Business Visa for Finland from India The short-stay Schengen visa allows Indian nationals to conduct business activities in Finland and other 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days. This visa is specifically designed for professional engagements such as business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations and training programmes.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants Business Purpose Only
Finnish Invitation
Your visit must be strictly for business-related activities
A formal invitation letter from a Finnish company or
such as meetings, conferences or negotiations. Tourist
organisation detailing the purpose and duration of your
activities require a different visa category.
visit is mandatory.
Financial Sufficiency
Valid Passport
Applicants must demonstrate adequate funds to cover
Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years
all expenses during their stay in Finland.
and remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
Required Documents Checklist Visa Application
Passport & Photos
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Valid passport with at least two blank pages and
with all fields properly filled in English.
minimum 3-month validity beyond intended stay. Include two recent colour photographs meeting biometric standards.
Business Documents
Insurance & Finances
Formal invitation letter from Finnish company
Travel insurance with minimum ¬30,000 coverage
detailing visit purpose, confirmed round-trip flight
valid across the Schengen area, plus bank statements
bookings, and proof of accommodation
proving sufficient financial means.
arrangements.
Photo Specifications for Visa Application Size and Proportion
Common Photo Rejection Reasons
Photos must be exactly 35mm × 40mm with your face
Incorrect size or face proportion
covering 70-80% of the total area.
Shadows on face or background Smiling or non-neutral expression
Background Requirements
Visible jewellery or accessories
Plain white background without shadows, patterns or
Poor print quality or digital alterations
reflections.
Photos older than 6 months
Expression and Appearance Neutral expression with mouth closed. No glasses glare. Religious headwear permitted only if face remains fully visible.
Quality and Age Photos must be recent (taken within 6 months) with matte finish. No digital alterations allowed.
How to Apply for Finland Business Visa Complete Application
Book Appointment Schedule an appointment at your nearest VFS Global Visa
Fill the official application form on the finlandvisa.fi
Application Centre. Six centres operate across India: Delhi,
website. Ensure all information matches your supporting
Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
documents.
Submit Documents
Attend Interview Be prepared for a potential interview if requested by the
Attend your appointment in person to submit your
embassy. This typically focuses on verifying your travel
application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and
purpose and plans.
photograph), and pay the required fees (¬60 visa fee plus service charges).
Visa Types and Validity Single-Entry Visa
Double-Entry Visa
Multiple-Entry Visa
Permits one entry into the Schengen
Allows two separate entries into the
Enables unlimited entries within the
area for a maximum stay of 90 days
Schengen area within the visa
visa validity period, subject to the
within a 180-day period. Once you
validity period. Useful for business
90-day limitation per 180-day period.
exit the Schengen area, the visa
travellers who need to make a brief
Typically granted to frequent
becomes invalid regardless of
trip outside Schengen during their
business travellers with established
remaining days.
stay.
relationships in Finland.
The type and validity period granted depends on your specific business needs, travel history, and the Finnish authorities' assessment of your application.
Processing Time and Fees Processing Timeframe Standard processing time is 15 calendar days from application submission. This may extend to: 30 days for applications requiring additional scrutiny 45 days in exceptional circumstances or during peak travel seasons Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance.
Fee Structure Visa application fee
¬60
VFS service charge
¹1,836
SMS notification
¹150
Courier service (optional)
¹500
Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Summary and Key Tips Documentation Completeness
Official Information Sources
Double-check all documents against the official
Rely only on official websites (finlandvisa.fi and the
checklist. Missing or incorrect documents are the
Finnish Embassy in India) for the most current
primary reason for visa rejections. Make photocopies of
requirements and procedures. Beware of unauthorised
all submitted materials for your records.
visa agents offering guaranteed approvals.
Timing Considerations
Critical Elements
Apply well in advance, especially during peak seasons
Pay particular attention to your travel insurance (must
(May-August). Last-minute applications often face
explicitly cover the Schengen area) and invitation letter
delays or rejection due to insufficient processing time.
(should include detailed information about your host, visit purpose, and accommodation arrangements).
