Visa and residence permit

Visas

Apart from European nationals, foreign travellers arriving in Finland need to obtain a visa prior to their travel. As a rule, foreign nationals who need an entry visa are requested to apply it from the Finnish mission that represents Finland in their home country. Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi represents also Estonia.

The present charges for handling visas to Finland / Schengen are as following (please check with the Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi the equivalent UAE dirham amounts): Entry document fees.

The cost should be paid when applying for the visa and is non-refundable.

Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

• Schengen Visa Application Form EC109 2010 (en)

Visa applications should normally be presented at least 15 days in advance. Please note that processing the visa can take up to one month. Therefore we advice the visa application to be delivered early enough, however, not more than three months before intended departure.

General Requirements

The applicants must furnish the Embassy with the following documents:

A) Tourism Visa

• One visa application form duly completed and signed.

• One recent photo for each applicant.

• Original passport and copy of passport. Passport should be valid at least three months longer than the intended stay, as well as the validity of the UAE residence permit.

• Proof establishing the purpose of the planned trip (for example an invitation).

• Reservation return flight booking slip and original return ticket after visa approval is granted.

• Evidence of accommodation for the whole trip in Schengen area.

• Proof of financial means (bank statement, traveller’s cheques etc.)

• An employment letter stating information including status, salary, purpose of trip and approval for leave.

• The application forms should be personally submitted to the Embassy.

• Travel insurance is needed before a visa can be granted. All Travellers, including children, must have travel insurance, which is valid during the whole stay. Applicant has to present a valid travel insurance certificate (original) which covers expenses of acute illnesses, accidents and repatriation of at least 30 000 euros during the stay in Schengen. Insurance is not necessary for family members of EU-citizens and holders of a diplomatic passports.

• Additional documents, requirements and information may be required.

• In the case of minors (under the age of 18) written consent of parent(s) or guardian(s) is required.

• In the case of domestic staff applicant must have worked at least one year for the same sponsor and can travel only together with the sponsor.

B) Business Visa

Additional to the above requirements, a written invitation letter by the host company in Finland should be presented to the Embassy.

C) Transit Visa

The applicant for a transit visa must furnish besides the general required documents a return ticket. The passport should bear a valid visa to the intended destination. The validity of the transit visa is maximum 5 days.

D) Residence Permit

Besides the general requirements the applicant must submit evidence substantiating the purpose of the residence visa. More information www.migri.fi

E) Airport Transit Visa

As of 01/09/1997 certain nationalities need to have airport transit visa when travelling within the European countries. Additional to the above mentioned requirements the applicant should have a valid visa to the intended destination, and must present a return ticket..

* Please check with your nearest Embassy or Consulate prior to your departure in order to collect the airport transit visa if it is needed.

For further information please visit the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs .

Residence and work permits

The residence and work permit application forms may be submitted at the Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi. Information on residence and work permits is available on the homepage of the Finnish Immigration Service.

In Qatar Finland is represented by Germany

Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Visiting address: No. 6 Al-Jazira al-Arabiya Street, Fareej Kholaib Area, Doha, Qatar
Postal address: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, P.O. Box 3064, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974-408 2300
Fax: +974-408 2333
E-mail: germany@qatar.net.qa
Webpages: http://www.doha.diplo.de

In Bahrain Finland is represented by Germany

Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Visiting address: Alhasan Building, 1st floor, Shaikh Hamad Causeway 668, Diplomatic Area 317, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Postal address: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, P.O. Box 10306, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: +973-17-530 210
Fax: +973-17-536 925 / 536 282
E-mail: info@manama.diplo.de, zreg@manam.diplo.de, germemb@batelco.com.bh
Webpages: http://www.manama.diplo.de