Finland Visa From Dubai Simplified
Travel from the UAE to Finland on a valid visa and discover the best of this Nordic nation.
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Finland?
Here’s how to check if you need a visa for or not:
UAE Residents (Expatriates)
Residents who are not UAE passport holders generally need a Schengen visa to visit Finland. This includes expatriates in Dubai or other emirates holding passports from countries without visa-exemption agreements with the Schengen Area.
Emirati Passport Holders
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates do not need a visa to enter the country for short stays. Emirati passport holders can travel visa-free (and the Schengen zone) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Key Considerations when planning your trip
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date from the trip. You should also have at least two blank pages for stamps.
Purpose of Visit: Be clear about the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, study, family visit, etc.), as it will determine the type of visa you need.
Application Process: It’s recommended to apply via VFS Global well in advance of your travel dates. Starting early gives enough time for processing and reduces the risk of delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
Visa Documents for Dubai Residents for Finland
Make sure you have the following necessary documents when applying for a trip to Finland from Dubai.
1 Schengen Visa Application Form
Complete the application form accurately with all personal and travel details. Double-check every entry for errors and ensure it matches your supporting documents.
2 Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return date. It should have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker. Include a photocopy of the passport’s bio-data page, and if you have previous visas (especially Schengen), attach copies of those as well to demonstrate your travel history.
3 Passport-Size Photographs
Provide two recent passport-size photos (approx. 35mm x 45mm) taken against a white background. The photos must be clear and in color, showing your full face without any head covering.
4 Flight Reservation & Travel Itinerary
Submit a copy of a round-trip flight reservation or booking showing your entry into and exit from Finland (or other Schengen countries). If you plan to visit multiple destinations, include a detailed travel itinerary outlining dates and cities to be visited.
5 Travel Insurance Policy
Provide a travel medical insurance certificate valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire duration of your stay. The policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses, including emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and accident coverage.
6 Proof of UAE Residency
Include a copy of your Emirates residence visa. It should be valid for at least 3 months after your intended date of departure. If it was recently renewed, attach copies of both the old and new residence visa stamps/cards to show continuity. This document proves that you are legally residing in the UAE, which is important for your application jurisdiction.
7 No Objection Certificate (NOC)
If you are employed in the Dubai, obtain a NOC from your employer. This is a letter on company letterhead (with a company stamp) stating that your employer has no objection to your travel. It should mention your position, your monthly salary, and the approved vacation dates for your trip. If you are a business owner or self-employed, you can provide a copy of your trade license and a self-written letter explaining your business and confirming your planned travel.
8 Proof of Financial Means
You must show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses. Typically, this is done by providing bank statements for the last 3–6 months. The statements should be stamped by the bank and clearly show your name and account details, with a healthy balance and regular income or savings.
9 Proof of Accommodation
Provide documentation to show where you will stay in Finland for the entire duration. This could be hotel reservation confirmations for each night of your stay, or an invitation letter from a host in Finland if you’re staying with friends or family.
10 Travel Cover Letter
Write a brief cover letter to include with your application. This letter should introduce yourself and clearly explain the purpose of your trip to Finland, your travel dates, and your itinerary. Mention any ties to the Emirates (for instance, your job, family, or other commitments) to emphasize that you will return after your visit.
Visa Types & Specifics
Below are the common types of visas available for travelers from Dubai, along with their specific requirements and characteristics:
This is a short-term Finland visit visa for individuals traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or to visit friends and family. A Finland tourist visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applicants for a tourist visa must demonstrate sufficient funds, a travel insurance policy, and confirmed accommodation and flight bookings.
The business visa is intended for professionals visiting Finland for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, trainings, or negotiations. Like the tourist visa, the business visa is a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa allowing up to 90 days in a 180-day period. In addition to the standard requirements, business visa applicants should provide an invitation letter from the Finnish company or organization they plan to visit, or conference registration details for events.
If you have secured employment in Finland, you will need a work visa. This visa category is for long-term stays, usually beyond 90 days. To apply for a Finland work visa from the UAE, you must have a valid job offer or employment contract from a company in Finland.
Students accepted into educational institutions in Finland will need a student visa, which is again a long-term visa/residence permit (Type D) if the study program exceeds 90 days. For short study courses or trainings under 90 days, a Schengen Type C visa may suffice (category would still be tourist or business depending on the purpose). However, typically, if you plan to attend a university program, you will apply for a student residence permit.
This category is for individuals who have immediate family members (spouse, children, or dependent parents) who are Finnish citizens or who are legally residing in Finland on a long-term permit. If you are a UAE resident looking to join a family member in Finland, you would apply for a family reunification residence permit.
A transit visa is generally an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) for travelers who are passing through Finland en route to another country outside the Schengen Area. Most travelers do not need an airport transit visa if they are simply changing planes in Helsinki on the way to another international destination, but certain nationalities are required to have one. This visa does not allow entry into Finland or the Schengen Area; it only permits you to stay in the international transit area of the airport during a layover.
Apply for a Finland Visa From Dubai
Applying for a visa to Finland from Dubai involves a step-by-step process, but with the right guidance it can be straightforward. We help you streamline the visa application process, ensuring you can submit your documents without hassle. With proper preparation and documentation, the chances of approval are much higher and the risk of rejection is minimal.
So, what are you waiting for? Fill out the application form below, and one of our Visa Dubai experts will get back to you with personalized guidance on the next steps.
Fill In Your Details
Our Process
We have perfected a six-step process to assist residents in obtaining their visa smoothly:
Free Visa Consultation
We start with a free consultation to understand your travel plans and requirements. Our experts will assess your eligibility for a Finland visa (tourist, business, etc.) and explain the necessary documents you will need.
Document Preparation
Then we assist you in gathering and organizing all the required documents. We help ensure each document meets the Finnish consulate’s guidelines. We review your paperwork – from application forms to financial statements – to make sure everything is accurate and complete.
Visa Application Filing
After all your documents are in order, we help you fill out the application form and prepare the file for submission. Our experts will double-check every form field for accuracy. We then proceed to submit your application to VFS Global.
Fly to Finland
With your visa approved and stamped in your passport, it’s time to prepare for your trip. We don’t just stop at visa assistance – we provide a final pre-travel briefing to make sure you have everything you need for your journey.
Passport Collection
After submission, we continue to track your application status in real time. VFS and the Embassy will process your visa, which typically takes around 2 weeks (15 days). We keep an eye on any updates. Once a decision is made, your passport will be returned to the VFS center (or delivered to you if you opted for courier).
Appointment & Biometrics
We schedule your appointment at the Finland VFS Global at a date and time convenient for you. On the appointment day, you will visit the VFS Global center to submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and hand in your application file.
Why Choose Us
When it comes to obtaining a visa, our expertise can make all the difference.
Here’s why travelers from the Emirates trust our services:
Expert Guidance
Our team of experienced consultants offers step-by-step support to navigate the complex visa application process effortlessly. We stay updated on the latest visa requirements and regulations. You can trust us to provide reliable advice tailored to your unique travel needs and profile, ensuring you choose the right category and prepare the strongest application possible.
Customized Service
We understand that every traveler’s situation is different. That’s why our approach is not one-size-fits-all. We provide personalized solutions that match your specific circumstances and goals. Whether you’re a tourist planning a quick getaway or a professional heading for business meetings, we customize our service to focus on what matters for your case.
Transparent Fee
With us, there are no hidden charges and no last-minute surprises. Our pricing is clear and straightforward from the start. We’ll outline exactly what you’re paying for – whether it’s document review, application filing, or any optional add-ons. This transparency means you can budget accordingly and have full confidence in our process.
Document Verification
A tiny error can lead to a refusal. Our meticulous document verification process ensures your application is error-free. We thoroughly check every detail of your paperwork – from the spelling of your name to the dates on your bookings – to maximize your chances of approval.
100% Compliance
We strictly adhere to all official Schengen visa regulations and requirements. Our process is always in line with the guidelines set by VFS Global and the Embassy of Finland. This commitment to compliance means your application will be prepared exactly as the authorities expect, avoiding any red flags.
Real Time Tracking
Waiting for a decision can be nerve-wracking. That’s why we offer real-time tracking support. We keep you updated at each stage of the application process through our tracking system. Whether your application is at the embassy, in transit, or the passport is ready for pickup, we will notify you promptly.
Finland Visa Specifics
There are a few additional specifics to keep in mind when planning a trip from Dubai. Here are the key points you need to know:
For Finland it is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11 as of the latest update. Children under 6 years old are exempt from the fee. In addition, VFS Global charges a service fee for handling the application.
Applicants from Dubai must submit their application through VFS Global, which means you need to book an appointment to visit the Visa Application Centre.
The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is about 15 calendar days from the day the Embassy receives your application. In practice, since you submit through VFS in Dubai, you might get your passport back in roughly two weeks. However, during busy seasons or if there are any complications, processing can extend to 30 days or even up to 45 days in rare cases.
Finland Visa – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process a Finland visa from Dubai?
The application is processed in about 15 calendar days after submission. This means once your application reaches the Embassy of Finland (via VFS), you can expect a decision in roughly two weeks. However, processing times can vary. In some cases, it may take up to 30 days, and during very busy periods or special circumstances it could extend to 45 days.
How early can I apply for a Finland visa before my trip?
You can submit your application as early as 6 months before your intended travel date. This is especially useful for those who like to plan well in advance, such as for a summer vacation or a Christmas trip to Finland – you can apply half a year ahead of time. On the other end, you must apply no later than 15 days before your planned departure.
How much does a Finland visa cost?
The cost for a short-term Finland visa is €90 for adults and €45 for children between 6 and 11 years old. Children under 6 years of age do not have to pay a visa fee.
Can I track my Finland visa application status?
What happens if my Finland visa gets rejected?
If your application is rejected, the Embassy will return your passport along with a formal refusal letter stating the reason(s) for the denial. Common reasons can include: insufficient documentation, lack of proof of funds, doubts about the purpose of visit, or concern that the applicant may not return to the Emirates. You generally have two options:
Reapply: You can address the issues mentioned in the refusal letter and submit a new application.
Appeal the Decision: Finland (like all Schengen countries) allows you to appeal a refusal. The refusal letter will provide information on how to appeal, to whom, and the deadline (usually within 30 days of the decision).
Can I extend my Finland Schengen visa?
Extending it is generally not possible except in very specific circumstances. As a rule, the 90-day limit cannot be extended beyond 90 days while you remain in Schengen. Finland, following Schengen rules, will only consider a extension in cases of force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons.