Elsie UdohHave you written down your New Year’s goals and resolutions yet? Perhaps one includes relocating from Nigeria for either school or work purposes.
Many countries offer easy-to-acquire study visas that would make the best destination for your studies in 2025 if that’s your plan. One of them is Finland. Finland is quite popular for its excellent education system, high quality of life, and beautiful sights to make great tours.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIf you’re planning to move to Finland, even if you’ve not decided yet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Finland visa in 2025 to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Finnish Visas
Finland has several types of visas. They are mostly based on the purpose of your visit and durations so you must be clear on the visa types before applying for one.
Here are all the different types of Finnish visas:
- Tourist visa: This is for people visiting Finland for sightseeing, adventure activities, and leisure.
- Business visa: This applies to people visiting Finland for business activities.
- Student visa: This is also known as the Residence Visa of Finland and is required for international students to study in Finland.
- Airport transit visa: This allows a short stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.
- Medical visa: This requires a medical report from your home country and an attestation from the host nation’s doctor or hospital.
- Residence permit card: This is issued after a family visa application is approved; this card grants you the right to reside and work in Finland. It is best for long-term studies, work, or family reunions.
- Schengen visa: This is issued for visits of up to 90 days. It is best for tourists, business travellers, or students attending short-term courses due to its duration.
Some other types of Finnish visas available are:
- Single-entry visa
- Double-entry visa, and
- Multiple-entry visa
How to Apply for a Finland Student Visa in 2025
If you want to study in Finland, then you’ll need to apply for either a student visa or residence permit for your studies.
Before applying, it’s important to know if you’re eligible. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Finnish student visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in a recognised educational institution in Finland.
- Provide proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay.
- Have valid health insurance covering medical expenses.
Key Documents Needed
Ensure you have the following documents when applying:
- A valid passport.
- Acceptance letter from a Finnish educational institution.
- Proof of financial stability (€6,720 per year or €560 per month).
- Health insurance policy. This should cover The insurance policy should cover medical expenses up to €40,000 if you’re staying less than a year and up to €120,000 for longer than a year.
- Receipt of paid tuition fees (if applicable).
- Passport-sized photographs that meet Finnish standards.
- Filled application form for a residence permit for studies.
Note: If your study programme is shorter, then you’ll have to provide proof of funds for the duration of your stay. Also, keep in mind that sponsorships are not accepted so you must have funds in your personal account.
Application Process
Here’s how to apply for a student’s visa in Finland:
Step One: Begin by applying through the Enter Finland online portal.
Step Two: Visit your nearest Finnish embassy or consulate to submit biometric data and original documents.
Step Three: Pay the application fee for a residence permit for studies, which is approximately €350.
Step Four: Next, you’ll have to wait for the processing time, which takes 1-3 months.
Note: You’ll be notified about the final decision by email or through the Enter Finland portal.
READ ALSO: Australian Skilled Visa for Nigerian Citizens: Requirements and Application Process
Work Visa Requirements in Finland
If your travel purpose is work-related, then here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Criteria
- You must have a job offer from a Finnish employer.
- Your employer may need to prove that no qualified candidates are available locally.
- Sufficient funds to support yourself initially are required.
Documents Required
- Valid passport.
- An employment contract or job offer.
- Proof of qualifications and work experience.
- Proof of accommodation in Finland.
- Filled application form for a residence permit for employed persons.
Steps to Apply
Step One: Get a job offer from a Finnish employer.
Step Two: Apply via the Enter Finland portal.
Step Three: Submit biometrics and original documents at a Finnish embassy or consulate.
Step Four: Pay the fee for a work residence permit (this is approximately €450.)
Step Five: Wait for about 1-4 months for the application to be processed.
Schengen Visa for Short Visits
If you’re planning a short trip to Finland, whether for tourism or attending a conference, the Schengen visa is your best option.
Requirements
- Valid passport.
- Proof of travel itinerary (flight and accommodation details).
- Travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
- Proof of financial means (€30-50 per day).
Application Process
Step One: Fill out the Schengen visa application form online.
Step Two: Schedule an appointment to submit your documents and biometrics.
Step Three: Pay the fee, which is approximately €80.
Note: Processing time takes about 15 days to process, so plan accordingly.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of a successful application, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start the application process as soon as you have the necessary documents.
- Ensure that all information on your application is accurate and matches your documents.
- Double-check that all required documents are included before submission.
- Provide truthful information to avoid complications or denial.
- Track your application status through the Enter Finland portal or contact the embassy.
What Happens After Approval?
Once your visa or residence permit is approved, you can:
- Travel to Finland and begin your studies, work, or activities based on your visa type.
- Register with the local Finnish authorities within 90 days of arrival.
- Apply for a Finnish ID card to have access to various services in Finland.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
If your application is rejected, you can:
- Request a review within 30 days by submitting an appeal to the Administrative Court.
- Ensure that all missing or incorrect information is corrected before reapplying.
When you check all of the boxes listed in this article, then you can have a seamless application process and get ready to tick off travelling to Finland as completed on your New Year’s resolution list. Remember to confirm the fees on the portal to stay informed about any recent update or increase in them.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
