Finland Family Visa – Application, Eligibility and Fees
If you are considering a visit to a close relative in Finland, make sure you obtain a Finland Family Visa. This visa authorizes spouses, partners and children of Finland residents to visit the country, as well as to have a great time with their loved ones.
It is possible to get a Finnish family visa through any of Finland’s embassies and consulates around the world. However, without a doubt, you have to plan well to get a family visa to the Republic of Finland.
There are many advantages of obtaining a Finnish family visa. The visa brings a family together to create new memories. It also helps to keep physical contact with families. Besides, Finland has thousands of destinations for adventures and to having unforgettable experiences. The country also has numerous tourist attractions that would keep the family happy.
Please continue reading to find out more about procuring a family visa to Finland, including its requirements, application procedures, fees, processing time, duration, and more.
What is a Finland Family Visa?
A Finland Family Visa grants authorization to foreigners in entering the country as long as their spouse, common-law partner, child, parents, or legal guardian is a Finnish citizen.
To be eligible for a family visa to Finland, you have to provide several documents, pay a visa fee, as well as fulfill some requirements.
How Much is Finland Visa Fee for Families?
To obtain a family visa to visa, you must pay one of the following fees depending on the way you applied for the visa.
- Online application fee: €470
- Paper application fee: €520
Finland Family Visa Processing Time
It mostly takes no less than four weeks for a Finland embassy or consulate to process an application for a family visa. However, the processing may take as much as nine months at times.
Finland Family Visa Requirements
Everyone who intends to apply for a Finnish family visa must avail the following documents to a nearby embassy or consulate.
- Your original passport must be valid all through your visit to Finland. Be sure not to use an expired passport to process your family visa application.
- PK1_Plus form completed and signed by your host. This form helps to clarify family ties.
- One passport-sized photograph
- A copy of your and your host’s passport data page
- A recent proof of civil such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate (if your marriage has ended), certificate of a registered or dissolved partnership, death certificate (if your spouse is late), or an adoption document (if you were adopted)
- Proof of funds, which include your bank statements (if you are sponsoring yourself) or your host’s payslips (if your host is your sponsor)
- Duplicate copies of your spouse or partner’s recent bank statements, tax return, pension, business license, tax card, or any other relevant document
- A good standing certificate or a police clearance certificate
- Evidence of being a legal resident in the country where you live
- Paternity certificate (if you intend to meet with your child who is based in Finland)
- Letter of Consent (required if a child wants to travel to Finland without the other parent, partner, or guardian)
- Job offer letter (required if employed in Finland)
How to Get a Finland Family Visa
Here are six (6) steps to take in getting a family visa to Finland.
- Put together your supporting documents
- Schedule an appointment with a Finnish diplomatic mission
- Fill out the visa application form for the family visa
- Go to the diplomatic mission to finalize your application
- Allow some time for your visa processing
- Travel to Finland to meet your family member
Step 1: Put together your supporting documents
The first step to take in getting a Finnish family visa is to prepare your supporting documents for submission to the diplomatic mission. You must also ensure the legalization of the documents. Besides, each of them must be in Finnish, English, or Swedish language.
Take note that the diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) has the right to ask you to provide more documents during your visa application process.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment with a Finnish diplomatic mission
As the second step in getting a Finland family visa, you have to contact a Finnish embassy or consulate for assistance in fixing an appointment. This step is obligatory, as most diplomatic missions do not attend to persons without an appointment booking.
Step 3: Fill out the visa application form for the family visa
After creating an appointment with an embassy or consulate, the next thing to do is complete the visa application form via the e-service or in person.
Step 4: Go to the diplomatic mission to finalize your application.
Next, you must finalize your Finnish family visa application by visiting the embassy or consulate. This step requires you to submit your supporting documents and initiate the service fee payment.
Supposing you are applying for the visa on behalf of or with the inclusion of your child (aged below 18), it is necessary to bring them to the diplomatic mission on the appointment date.
Another consideration is that you may be required to attend an interview with a consular officer at the embassy or consulate.
READ ALSO: Finnish Embassy in Canada
Step 5: Allow some time for your visa processing
The fifth step in getting a Finnish family visa involves waiting for the diplomatic mission’s decision. Applicants often need to wait for two to nine months. However, applications completed using the e-service are quickly processed compared to in-person applications.
Step 6: Travel to Finland to meet your family member.
Once you’ve collected your passport from the diplomatic mission, you can proceed to book a flight to Finland from your country of residence.
Duration of a Finland Family Visa
A family visa to Finland is valid for a maximum of one year for the initial year. After that, however, you can renew your visa without leaving the country, depending on your type of permit.
Supposing you hold a Temporary B permit, you’ll be able to extend your visa’s validity period every year. Later on, it is allowable to opt for a Continuous Permit, which enables you to stay in Finland for up to four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to get a Finland Family Visa?
A family visa is needed for foreigners who desire to visit their family members in Finland. It would help if you had a Finnish family visa, supposing you are not a citizen of a Schengen Area or EU country.
Is Finland visa-free for US citizens?
Yes, Finland is visa-free for citizens of the United States of America. Hence, Americans can visit Finland for a limited period without a visa. They only need a valid passport or travel document for entry and exit.
How long can you stay in Finland with a family visa?
A Finnish family visa is a renewable visa that typically allows its holder to stay in the country for up to one year.
How long does it take to get a family visa to Finland?
There is no particular time to get a family visa to Finland. However, the process can bring any time, from thirty days to nine months. Thus, you have to prepare yourself for a longer processing time just in case it happens.
Can I renew my Finland family visa?
Yes, you can renew your Finland family visa. In addition, you can apply to Finland’s immigration service while in Finland.
Can I bring my family to Finland on a student visa?
Yes, it is allowable for an international student with a valid visa to bring their family to Finland. Your family member can stay with you in Finland for up to one year.
Is it easy to get a Finland Family Visa?
Yes, getting a family visa to the Republic of Finland is relatively easy. The visa enables its holder to live and work in Finland with their spouse, parents, and children. To qualify for a family visa, applicants must have a valid passport, proof of family ties or relationship documents, etc.
Can I work with a Finnish family visa?
Yes, you can work in Finland as long as you hold a valid family visa and work permit. The visa permits you to stay in the country and take available jobs.
How much does a Finland family reunification visa cost?
It costs €470 to get a Finnish family reunification visa via an online application. On the contrary, getting a Finnish family visa through the paper application method is more expensive, and it costs €520.
How do I submit my Finnish family visa application?
Two (2) ways are available for foreigners to submit applications for a Finnish family visa. This is possible in person at a Finnish diplomatic mission or through the e-service.
Conclusion
In summary, a family visa offers a grand opportunity for foreigners to meet their close relatives and loved ones in Finland. During your visit, you will see and do many amusing things with your family member(s).
So, a family visa is best for you if you wish to reunite with a loved one in Finland.
Thanks for reading!
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