Finland Visa Requirements for Nigerians

Last updated on August 23rd, 2024

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Nigerians are increasingly considering Finland as a favorable alternative to the United Kingdom.
• Finnish visa requirements for Nigerian nationals include a visa application form, passport, photographs, financial proof, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and proof of enrollment/employment.
• It usually takes 15 days to process a Finland visa in Nigeria.
• The cost of a Finnish visa in Nigeria is €90 (159,537 Nigerian Naira), payable online, at visa application centers, or via bank transfer.

Finland Visa Requirements for Nigerians

Finland immigration is gaining popularity among Nigerians looking to study, work, or live in Europe. According to Statistics Finland (2020), Nigerian immigrants were the second-largest group of immigrants from Africa after Somalians, totaling 13,337 as of December 2020. Many Nigerians see Finland as a good option compared to the United Kingdom.

If you are planning to move to Finland, it’s important to understand the visa requirements and any other essential information you may need to know. I will provide you with these requirements right away. If you have any inquiries or questions about Finland, please reach out to me through the comment section below. Let’s get started!

Finland Visa Types

To immigrate to Finland from Nigeria, you need to apply for a visa. Finland offers different types of visas that you can apply for depending on the purpose of your travel to Finland.

The Scandinavian Country offers:

• Study Visa: For those looking to pursue education in Finland.
• Work Visa: If you have a job offer from a Finnish employer.
• Tourist Visa: For those on a temporary visit to Finland for tourism or family visits.
• Residency Permit: For those wishing to live in Finland long-term.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a family member who already resides in Finland.

Remember, when applying for any of the visas I listed above, you must apply for a residence permit at the Finnish diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

Finland Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Below you will find detailed information on the visa requirements for a Finland visa for Nigerian nationals.

• Visa Application Form.
• Valid Passport.
• Passport-sized Photographs.
• Proof of Financial Means.
• Travel Insurance.
• Proof of Accommodation.
• Travel Itinerary.
• Proof of Enrollment or Employment (for study or work visas).

Visa Application Form:

To qualify for a Finnish visa from Nigeria, the first thing you should do is fill in the visa application form. This form is mandatory for any type of Schengen Visa you are applying for. And, make sure you fill in the form correctly and truthfully, with your up-to-date information. The visa application form will be on the official webpage of the Finish embassy in Nigeria or the official webpage of the European Commission.

Valid Passport:

When you submit your visa application you need to submit your valid international passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Finland.

Passport-sized Photographs:

Another key element of the Finland visa requirements is a recent identity picture. Your picture needs to follow Finland’s visa photo specifications to be valid.

Proof of Financial Means:

Before visiting Finland, you must demonstrate your ability to cover the costs of your stay through bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters. Finland generally requires at least €30 per day.

Travel Insurance:

A travel insurance is mandatory when you apply for a Finland visa. The travel insurance must cover your medical expenses and emergencies for the duration of your stay.

Proof of Accommodation:

Proof of accommodation is obligatory when you apply for a Finland visa. You can attach evidence of hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family.

Travel Itinerary:

In some cases, you will be asked to submit a detailed travel itinerary that has information about your flight date, your flight code, intended activities, and similar information. The embassies will ask for this type of data to make sure that you won’t be staying past your visa deadline.

Proof of Enrollment or Employment:

Finland requires you to submit an enrollment letter from the educational institution or an employment contract, if applicable.

Finland Visa Requirements for Minors in Nigeria

If you are traveling to Finland with your child or children as the case may be, you need to provide certain documents:

• Birth certificate: When traveling with your child(ren) to Finland from Nigeria their birth certificate needs to be attached to the application.
• Passport: Minors should be equipped with their travel documents. The Finnish embassy in Nigeria won’t accept a joint passport.
• Visa application form: In addition to their passport, minors must have a separate visa form and have it signed by both parents/legal guardians.
• Letter of consent: If your child(ren) is traveling alone they need to hand in a letter of consent from both legal guardians stating that the travel is permissible. In cases where the child is traveling alone with only one legal guardian, there needs to be a letter of consent from the remaining guardian.

*Please note that the letter of consent can’t be older than 12 months and all the above required documents need to be both copies and originals.

How to Apply for a Finland Visa from Nigeria

If you decide you don’t need a visa agent and want to apply for a Finland visa by yourself, you may visit the official webpage of Finland through this link. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

• Determine Type of Visa: Identify the purpose of your visit to Finland and choose the appropriate visa category.
• Complete Visa Application Form: Access the official website of the Finnish embassy or consulate in Nigeria to fill out the visa application form.
• Gather Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including passport, photographs, travel itinerary, financial proof, travel insurance, and accommodation details.
• Submit Application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to the Finnish embassy or through their designated visa application center.
• Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee through the accepted payment methods.
• Wait for Processing: Visa processing times vary, so monitor your application status online or through the designated application center.
• Collect Passport and Visa: Once your visa is approved, collect your passport with the visa stamped from the embassy, consulate, or application center.

How long does it take for a Finland visa to be approved in Nigeria?

After submitting the required documents and applying for a Finland visa here in Nigeria, you would want to find out how long it takes for your Finland visa to be approved. Well, it generally takes 15 days for a Finland visa application to be processed in Nigeria. It is recommended that you apply no more than six (6) months before the start of the intended visit.

How much does a Finland visa cost in Nigeria?

The cost of a Finnish visa in Nigeria is €90 (159,537 Nigerian Naira). Depending on your situation, Finnish authorities will allow you to pay this fee online, on location at a visa application centre in Nigeria, or through a bank transfer. You can confirm the visa fee through their official website.