HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISIT or A TOURIST VISA TO FINLAND
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Finland is famous for being the Happiest Country in the World, as well as having the world’s best education system and cleanest air. Finland is known for its saunas, reindeers, Nokia, and the Santa Claus village. This Nordic utopia is sometimes called the Country of a Thousand Lakes, and it’s got 187,888 of them.
The Northern Lights can also be seen from the country’s Arctic Lapland province, a vast wilderness with national parks and ski resorts.
An Overview of Schengen Visa for Short-term Stay in Finland
Finland is a part of the Schengen area i.e. a group of countries which carry out no checks at their common borders and which have brought their efforts to fulfill the right of free movement of persons to a successful end.
More information about the Schengen area can be found here.
In order to enter Finland as a Philippine passport holder (and any other countries in the Schengen zone), you must obtain a Schengen Visa first. You can get a tourist visa (if touring the country is your primary purpose) or a visit visa (if your main objective is to visit a family, friend, or significant other).
With a Schengen Visa, you may come and stay to Finland for up to 90 days total starting from the date of entry to the date of exit. This 90-day stay may start and end anytime within the dates stipulated in the visa validity period (180 days).
Finland Visa Conditions for Philippine Citizens
If you are a Philippine passport holder and you are planning to apply for a Finnish Schengen visa, you must fulfill these conditions:
- Finland is your main destination. It means that you will visit Finland only and have no plans of visiting any other neighboring Schengen country (sa Finland ka lang pupunta at mag-stay); or
- You will stay the longest in Finland. You have plans of visiting other Schengen countries, but Finland is where you will be staying the longest. (Pupunta ka pa sa ibang Schengen countries, pero sa Finland ang pinaka-mahabang stay mo).
Example: You will stay in Finland for 14 days to visit a family member or a relative. After that, you will go to Belgium, France, and Germany for a 2-week side trip, before returning to the Philippines.
- The main purpose of your travel is in Finland. You have plans of visiting other Schengen countries, but the focus of your travel is in Finland.
- Finland is your port of entry. You have plans of visiting multiple Schengen countries for the same number of days, pero Finland ang iyong first point of entry.
Important Documents to Prepare
Applying for a Finland Schengen visa from the Philippines is easy. All you need to do is to submit your application to VFS Global in Manila. Your application will then be received by the Embassy of Finland in Manila.
You can submit your application up to 6 months before, but no later than 15 days before your intended departure date. If you apply less than 15 days ahead, there may not be enough time for your application to be processed as this takes at least 15 days.
Note: Prepare two sets of each document—one original set and one photocopy.
After you’ve determined your primary reason for travel (and thus, your visa type) and check whether you are eligible for it, it’s time to prepare the documents:
1. A duly filled out and signed Schengen Visa Application Form. You may download the form by signing up here.
2. Two current biometrical passport photos (35-45 mm width)– have your passport photo taken. The embassy is very strict on their photo specifications. Fortunately, they have a page on their official website dedicated to explaining this. Bring at least two copies or more, just in case. One photo should be glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.
- Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or contact lenses, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows).
After which, paste your photo on each of the electronic visa form that you completed online (1 original and 1 photocopy of the form).
3. Original Passport and a Photocopy of it as well as the Bio Page– The embassy requires that your passport is valid for at least another three months on the date the visa application is submitted. It also must have two empty pages for them to stamp your passport. If you have renewed your passport, bring your old one/s with you. These are needed especially if you have previous overseas trips.
4. Travel plan indicating your destination (in this case, Finland), route, proof of accommodation (hotel or apartment booking, etc.), and a round-trip flight reservation with dates and flight numbers showing the entry and exit from Finland.
Important reminders:
- You do not need to pay for the flight ticket right away because you are only applying for a visa and have no guarantee that it will be approved. You’re essentially just showing them that a flight itinerary from the Philippines to Finland is available on your preferred travel date. We can assist you with a dummy ticket for your flight reservation requirement; get it here!
- The embassy typically asks for a cover letter along with other documents; the cover letter details the purpose of your journey to Finland plus your complete itinerary indicating all of the places you are planning to visit while you’re there. The cover letter is crucial to the success of your application; a well-thought-out and well-written cover letter gets you a higher chance of visa approval. Let us take care of your cover letter (and others such as sponsorship, invitation, and appeal), get our letter service here!
- If applying for a tourist visa: You will need a cover letter addressed to the Consul of Embassy of Finland in Manila.
In the cover letter, explain your reason for visit, where you will stay (did you get a hotel accommodation? Are you staying over at someone’s place?), how you will fund the trip (do you have enough in your savings to finance your travel?), and your day-to-day itinerary. Outline every specific activity you are planning to take—places to go, tours to join, people to meet/visit, etc.
Also, through this cover letter, submit an informal declaration explaining your intention to return to the Philippines before your visa expires. Make sure you sign the cover letter.
Explain and submit proofs for your reason to return:
- Do you have a young child in the Philippines you need to go back for and take care of? Submit the child’s birth certificate.
- Do you have senior citizen parents who are counting on your return? Submit a copy of their senior citizen IDs.
- Are you an employee or a student and must return for your job or schooling? Submit copies of employment or school documents.
We will discuss more about proof of strong ties later in this article. As already stated above, you will also need to submit your flight reservation and proof of accommodation.
- If applying for a visit visa: You will need proof of relationship with your host, partner, or sponsor—how are you related to the person you are visiting? You may submit a copy of birth certificate, marriage certificate, written correspondence between you and your sponsor (screenshots of video calls and chats), and any other evidence of your relationship with your sponsor, such as photos together, as proof of relationship.
Do not forget the invitation letter from the host or your partner based in Finland. In this letter, the host or your partner must indicate the exact address where the host lives, as well as the purpose and full duration of your visit to your host’s country.
If you are visiting your immediate family member or a close relative, you have to provide a proof of the urgency of that visit. It could be a marriage celebration, birth of a child, serious health problem, or funeral.
Proof of strong ties or deep-rootedness is also extremely important. One of the most common reasons for visa denial is the lack of strong ties; make sure you provide a compelling reason to return to the Philippines.
7. Proof of vaccination– As most European countries have decided to welcome vaccinated travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To know more about the COVID-19 updates and vaccines recognised for travel in Finland, you can read it here.
8. Proof of financial capacity to show that you (or your sponsor) can support your expenses for the whole duration of your travel.
- For sponsored travel: Your host or sponsor declares that he or she will be solely responsible for all expenses incurred during your trip.
- For those traveling without a sponsor: this means that you will cover all your expenses during the entire duration of your travel.
- Bank statements – must show records of the past six months. A bank statement shows your transactions in your account at a specific period. It will show debits (withdrawals, payments, taxes, service fees) and credits (deposits, interest earned.) Bank Statements can also be seen online especially if you have a registered account. There is no signature for the manager or a bank officer.
- Bank Certificate – it is a confirmation by the branch manager or a bank officer that you have an existing account in their bank. It shows the account number, the type, and other details such as the opening date of your account, your account balance as of the date of request, and your average daily balance.
- Other proof of income (supporting documents) – although it is not really required, you can submit invoices and pay slip equivalent to prove that you earn enough to support this trip financially.
If you maintain a bank account for a long time, better maintain it. Kahit na may sponsor ka, of course, plus points pa din sa visa application mo if idadagdag mo din bank statements mo, payslips from our employer, and other proof na financially capable ka din and most importantly, it proves deep rootedness as well.
Sponsorship Letter which should state the fact that he/ she is inviting you to come over, your relationship with each other, and that he/ she is willing to sponsor you during your trip. Of course, it needs to have documentary proof.
Original Affidavit of Support, legalized by the Philippine Embassy in Finland. To know more about the process on how to accomplish an AOS, kindly visit the website of Honorary Consulate of the Philippines in Helsinki, Finland.
The sponsor’s copies of: passport including the biodata page and travel history (passport stamps) and Resident ID card
Recent proof of income of the sponsor (3 last months’ salary slips, etc.)
Proof of relationship with the sponsor (pictures together, Birth or Marriage certificate, and screenshot of chat conversations)
To know more about additional requirements that you would need from your sponsor, check out my YouTube video below:
9. Proof of Civil Status – Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate of the spouse, etc. These documents must be issued on security paper (SECPA) by the Philippine Statistics Authority, see http://www.psaserbilis.com.ph.
Note: The birth certificate does not need to be authenticated by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
10. Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines – Evidence of deep-rootedness a.k.a. strong family and social ties to your home country, is one of the most critical requirements when applying for a Schengen Visa. It is what the Consul will look for in your visa application. So how do you prove that you are firmly established in the Philippines and that you will go back to your home country?
You need to convince them that you will return to the Philippines. Insufficient evidence of deep-rootedness to your home country is also one of the chief reasons for visa denial.
- For Employees:
- Employment or Work contract and bank account statements or payslips showing the transfer of your last six-monthly salaries
- Certificate of Employment which should include the employer’s full name, complete address, telephone number with area code, details regarding the position, income, and employment duration
- Approved letter of approved leave signed by your employer (Leave of Absence letter)
- Optional: Signed No Objection Certificate which states that your employer has no objection for you to travel to Finland and that they have approved your leave request
- Most recent Income Tax Return 2316 (ITR)
- Optional Supporting Documents:
› Government Mandated Contributions – SSS, Pag-ibig, Philhealth Contributions
› If with existing loan – SSS Loan or Pag-ibig Salary loan
- For Self-Employed:
- DTI Business Name Registration Certificate
- Barangay Business Clearance
- Mayor’s Business Permit from your Municipality where the business address has been registered
- Business activity of your company for the last 6 months – invoices and bank transactions
- Most recent Income Tax Return 2316 (ITR)
- For Retirees:
- Pension statement for the last 6 months
- Retirement Certification
- Others (No work, No Business, etc.): Family as Proof of Rootedness:
- For Solo parents:
› A copy of your birth certificate- PSA Authenticated
› A copy of your child/children’s birth certificate- PSA Authenticated
› Solo parent ID
› Barangay Certification as Solo parent
› Notarized Affidavit of Solo Parent with Undertaking
› Money remittances to support your dependents - For those who are supporting or watching over the health/well-being of the family:
› A copy of my parent’s birth certificates- PSA Authenticated
› If parents are already Senior Citizens: a copy of their Senior Citizen ID and Barangay Certification as Senior Citizens
› If parents have sickness/ illness: Medical history of parents (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- For Solo parents:
- For Employees:
- Property Titles: if you have some, the following are accepted.
- Land titles
- Car registration certificates
- Deeds of Sale
- For Minors
- Joint affidavit of both parents or legal guardians granting consent
- Photocopies of the passports of both parents or legal guardians
- Birth certificate of the minor. Must be recent, original, and issued by PSA.
- DSWD Clearance, if the minor is not traveling with either parent or legal guardian
- Recent certificate of enrollment from the school
- Letter authorizing the student’s absence from school
- Property Titles: if you have some, the following are accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Finland
Before you apply, go to VFS Global’s website and find out about Schengen visas. The one you will need to apply for will depend on why you are going to Finland. You must know which visa type you need before you submit your application, otherwise, it could be rejected.
Once you have done that, there are steps to follow:
STEP 1: Prepare your application and supporting documents.
- The first thing you need to do is to complete your application form. Go to VFS Global’s website and click on: “Online Application Form”:
- Click on the Application Form:
- Create an account and provide your details in order to register:
- After registration, you will receive an E-mail confirmation. Then, you will be able to log in and complete your application form:
Once you have completed the form, print and sign it because you need to submit this in person along with your other supporting documents mentioned earlier.
STEP 2: Book an appointment at the visit the application center and show up on that day together with all your requirements.
Once you have filled your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’.
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
VFS Visa Application Center – Manila
Ground Flr., Ecoplaza Building
2305 Don Chino Roces Ave, Extension,
Makati, Metro Manila
STEP 3: On the day of the appointment, proceed to the VFS Application Center and submit the requirements in person.
Personal appearance is mandatory. Failure to show up means forfeiture of your appointment slot. Note that applications with incomplete requirements will not be processed.
STEP 4: Pay the Visa Fee
As part of the application process, you will also pay the visa fee at your appointment. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid in cash in Philippine Pesos or by credit/debit card.
STEP 5: Track your application.
Stay informed about the progress of your application.
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
STEP 6: Wait for the result and then pick up your passport.
The visa center will let you know when your passport is ready for collection.
After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee.
Collecting your documents in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your documents; they will need to present a letter of authorisation signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification.
Please check with the Visa Application Centre at time of your appointment for the options available to collect your documents.
Quick Facts
- Validity of Visa : Short-stay Schengen visas allow people to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days every six-month period
- Processing time: Applications shall be decided on within 5 to 10 working days after the date of lodging.
- Where to lodge your application:
- VFS Manila: Ground Floor, Eco- Plaza Bldg., 2305 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati, Metro Manila
- Tel: +63 2 8528 2515. Helpline service hours 08:00-14:00 every Thursday
- Email: info.flvisa@vfshelpline.com
- Collecting passports from the Visa Application Centre: 14:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
- VFS Manila: Ground Floor, Eco- Plaza Bldg., 2305 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati, Metro Manila
- Embassy’s Information:
- Consular Office of Finland in Manila
- Address: 21st Floor, Del Rosario Law Bldg.,
21st Drive corner 20th Drive,
Bonifacio Global City, 1630 Taguig
Manila, Philippines - Phone: +63 23172700
- Address: 21st Floor, Del Rosario Law Bldg.,
- Consular Office of Finland in Manila
Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection
Here are the common reasons a Schengen Visa application gets denied:
- No clear travel purpose—a detailed cover letter is a must!
- Lack of strong ties—reevaluate your application and prove why you must return to your home country!
- Insufficient travel insurance coverage—make sure you get the right policy!
- No proof of financial means—convince them that you can afford your trip! Provide bank or credit card statements, VUL, investment portfolio, etc.
- Passport does not have 2 free pages—where will they attach the visa if your passport pages are already full? You should get a new passport before applying for a visa if there are no more available pages on your old one!
- No proof of accommodation—you need to prove them that you have a place to stay in the Schengen Area.
Recap and Tips
Let Us Be Your Partner in Your Schengen Visa Journey
Applying for a Schengen Visa can be overwhelming, with all the paperwork involved and confusing information from different sources. We understand that—we’ve been there and have done that!
But through the years, we gained experience and knowledge on the ins and outs of the Schengen Visa application. We’ve helped countless satisfied clients; we would like to invite you to be one of them!
With our Schengen Visa services personalized to your unique needs and circumstances, we will make your visa application less stressful and laborious and more promising. Contact us to schedule a consultation or for other inquiries.
