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Visa guide · Indian passport holders

Finland visa for Indian citizens

Applies via: VFS GlobalSchengen short-stay visaSources checked on

Indian citizens apply for a Finland visa through VFS Global. The published fee for Schengen visa (age 12 years and above) is EUR 90 / INR 10000. Processing time (Individuals): Up to 15 working days. Application locations listed include New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata (1 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.

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Finland visa for Indians — key facts

Visa fee
EUR 90 / INR 10000Schengen visa (age 12 years and above)
Processing time
Up to 15 working daysIndividuals
Where to apply
6 locations listedNew Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai…
Insurance required
Yes

Overview

How do Indian citizens apply for a Finland visa?

Applies via: VFS Global

Who handles applications in India

VFS Global is the official partner of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in India; its Visa Application Centres accept short-stay Schengen visa applications only (not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period) from legal residents of India. All applicants, including children of all ages, must visit the centre in person, by appointment (VFS also takes walk-ins: each centre page lists walk-in timings on Tuesday and Friday, 08:30-10:30, and the booking page says these slots are limited to the first 10 applicants each day, first come, first served). Applicants complete the online application on the Ministry's finlandvisa.fi portal and print the purpose-specific checklist; applications cannot be submitted earlier than six months before the journey (nine months for seafarers). Appointments are booked on the VFS Finland India website after completing the visa form, one per family or group member, and the VFS service fee is paid online by card to confirm the slot; after the decision, passports are collected at the centre with the original VAC receipt and a copy of government photo ID (or, if permitted, by a representative with a notarised authorisation letter), or returned by courier if that was chosen at submission.

Visa on arrival, eVisa or visa-free for Indians?

Visa on arrival
Not available: VFS Finland India states that all citizens of India must apply for a visa before entering Finland or other Schengen countries, so there is no visa on arrival.
eVisa / online visa
Not available: Finland does not issue an eVisa to Indians; you fill in the Schengen application online at finlandvisa.fi, but every applicant (including children) must then submit it in person at a VFS centre by appointment, and applications cannot be sent by mail, fax or email. An EU-wide online visa platform with digital visas is due only after a seven-year transition period.
Visa-free entry
Not available: VFS Finland India states that all citizens of India must apply for a visa before entering Finland or other Schengen countries, so a visa (or a Finnish residence permit for long stays) is needed before travel.

How to apply from India — step by step

  1. 1

    Complete the application form

    Fill in the Finland visa application form linked from the official pages below.

  2. 2

    Prepare your documents

    Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.

  3. 3

    Book an appointment

    Book an appointment with VFS Global (see the official links below).

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.

  5. 5

    Pay the fees

    Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.

  6. 6

    Track your application

    Track the application status as described on the official pages.

Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.

Before you apply

Visa fees

How much is the Finland visa fee for Indian citizens?

  • Schengen visa (age 12 years and above)

    EUR 90 / INR 10000

    INR as published by VFS India, October 2026; it depends on the current exchange rate and can change without notice. Paid by card/UPI or cash at the VAC on the day of appointment. Non-refundable.

  • Children, ages 6–11

    EUR 45 / INR 5000

    Unless otherwise stated in a Visa Facilitation Agreement; INR as published by VFS India, October 2026

  • Children, 0 to 5 years old

    EUR 0

  • Fee-exempt applicants

    Visa fee exempt (service fee still payable)

    Applicants under Directive 2004/38/EC; family members of Finnish citizens; diplomatic/official passport holders; students/pupils/teachers on study trips, researchers and non-profit representatives aged 25 or less – evaluated case by case

  • Schengen visa for study trips ('Culture, sports and study' purpose, up to 90 days)

    EUR 90 / INR 10000

    Standard Schengen fee for applicants aged 12+ (EUR 45 / INR 5000 for ages 6-11; free under 6). School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers on study or educational-training trips may be exempt, evaluated case by case; the VFS service fee (EUR 20 / INR 2215) is payable in all cases. INR as published by VFS India, October 2026; changes with the exchange rate.

  • Seasonal work visa (Schengen short stay, up to 90 days)

    EUR 90 / INR 10000

    VFS India publishes one Schengen visa fee for applicants aged 12+; seasonal work is one of the Schengen purposes on the Ministry's India checklist. VFS service fee EUR 20 / INR 2215 extra. Seasonal work of more than 90 days needs a residence permit for seasonal work (2026 Migri fee not verified).

Service fee: VFS Service fee EUR 20 / INR 2215 (inclusive of tax); paid online by credit/debit card when booking the appointment (VFS India fees page, October 2026; the individual centre pages list the service fee as INR 2217, payable by cash, UPI or card)

Checklist

What documents are required for a Finland visa from India?

All applicants

11 items
  • Schengen visa application form duly completed, dated and signed, with a photograph (ICAO photo guidelines)
  • Travel document valid at least three months after the planned journey, issued within the previous 10 years, with at least two blank pages
  • Other valid travel documents and/or previous travel documents with Schengen visas issued within the last 59 months
  • Travel medical insurance valid for the whole Schengen area, minimum coverage EUR 30 000
  • Proof of itinerary: travel plan covering all destinations; round-trip flight reservations
  • Proof of accommodation for the whole stay in the Schengen area
  • Proof of employment/studies on official letterhead (stamped, dated; stating position, salary, years of employment and approval of absence with exact leave dates); if self-employed, company GST registration
  • Proof of financial means: cover letter and previous 3 months bank statement; ITR (Indian Tax Return Verification Form) for past two years; salary slips for last 3 months
  • Students: proof of enrolment; pensioners: proof of pension or other financial support
  • Minors: notarised birth certificate/custody decision, passport and ID copies of custodian(s), notarised permission to travel if not travelling with guardian(s)
  • Supporting documents in English, Finnish or Swedish; originals presented at the VAC plus copies submitted

Tourism

2 items
  • Free-form cover letter from the applicant
  • For unemployment: proof of income, if any (married: spouse's employment certificate, income document and marriage certificate)

Business

3 items
  • Copy of first and last page of passport and stamped pages
  • Invitation from the company in Finland on official letterhead, stamped and dated, with contact details and countersigning officer, stating applicant's name, travel dates and reason
  • Employment letter (if fully supported by employer, this must be stated)

Private Visit (Family and Friends)

3 items
  • Signed invitation letter by the inviter, max. 3 months old, with purpose, duration, relationship, contact details, copy of inviter's passport and residence permit, and who covers the costs
  • Notarised proof of family ties (birth or marriage certificates)
  • If necessary, proof of sponsorship with attachments

Seamen

3 items
  • Employment letter or contract with shipping company
  • Invitation/cover letter from the shipping company in Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and/or Sweden
  • Seaman's book / Continuous Discharge Certificate

Culture, sports and study

3 items
  • Certificate of admission or registration at an educational establishment, or cover letter from inviting company
  • Official invitation letter from the receiving organisation (programme, expenses and covering entity, accommodation)
  • Dispatch letter from the sending organisation on official paper

Family member of a Finnish citizen

2 items
  • Proof of family tie: notarised marriage/birth certificate or custody decision; extract from the Finnish population register DVV as applicable
  • Signed invitation letter (max. 3 months old) and copy of inviter's Finnish passport bio page

Family Members of EU/EEA/CH citizens (Directive 2004/38/EC)

3 items
  • Proof of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen's nationality (e.g. passport copy)
  • Proof of travelling together with or joining the EU/EEA/CH family member
  • Proof of family tie (marriage/birth certificate or custody decision)

Seasonal work

4 items
  • Work contract or binding job offer for seasonal work from employer in Finland
  • Employer's assurance form with attachments
  • Written rental contract or similar for accommodation within the work contract period
  • Bank statements for at least three preceding months; ITR acknowledgement for last two assessment years

Photo

What are the Finland visa photo specifications?

Size
Not published
Background
Light (white or off-white) background
  • One recent colour photograph, not more than 6 months old
  • Clear quality, face in focus
  • Full face, non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or head covering unless for religious belief or ethnic background
  • Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)
  • Stick the photograph on the visa application form
  • ICAO Annex A photograph guidelines apply (finlandvisa.fi checklists)
  • If the photo does not meet the requirements the application is treated as incomplete and the applicant is asked to take new photos in the photo booth at the centre (VFS India)

Insurance

Is travel medical insurance required for a Finland visa?

Required

Each applicant (including children) must have travel medical insurance covering the entire stay, valid for the whole Schengen area or worldwide (no area restrictions), coverage not less than 30.000 euros, covering sudden illness/accident, medical repatriation and repatriation in case of death. May be bought from any European insurer or from the common list of recognised Travel Medical Insurance companies in India. Multiple-entry applicants may provide a policy covering at least the first trip.

Processing

How long does Finland visa processing take?

Individuals
Up to 15 working days
Groups of more than 15 people
Up to 20 working days
Business cases
15 working days for individuals, 20 working days for groups and in certain cases 30 working days
High season / individual cases
Embassy can extend processing time to 30 days if needed (excludes weekends and Finnish/Indian public holidays)
Residence permit fast track (specialists, start-up entrepreneurs and their family members)
Can be processed in as little as two weeks (Work in Finland / Business Finland)
Schengen visa for study trips
Same as other Schengen visas: up to 15 working days for individuals and up to 20 working days for groups of more than 15 (for example college groups); the Embassy can extend to 30 days in individual cases or high season
Seasonal work visa (up to 90 days)
Same Schengen processing: up to 15 working days for individuals, extendable to 30 days in individual cases or high season
Extra documents or interview
All applications are processed individually; the Embassy may ask for more documents or information or call the applicant for an interview, which can prolong processing (VFS India)
After a refusal
If a Schengen visa is refused, the decision states the reasons and how to submit an appeal (European Commission)
Family members of EU/EEA citizens (Directive 2004/38/EC)
Under certain conditions they are eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure (European Commission); the visa fee is waived and only the VFS service fee applies

Visa types

Which Finland visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Schengen Visas (VFS)

  • Schengen Visas (short stay, max 90 days in 180 days)

Checklists by main purpose of travel (finlandvisa.fi, India)

  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Private Visit (Family and Friends)
  • Seamen
  • Culture, sports and study
  • Family member of a Finnish citizen
  • Family Members of EU/EEA/CH citizens (applicants under the directive 2004/38/EC)
  • Seasonal work

Residence permits (long stay, applied online in Enter Finland)

  • Residence permit for studies
  • Residence permit for an employed person
  • Specialist / start-up entrepreneur (fast-track eligible)
  • Self-employed person

Long stay

Finland study and work visas for Indians

Residence permit for studies (degree students)

Study

Indians admitted to a Finnish educational institution for degree studies apply to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) through the Enter Finland portal, then book and attend an appointment at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate for identity verification; the permit can be granted for the full length of studies.

  • Admission to a Finnish educational institution (apply after you have been accepted)
  • Sufficient funds for studies and living costs: Migri's official minimum is EUR 800 per month (EUR 9,600 per year)
  • Valid insurance
  • Part-time work allowed up to 30 hours per week on average during the academic year, full-time during holidays
  • Research or doctoral studies need a separate residence permit for scientific research (valid up to two years)
  • After graduation you can apply for a two-year permit to seek work or start a business
  • Tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes typically EUR 9,000-20,000 a year; non-EU/EEA applicants pay a EUR 100 application fee; programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish and doctoral programmes are tuition-free
  • Permanent residence is possible after four years on a continuous residence permit, including the study period (Study in Finland, September 2026)
Official page

Residence permit based on employment (employed person, specialist, start-up entrepreneur, self-employed)

Work

Indians moving to Finland to work for more than 90 days need a work-based residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), usually with a job offer in hand; you apply and pay online in Enter Finland and then prove your identity at a Finnish mission (or a VFS centre where that service is offered) in your country of residence.

  • A residence permit is required for non-EU nationals coming to Finland for work for longer than 90 days
  • In most cases you must have a job offer before applying
  • Permit type depends on your job and background: employed person, specialist, start-up entrepreneur or self-employed person; permits are issued as temporary (B) or continuous (A)
  • Specialists, start-up entrepreneurs and their family members may be eligible for the fast-track service
  • After applying online, book an appointment at a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) or a VFS Global centre in your country of residence to give fingerprints and show original documents; the residence permit card is sent to the mission where you proved your identity
  • VFS Finland centres in India state that they accept short-stay Schengen visa applications only
  • You must have confirmed employment in Finland before applying; a residence permit to look for work is available only after graduating in Finland (see study route)
  • Salary at least the minimum in the collective agreement for your sector; if there is no collective agreement or you work part-time, total salary at least EUR 1,600 per month in 2026 (income may come from several jobs)
  • The employer must pay its taxes and statutory insurance premiums, be able to pay your salary and offer terms that comply with Finnish law, and no labour must be available for the job in Finland or the EU/EEA within a reasonable time
  • The employer fills in the details of the employment relationship and its attachments online in Enter Finland for Employers
  • Seasonal work in agriculture or tourism (maximum 9 months within 12 months) has its own seasonal work permit
Official page

Multiple-entry Schengen visa (EU 'cascade' rules for Indian nationals)

Other

Since 18 April 2024, specific EU rules let Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen short-stay visas in India (including for Finland) be issued multi-year multiple-entry visas if they have a record of lawfully using earlier Schengen visas.

  • Indian national residing in India, applying for a Schengen (short-stay) visa in India
  • Obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas within the previous three years: can be issued a multiple-entry visa valid for two years
  • The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining
  • For multiple-entry visas the passport must be valid at least 3 months after departure from the last Schengen country visited
  • Stays remain limited to 90 days in any 180-day period
Official page

Seasonal work (agriculture and tourism)

Work

For Indians hired for seasonal work in agriculture or tourism: work of up to 90 days uses a Schengen visa with the seasonal work purpose, applied for at a VFS Finland centre; longer seasonal work (up to 9 months within 12 months) needs a seasonal work permit from the Finnish Immigration Service.

  • 'Seasonal work' means work in agriculture or tourism done only during certain seasons; maximum 9 months within a 12-month period
  • Up to 90 days: Schengen visa for seasonal work, visa fee EUR 90 / INR 10000 plus VFS service fee EUR 20 / INR 2215
  • Ministry checklist (India): work contract or binding job offer for seasonal work from the employer in Finland; employer's assurance form with attachments; written rental contract or similar for accommodation during the work period; bank statements for at least three months and ITR acknowledgements for the last two assessment years
  • Longer seasonal work: apply for a seasonal work permit (residence permit) instead of a visa; 2026 permit fee not verified
Official page

Permanent residence permit

Residence

Indians living in Finland on a continuous (A) residence permit can apply for permanent residence after four years; time spent studying counts.

  • Four years on a continuous residence permit, including the study period (Study in Finland, September 2026)
  • Work-based permits are issued as temporary (B) or continuous (A) depending on how stable the employment and stay are
Official page

Fees and processing times for these routes are listed in the Visa fees and Processing sections above.

Where to apply

Where do Indian citizens apply for a Finland visa?

  • New Delhi
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Kolkata
  • Mumbai

Which office covers your state

Embassy of Finland, New Delhi
All of India (the Embassy's visa jurisdiction is India, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka); applications are lodged at VFS centres in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai; VFS centres (Monday-Friday; walk-in timings Tuesday and Friday 08:30-10:30): New Delhi, #27 K.G. Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001 (submission and passport collection 09:00-16:00); Bengaluru, Gopalan Innovation Mall, No. 22, Bannerghatta Main Road, J. P. Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru 560076 (submission and collection 08:00-15:00); Chennai, Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600018 (submission 08:00-15:00, collection 09:00-16:00); Hyderabad, Unit 1, Lower Concourse, Punjagutta Metro Station, Punjagutta Road, Hyderabad 500082 (submission 08:00-15:00, collection 09:00-16:00); Kolkata, 5th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Kolkata 700107 (submission 09:00-14:00, collection 09:00-16:00); Mumbai, Urmi Axis Building, Second Floor, near MMRC Science Centre Exit A4, opp. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai 400011 (submission and collection 09:00-16:00); Prime Time collection 17:00-18:00 (New Delhi 17:00-19:00)

Statistics & changes

Finland visa statistics and recent rule changes

Schengen visa refusal rate, applications lodged at Finnish consulates in India · 2025
13.9% — 2,450 visas not issued; 17,564 applications lodged
Official data
Schengen visa refusal rate, applications lodged at Finnish consulates in India · 2024
20.0% — 3,483 visas not issued; 17,762 applications lodged
Official data
First residence permits for studies, Indian nationals: share of Finnish Immigration Service decisions that were negative · 2025
26.7% (295 negative of 1,104 decisions; 714 positive, 95 lapsed)
Official data
First residence permits for studies, Indian nationals: share of Finnish Immigration Service decisions that were negative · January-September 2026
19.8% (226 negative of 1,140 decisions; 812 positive, 102 lapsed)
Official data
First residence permits on work grounds, Indian nationals: share of Finnish Immigration Service decisions that were negative · 2025
26.1% (319 negative of 1,222 decisions; 850 positive, 52 lapsed, 1 inadmissible)
Official data
First residence permits on work grounds, Indian nationals: share of Finnish Immigration Service decisions that were negative · January-September 2026
19.9% (249 negative of 1,251 decisions; 995 positive, 7 lapsed)
Official data

Recent rule changes

  • The EES became fully operational and replaced the stamping of passports for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, which includes Indian Schengen visa holders.

    Official notice

  • The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began a progressive start of operations at the external borders of the 29 European countries using it, registering non-EU short-stay travellers' passport data, fingerprints and facial images on entry and exit.

    Official notice

FAQ

Finland visa for Indians — frequently asked questions

Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.

How much is the Finland visa fee for Indian citizens?

Schengen visa (age 12 years and above): EUR 90 / INR 10000; Children, ages 6–11: EUR 45 / INR 5000; Children, 0 to 5 years old: EUR 0. 3 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: VFS Service fee EUR 20 / INR 2215 (inclusive of tax); paid online by credit/debit card when booking the appointment (VFS India fees page, October 2026; the individual centre pages list the service fee as INR 2217, payable by cash, UPI or card).

What documents are required for a Finland visa from India?

Schengen visa application form duly completed, dated and signed, with a photograph (ICAO photo guidelines); Travel document valid at least three months after the planned journey, issued within the previous 10 years, with at least two blank pages; Other valid travel documents and/or previous travel documents with Schengen visas issued within the last 59 months; Travel medical insurance valid for the whole Schengen area, minimum coverage EUR 30 000; Proof of itinerary: travel plan covering all destinations; round-trip flight reservations; Proof of accommodation for the whole stay in the Schengen area. Plus 5 more items listed on this page. Category-specific checklists are listed for 8 visa categories.

How long does Finland visa processing take for Indians?

Individuals: Up to 15 working days; Groups of more than 15 people: Up to 20 working days; Business cases: 15 working days for individuals, 20 working days for groups and in certain cases 30 working days.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a Finland visa?

Applications go via VFS Global. Locations listed: New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai.

Can Indians get a Finland visa on arrival or an eVisa?

Visa on arrival — Not available: VFS Finland India states that all citizens of India must apply for a visa before entering Finland or other Schengen countries, so there is no visa on arrival. eVisa — Not available: Finland does not issue an eVisa to Indians; you fill in the Schengen application online at finlandvisa.fi, but every applicant (including children) must then submit it in person at a VFS centre by appointment, and applications cannot be sent by mail, fax or email. An EU-wide online visa platform with digital visas is due only after a seven-year transition period. Visa-free entry — Not available: VFS Finland India states that all citizens of India must apply for a visa before entering Finland or other Schengen countries, so a visa (or a Finnish residence permit for long stays) is needed before travel.

What photo size is required for a Finland visa?

Background: Light (white or off-white) background.

Is travel medical insurance required for a Finland visa?

Yes. Each applicant (including children) must have travel medical insurance covering the entire stay, valid for the whole Schengen area or worldwide (no area restrictions), coverage not less than 30.000 euros, covering sudden illness/accident, medical repatriation and repatriation in case of death. May be bought from any European insurer or from the common list of recognised Travel Medical Insurance companies in India. Multiple-entry applicants may provide a policy covering at least the first trip.

Which Finland visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Schengen Visas (VFS), Checklists by main purpose of travel (finlandvisa.fi, India) and Residence permits (long stay, applied online in Enter Finland). 13 visa types are listed on this page.

Sources

Sources

Machine-readable version: /visa/india/finland/markdown

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