Description
All applicants, including children and infants, are required to personally submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their designated appointment date. It is important to note that the appointment needs to be booked online by the applicant.
For non-EU citizens who are unsure whether a Schengen visa is necessary for travel to the Schengen Area, please click on the “Do I need a visa?” link to obtain the necessary information.
Please be aware that applications cannot be submitted more than six (6) months prior to the planned journey. However, seafarers performing their duties are allowed to submit their applications as early as nine (9) months in advance of their intended trip. The application process commences when the applicant personally submits their visa application and all supporting documents to the Visa Application Center (VAC) or the respective mission.
We kindly request all applicants to adhere to these guidelines and procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient visa application process.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a valid passport or travel document.
- Hold a valid UK residence permit. If the applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK (C type visa), they must apply for a Schengen visa from their country of residence.
- Apply for a short stay visa under the following categories: Tourist (including Private Visit), Business, Finnish, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals’ family member under Directive 2004/38/EC, and Study, Conference, and Professional Training Visa.
Before proceeding with the application, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the purpose of your visit. Please refer to the Documents Required section for comprehensive information on visa categories and the necessary documents needed for your application.
We strive to provide a professional and streamlined visa application process. Should you have any further inquiries or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Documents Required
The following list of documents is not exhaustive, and the Mission reserves the right to request additional information or documents from the applicant if deemed necessary.
Both the standard and supporting documentation must be recent, meaning they should not be older than one month, and must be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies unless otherwise specified in the requirements.
Before gathering the necessary documents listed below, applicants are strongly advised to review the requirements outlined in the Overview section to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category.
Standard Documentation for Schengen Visa Application:
- Visa application form (original) – Please refer to the provided link for the form.
- Passport (original) – The passport must have a remaining validity for a minimum of three (3) months after your planned trip. Additionally, it should have been issued within the past 10 years and possess at least two (2) blank pages.
- Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued within the last 3 years, if applicable.
- UK Residence permit – The permit must be endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card. It should be valid for a minimum of 30 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area. Please note that a C type visitor visa is not acceptable.
- Photograph (original) – Please refer to the link provided for the specifications of the photograph.
Supporting Documentation Validating the Applicant’s Circumstances.
Proof of employment
Employees are required to provide a recent letter from their employer, which should be on an official letterhead and include the employer’s name, date of issue, address, telephone number, and the position and salary of the signatory. Additionally, the letter should include the employer’s registration number in the United Kingdom. Employees should also submit pay slips for the past three months along with the employer letter.
For self-employed individuals
It is necessary to present a recent letter from an accountant, banker, or solicitor, confirming their self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. This letter should explicitly state the annual salary derived from the company. Furthermore, self-employed individuals must provide a self-assessment form, which the revenue and customs authorities have duly edited.
Proof of studies
It is required that students provide a recent, official, and signed letter from their respective educational institution. This letter should clearly state the date of issue, the applicant’s full name, the type of studies pursued, the number of lessons (hours) attended per week, as well as the student’s attendance record.
Proof of financial means
To complete your application, please provide the following documents:
- Recent UK bank statements from the past three months, displaying your balance and credit card account details. These statements should clearly indicate your name and address.
- If you are financially supported by your spouse, please include the following documents: a marriage certificate, your spouse’s bank statements, and a statement expressing their willingness to support you.
- In the case of parental support, please provide proof of your family relationship, such as a birth certificate. Additionally, include your parent(s)’ bank account statements and a statement from them expressing their intention to support you.
Proof of itinerary
When planning a trip that involves visiting multiple countries, it is essential to create a comprehensive travel schedule that encompasses all the destinations to be explored. This schedule serves as a roadmap, guiding travelers through their journey and ensuring a smooth and organized experience.
Transport reservations
It is imperative to provide proof of a reserved return ticket(s) or proof of onward travel (if not returning to the United Kingdom). This can be demonstrated through various means, such as an authorization of entry into the country of destination, a confirmed overseas ticket, or evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover the associated costs.
Proof of accommodation
– Proof of accommodation or sufficient funds to cover accommodation expenses must be provided. If applicable, this can be demonstrated through a sponsorship certificate or an official form certifying board and lodging.
– A confirmed hotel booking for the entire duration of the stay in the Member State, or evidence of adequate financial resources to cover accommodation expenses during the intended stay, or a tour booking confirmation, or any other suitable document such as a participant list for the tour, should be submitted.
In order to comply with the requirements, it is necessary to provide proof of accommodation or demonstrate the ability to cover accommodation costs. This can be done by presenting a sponsorship certificate or an official form certifying board and lodging.
Documents for minors
Applicants under 18: For minors who are traveling alone, with only one parent, or with individuals other than their parents or legal guardians, the following documents are required: a birth certificate, formal written consent to travel from both parents or legal guardians, photocopies of their passport(s), and a British school certificate.
We kindly request that applicants under the age of 18 provide the necessary documentation if they are traveling unaccompanied, with a single parent, or with individuals other than their parents or legal guardians. The required documents include a valid birth certificate, formal written consent to travel from both parents or legal guardians, photocopies of their passport(s), and a British school certificate.
Photo Specification
Please ensure that you include a recent color photograph of yourself, taken within the last six months, adhering to the following specifications:
- Background: The photograph should be taken against a plain light background, preferably white or off-white. This will ensure that your features are clearly distinguishable and stand out against the background.
- Clarity: The photograph must be of high quality, with your face in sharp focus. This will enable us to accurately verify your identity.
- Facial expression: Please maintain a non-smiling expression in the photograph. Additionally, avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, caps, or any head covering, unless it is worn due to religious beliefs or ethnic background.
- Printing: The photograph should be printed on regular photographic paper, as obtained from a camera print. This will ensure that the image is clear and of suitable quality.
- Attachment: Please securely attach (glue) the photograph to the Visa Application Form.
In the event that the submitted photographs fail to meet these requirements, the visa application will be considered incomplete. In such cases, the applicant will be requested to obtain new photographs from the photo booth available at the visa application center.
Processing time
The visa process at the Finnish Embassy typically takes approximately 10 working days. To ensure a smooth and timely application, we highly recommend submitting your application at least 15 days prior to your planned trip. It is important to note that certain applications may require additional processing time. Each application is carefully reviewed and processed individually by the Embassy of Finland.
In some cases, the Embassy may request further documentation, information, or even schedule an interview, which could potentially extend the processing time. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, but please rest assured that these measures are in place to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the visa process.
It is important to adhere to the timeline for submitting your application. Applications cannot be submitted earlier than six (6) months before the start of your planned journey. However, in exceptional circumstances, the mission may extend the processing time up to a maximum of 45 calendar days.
Furthermore, please take note that applications submitted in Edinburgh and Manchester require additional days for processing due to courier services to and from London. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Free Consultation
In order to begin your visa application process, we respectfully request that you complete the enclosed sample form (available in either PDF or Word format) in its entirety. If at any point you are unsure about any of the information required, please leave it blank. Once the form is complete, please submit it to us, along with a copy of your passport and BRP card/UK residency documentation, as well as any past Schengen visas that you may have previously obtained.
Please send the required documents via email to [email protected]
Upon receipt of these documents, we will arrange a free consultation call to further discuss your application and take the necessary next steps. For any additional inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at +442035001580.
We place utmost importance on data privacy and protection, ensuring that all your personal information is handled, stored, and deleted in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy. You can have complete peace of mind knowing that your data is safeguarded with the highest level of security measures.