Visa to Finland

Finland is a country located in the north of Europe and washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea. Russians go to the neighboring state mainly to ski in ski resorts, to get education that meets European standards, and to find a high-paying job. Since Finland shares a border with Karelia, there is a theoretical possibility for quick return to Russia.

Finland is not the easiest country for adaptation. Without knowledge of the Finnish language, only IT industry specialists have high chances of employment. The country joined the EU in 1995 and ratified the Schengen Agreement six years later. To enter Finland, Russians need a Schengen visa. Despite the tightening of EU sanctions, locals do not show significant Russophobia towards guests who come from the neighboring country to work, study, or establish business connections. However, the Finnish authorities are now imposing substantial restrictions on visa issuance, following the directives set by the European Union. There are also stricter requirements for those seeking to cross the Finnish border. These include an increase in the visa application fee, longer document processing times, and a reduction in the duration of stay in the EU (visas are predominantly issued for the date of the trip and for no more than six months).

For foreign visitors, there are short-term (category "C") and long-term (category "D") visas. The first type of document allows staying in Finland for no more than 90 days within six months, while the second allows for a stay exceeding 90 days in a year.

The standard period for visa application approval at the Finnish diplomatic mission is from 15 to 45 working days.

To obtain entry permission, one should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Finland (Moscow, Kropotkinsky Pereulok, 15-17). You can also use the services of a visa center (Moscow, Kashirskoye Shosse, 3, Bldg. 2, Str. 4).