Finland family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Finland family visit visa — used for visiting relatives or a partner, including family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Finland consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Finland family visit visa
Finland Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global in the UK; the Embassy of Finland in London handles consular matters only, by appointment via finlandappointment.fi.
Required documents
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard)
- Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip
- Round-trip flight reservation / detailed itinerary
- Proof of accommodation for every night (hotel bookings or invitation)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3–6 months)
- Proof of employment / studies (employer letter, payslips, student letter)
- Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment
- Invitation letter from the host family member (often on an official form)
- Proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate — apostilled and translated where required)
- Copy of the host's passport / ID / residence permit
- Proof of the host's legal residence and accommodation
- Proof of the host's income or a formal sponsorship/guarantee document
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11€45
- Child under 6Free
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — consular fee waived with proof of the relationship and of the EU citizen exercising free-movement rights.
- School pupils, students and accompanying teachers (study trip)Free
- Researchers travelling for scientific researchFree
- Application centre service fee€35— VFS Global service fee per applicant.
Standard Schengen short-stay fee. Children under 6 are free, ages 6–11 pay a reduced fee, and family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens exercising free-movement rights are exempt. Application-centre service fees are charged in addition to the consular fee.
Booking an appointment
Book the Schengen appointment through the VFS Global Finland portal for the UK.
Practical tips
Standard Schengen fees and a 15-day statutory decision period apply; VFS charges an additional service fee.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — VFS Global — Finland Visa Application Centre66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BTShort-stay visas and residence-permit identification visits.
- London — Embassy of Finland in London38 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8HWConsular services and complex cases.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Finland consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Finland family visit visa cost?
- For a Finland family visit visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; School pupils, students and accompanying teachers (study trip) — free; Researchers travelling for scientific research — free; Application centre service fee — €35. Standard Schengen short-stay fee. Children under 6 are free, ages 6–11 pay a reduced fee, and family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens exercising free-movement rights are exempt. Application-centre service fees are charged in addition to the consular fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Finland family visit visa take to process?
- A decision on a Finland family visit visa typically takes around 90 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Finland family visit visa?
- Finland Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global in the UK; the Embassy of Finland in London handles consular matters only, by appointment via finlandappointment.fi. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Finland family visit visa?
- The Finland consular network lists: Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard); Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip; Round-trip flight reservation / detailed itinerary; Proof of accommodation for every night (hotel bookings or invitation); Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3–6 months); Proof of employment / studies (employer letter, payslips, student letter); Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit); Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment; Invitation letter from the host family member (often on an official form); Proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate — apostilled and translated where required); Copy of the host's passport / ID / residence permit; Proof of the host's legal residence and accommodation; Proof of the host's income or a formal sponsorship/guarantee document. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Finland family visit visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Book the Schengen appointment through the VFS Global Finland portal for the UK.
- Can I apply for a Finland family visit visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 2 submission points in the UK for Finland, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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