Description
All applicants, including children and infants, must personally submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their scheduled appointment date.
For non-EU citizens who are unsure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click on “Do I need a visa?” to find out.
Applications cannot be submitted more than six (6) months prior to the planned journey. However, seafarers performing their duties are allowed to submit an application as early as nine (9) months in advance of their planned trip. The application process commences when the applicant personally submits their visa application and supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the mission.
Eligibility
To be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application, the applicant 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 one of the following categories: Tourist (including Private Visit), Business, Finnish, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals’ family member under Directive 2004/38/EC, Study, Conference, and Professional Training Visa.
Before applying, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the purpose of your visit. Please refer to the “Documents Required” section for more information on visa categories and the necessary documents needed to submit your application.
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.
Invitation letter
Invitation letter with a copy of the inviter’s passport data page and/or Finnish residence permit is required. This letter should be in a free form and include the inviter’s complete contact details, their relationship to the applicant, the intended visit’s duration and dates. The invitation must be signed and dated, and if applicable, proof of family relationship should be provided.
Proof of family tie
Family members (guardians) of a minor Finnish citizen: extract from the Finnish Population Register VTJ.
Family members (spouses) of a Finnish citizen:
– If married in Finland: provide a marriage certificate OR extract from the Finnish Population Register VTJ.
– If married in the UK or any other country: provide both a marriage certificate AND an extract from the Finnish Population Register VTJ.
Note: The Finnish Population Register VTJ is a vital document that verifies the relationship between family members and Finnish citizens.
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 submit one current color portrait of yourself that is no older than six months that satisfies the conditions listed below:
- Captured on a light background (white or off-white) to make features stand out and contrast with the background.
- Face-focused and of high clarity
- Full face: not grinning, no sunglasses, no hats or other head coverings, unless the applicant is wearing them due to his or her ethnicity or religion.
- Printed from a camera print on standard photographic paper.
- The photo that is adhered to the visa application form
The visa application will be deemed incomplete if the submitted photos don’t fulfill these specifications (see examples here), and the applicant will be asked to take fresh pictures in the photo booth at the visa application center.
Processing Time
The visa application process at the Finnish Embassy typically takes 10 working days. To ensure a smooth experience, we highly recommend submitting your application at least 15 days prior to your planned trip. It is important to note that each application is handled individually, and in some cases, additional processing may be required. This could involve the Embassy of Finland requesting further documentation, information, or even scheduling an interview, which may extend the processing time.
Please be aware that applications cannot be submitted more than six (6) months in advance of the planned journey. However, in certain circumstances, the mission has the authority to extend the processing time up to a maximum of 45 calendar days.
Furthermore, we kindly ask applicants submitting their applications in Edinburgh and Manchester to allow for additional processing time due to the courier service required to transport the applications to London and back.
Free Consultation
To proceed with your visa application, please fill out the attached sample form (PDF, Word) completely. If you are unsure about any information, leave it blank. Once you have completed the form, please return it to us along with your passport, BRP card/UK residency, and copies of any previous Schengen visas that you have held.
Please forward the documents through email: [email protected]
A consultation call will be scheduled after we have received this information to further discuss the application.
OR
After sending the documents you can call us at +442035001580.
We strictly follow the GDPR Policy, your documents will be handled/saved & deleted accordingly.