Foreign Nationals Arriving in Finland

The entry to and residence in Finland of foreign nationals are subject to the provisions of the Finnish Aliens Act and the Schengen Acquis. Nationals of foreign countries, are required to present a visa (visa nationals).

Foreign nationals are requested to apply it at the nearest Finnish mission.  In countries where Finland does not have a mission, another Schengen country can represent Finland in visa matters.

It is important that there is enough time to process your Visa-application, so you should leave it early before you travel. The processing takes approximately 15 days. Application should be left to Embassy in person.

A Schengen Visa can be applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your main destination. If no country is your main destination, you should apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first destination.  

When deliver the visa application you have to have an appointment time. You can get an appointment by calling to the Embassy from Monday to Thursday 9–10 am. The telephone number is 038 723 723.  

Appendixes

1. A visa application form

A completed and signed visa application form (pdf).

2. A photograph of yourself

One passport sized photograph in colour: Passport photo guidelines (Police) and matching ICAD specifications:

Please note the requirements:
The photograph must be less than 6 months old, 47mm high and 36mm wide, taken with a plain light-coloured background, in sharp focus and clear. The photo must show the person looking directly at the camera (not profile) with neutral expression (no smiling) and eyes open and visible.

3. A passport (valid)

A passport valid for at least three (3) months following your journey.

4. Travel insurance

Travel insurance covering the duration of the visiting time in Finland (from the date you travel to the date you will be back in Kosovo) Insurance should cover the whole Schengen area. The insurance indemnity should be at least EUR 30,000 and should insure you in case of sudden illness or accident (including travel home) and include transportation home in the event of your death.

5. Enclosures (accompanied other documents)

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Declaration on joint household   
• Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence
• Employment contract and vacation confirmation from the employer
• Certificate of payment of taxes in the name by employer, or evidence of payment of contributions to the Kosovo Pension Savings Trust (KPST) over the last 6 months.
• Invitation may be written in free-form but must include details of the host / host organization and your date of birth, address, passport number and purpose and length of stay.  If the visit is private on, it is worth mentioning the relationship between the host and the quest, f.ex whether she/he is a friend, spouse or relative. Please note that an invitation is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
• Business owners should have a certificate of business registration
• Students should have the card or copy of the matriculation at the university and student index, signed and stamped by the university. 
• Tourists should have a proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel booking confirmation) and booking details (e.g. travel plan)
• Person who travels by medical reasons should have a certificate from a Kosovo doctor and/or medical institution confirming that medical treatment is necessary and proof of prepayment of the treatment, also proof of accommodation during stay.
• Official visiters need nominative official invitation sent by an EU institution or Schengen Member State, which includes information on who covers the costs that arise from the visit and a letter from the Kosovo authority confirming that the applicant is a member of the offical delegation.

6. Parental consent for underage children

Underage children require parental consent if they intend to travel unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.

7. Interview

The embassy or consulate may also want to interview you to ask about the purpose of your visit.

8. Signature

By signing the application you are responsible for the accuracy of the information you have given. You must sign the form personally. If the form is unsigned or someone else has signed it for you, the application will be denied.