Understanding the Finland Visa Application Process

Applying for a Finland visa from Bangladesh involves several detailed steps that require careful attention to ensure a successful application. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information and procedures to assist Bangladeshi nationals in obtaining their Finland visa seamlessly.

Types of Finland Visas Available

Before beginning the application process, it is crucial to understand the different types of visas available for Finland:

1. Schengen Visa (Short Stay)

A Schengen visa allows you to travel to Finland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

2. National Visa (Long Stay)

A national visa (D visa) is for those who intend to stay in Finland for more than 90 days, such as students, workers, or individuals joining family members residing in Finland.

3. Transit Visa

A transit visa is required if you need to transit through the international transit areas of Finnish airports.

Eligibility Criteria for Finland Visa

To apply for a Finland visa from Bangladesh, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• A valid Bangladeshi passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of three months beyond the intended stay.
• Proof of financial means to support the stay in Finland.
• A detailed travel itinerary including flight and accommodation bookings.
• Travel insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000.
• Purpose of travel, supported by relevant documents (e.g., invitation letter for business or family visits, admission letter for students).

Required Documents for Finland Visa Application

Gathering the required documents is a critical step in the visa application process. The following documents are necessary for a Finland visa application from Bangladesh:

To be submitted when travelling for the purpose of Tourism/Visiting Family or Friends/Family members of an EU/EEA citizen.

Visa Application Form:

Fully completed and signed.

Cover Letter:

Explaining the purpose of the visit and itinerary.

Personal Documents:

• Current passport (minimum validity for 06 months until the planned date of return and minimum two blank pages and unmarked visa pages) with all old passports. If the immediate previous passport is lost, then a G.D (English) copy for that passport is required.
• One passport size color photograph (35 mm x 45 mm) full faces, light background, no older than six months.
• Birth certificate / National ID card copy of applicants.
• Letter from present employer/owner, stating purpose of the Visit.
• Marriage certificate or Divorce certificate copy (as per religion). A Death certificate copy requires for widows. (e.g.“Nika Namah” for muslims or marriage act for hindus, both translated in English)
• In case of minors applying for visa:
• Consent of both parents or custodian if both parents are not travelling together.
• Photocopy of passport of parents or legal guardian.
• Original birth certificate of the minor issued by the relevant authority.
• The status of “legal guardian” must be proven by documents issued by the relevant Bangladeshi Courts for minors.
• If visiting family or friends: Proof of sponsorship including proof of family/ties with sponsor, letter of invitation, proof of family/ties with the inviting person, copy of ID of inviting person and copy of residence permit if foreigner)
• Family members of an EU/EEA citizen:
• There is an EU citizen from whom the visa applicant can derive any rights.
• The visa applicant is a Family member (e.g.: a marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of dependency, durability of partnership) and his identity (passport).
• The visa applicant accompanies or joins an EU citizen (e.g: a proof that the EU citizen already resides in the host Member State).
• For non-Bangladeshi applicants:
• Bangladeshi Residence Permit valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen territory of the member states.
• Documentation about activity upon return in Bangladesh e.g. work contract or proof of enrollment in a university or school.

Professional Documents:

• For Businessperson: Trade license (renewal) and company’s letterhead pad (2 blank pages) require for proprietorship, partnership, and limited company. (i) Additional documents for partnership: Business Agreement/Deed copy.  (ii) Additional documents for the limited company: Memorandum of the article, certificate of incorporation, form 12 (For limited company), VAT, IRC, and Membership certificate (If any). (iii) Business card:  02 pcs. 
• For Employee: Original No objection certificate (NOC) mentioned. (i) Address, telephone, and fax number of the company. (ii) Name and position of the countersigning officer in the company. (iii) Name and position of applicants, number of years of service, pay slip / original salary statement/Government order (GO) & original note verbal (for official passport holders). (iv) Visiting card:  02 pcs.
• For Student: Student ID copy, original school leave letter/ permission of absence mentioned full address, telephone number, name, and function of the person granting permission. If school trips then the purpose, the duration, and the destination must be mentioned in the letter of the school.
• For Retired Person: Retirement documents.

Financial Documents:

• Bank statement & solvency certificate (original with bank seal and signature) of Last 06 months for both company & personal.
• Other financial documents such as FDR, saving certificate, share statement (If available).
• Income tax certificate copy (last 3 years), E-TIN certificate copy (If any).
• Valuation of other assets such as land, buildings (If any).

Travel Documents:

• Flight Booking.
• Hotel Booking.
• Travel Insurance: Insurance must be valid for the whole Schengen area. The insurance must cover medical fees, hospitalization and repatriation costs up to 30,000 Euros. The insurance must fully cover the whole period of stay within the Schengen area.

Additional Documents:

Depending on the purpose of the visit (e.g., invitation letter, conference details).

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Finland Visa

1. Determine the Type of Visa Required

Identify the appropriate visa type based on the purpose and duration of your stay in Finland.

2. Complete the Visa Application Form

Fill out the visa application form accurately. This can usually be done online or downloaded from the official website of the Finnish embassy.

3. Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment with the Finnish embassy or the nearest visa application center. This step is essential for submitting your application and biometric data.

4. Prepare the Required Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready as per the checklist provided. Double-check for completeness and accuracy.

5. Attend the Visa Interview

Arrive at the embassy or visa application center on the scheduled date with all your documents. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your travel plans and purpose of visit.

6. Visa Fee & Service Charge:

The visa fee must be paid at the time of application. The fee varies based on the visa type and is non-refundable.

• Visa fee – 80 Euro / 9,200 BDT.
• Visa fee applicable for children between 6 to 12 years – 40 Euro / 4,600 BDT.
• Aro Tours and Travels service charge 3,000 BDT.

Note: Notary and translation charges are additional – if needed.

7. Wait for Processing

Visa processing times can vary. Aro Tours and Travels file processing time 1/2 working days.

• Embassy processing time: Processing normally takes 15 Calendar days but it can be longer during peak seasons or for certain types of visas in some cases take up to 45 calendar days. . Track your application status online if available. 

8. Collect Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport. Ensure all details on the visa are correct.

Tips for a Successful Finland Visa Application

Early Application: Apply well in advance of your intended travel date to avoid any delays.

Accuracy:

Ensure all information provided is accurate and matches the supporting documents.

Clear Purpose:

Clearly state the purpose of your visit and provide detailed supporting evidence.

Financial Sufficiency:

Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Finland.

Complete Documentation:

Submit all required documents and double-check for completeness.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Understanding the common reasons for visa rejections can help avoid mistakes:

Incomplete Documentation:

Missing or incorrect documents.

Insufficient Financial Proof:

Inability to demonstrate sufficient funds.

Unclear Purpose of Visit:

Vague or inconsistent travel plans.

Invalid Travel Insurance:

Insurance not meeting the required criteria.

Criminal Record:

Prior criminal activities can lead to rejection.

Appealing a Visa Rejection

If your visa application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. The rejection letter will provide reasons and instructions on how to appeal. Prepare additional documentation to address the reasons for rejection and submit the appeal within the stipulated timeframe.

Applying for a Finland visa from Bangladesh involves careful preparation and adherence to the guidelines set by the Finnish authorities. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and following the step-by-step application process, you can enhance your chances of obtaining a visa

Remarks:

• Aro Tours and Travels exclusively offer consultancy services and do not furnish any assurances or guarantees regarding visa outcomes.
• The initiation of visa-related file processing will commence once we have received all required documents.
• The Embassy reserves the right to alter processing time, requirements, and fees without advance notice.
• The embassy may require additional documents not included in the checklist mentioned above at its discretion.
• All documents in Bengali must undergo translation into English and subsequent notarization.
• At the time of the interview, applicants should have all original documents with them when visiting the embassy or application center.

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