to stay.
8. Travel Itinerary: You may also be required to provide a complete trip itinerary that includes the flight number, departure date, return date, length of stay, and other relevant details regarding your visit.
9. It is also necessary that you take a current identity photograph.
Finland Immigration Visa Requirement
For Family Visa:
In addition to the aforementioned documents, here are the following things you need to provide for a family reunification visa if you’re preparing for your Finland immigration:
1. Form PK1 plus: Your sponsor in Finland (permanent residents) must fill out and sign this form before sending it to you so you can attach it to the remainder of the application.
2. Sponsor's Passport Bio Page: You need to have a copy of your spouse's passport bio page and then attach it to your application.
3. Civil Documents: Civil status documents must be current and valid in your country of residence. These documents include:
- Marriage license
- Birth certificate
- Death certificate
- Divorce license
- Adoption papers
- Certificate of a dissolved partnership
- Certificate of registered partnership
4. Evidence of spouse's financial state: If you’re from a foreign background, you need to provide these documents:
- Bank statements for the previous six months from your spouse or partner.
- Documents about your spouse's or partner's company, including bank statements, income statements, business licenses, and staff counts.
- Copies of the tax return, tax decision, and spouse's/partner's most recent tax card.
- Documents pertaining to additional sources of income.
5. Letter of Consent: A letter of consent is required whenever a minor requests to be reunited with a parent or legal guardian while the other parent or guardian is abroad. If you’re native language isn’t English, you have to translate the letter to either English, Finnish or Swedish.
6. Certificate of paternity: If your child was born outside of marriage and you request a reunion with them in Finland, you must also submit a paternity certificate. Note that your documents must be in English, Finnish, or Swedish in case it’s not your national language.
For Finland Work Visa:
In addition to the general requirements, here are the things you must bring along for the work visa application.
- Proof of enrolment
- Receipt of tuition fees
- Health insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Passport Bio page
You should also check the Finland portal for additional requirements based on the country from which you are relocating or visiting.
How to Apply for Finland Immigration Visas
1. Prepare your documents: Get all the paperwork you'll need for the application, and if any isn't already legal, make sure it gets done. If your national language isn’t English, Swedish or Finnish, you have to change it.
2. Immigration Visa Application: You can apply for your type of immigration visa once you're ready. You have two options for submitting your application: apply in person at a local Finnish mission or through the Finland online e-service.
3. Go to the nearest local Finnish mission: After submitting your application, you must visit the embassy or consulate in your area to provide identification documents and fingerprints. Bring the actual documents that you attached to your online application as well.
4. Wait for Processing Time: Typically, it takes two to nine months to process most immigration visas. When compared to a paper application, the online service will process requests faster. Please ensure that all of your materials are submitted the first time around. If anything is missing, the processing time will be extended. The Finnish immigration service is in charge of handling your online applications.
Finland Immigration Visa Costs
- The cost of a paper application for a family visa is €520, whereas an electronic application is €470.
- The cost for a student visa paper application is €450, while the online application is €350.
- The cost of a paper application for a work visa is €690, while the online application is €490.
Benefits of Migrating to Finland
1. Universal Healthcare: Finland is well known worldwide for having one of the most advanced social systems. This also applies to its affordable and easily accessible healthcare system. As in several other nations, expats don't have to worry about shelling out huge sums of money for an urgent checkup or emergency care.
2. Quality Education: Finland has a solid educational system, including public, private, and international schools. It is also home to several prominent universities that offer a broad range of English-language degrees in addition to several programs taught in Finnish. This is why Finland immigration is a great option for you especially if you have kids.
3. Work and Life Balance: Finnish government loves immigrants spending time with friends and family. It also encourages them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Work-life balance is maintained through taking long vacations and keeping regular work hours.
While an eight-hour workday is common, the length of vacations and working days varies depending on the occupation. Earning a paid summer vacation of four weeks, typically in July, is another common benefit. The standard requirement for most professions is thirty days of paid yearly leave. Finland pays for public holidays like regular working days, and they are not counted toward annual leave.
4. Safety: Finland is among the best destinations to relocate to due to how safe the country is. Expats frequently worry about their safety while moving overseas, wondering if they should walk alone at night, hold onto their luggage when taking public transportation, or not bring valuables with them. Finland immigration is safe, especially for families with little children, so newcomers shouldn't worry too much about these things.
5. Labor Market: Finland's labor market is well-known for prioritizing technology, engineering, healthcare, and education. Moreover, the annual income for most jobs is high. In recent years, remote employment has become increasingly common around the nation. Finland's work culture promotes a flexible work environment, emphasizes work-life balance, and encourages timeliness.
Conclusion
Finland immigration offers a warm embrace to seekers of innovation and nature's splendor. Finland calls on individuals to embark on a journey of discovery, making their immigration a gateway to a brighter, bolder, and breathtakingly beautiful life.
