Visa requirements

Finland

General visa requirements for travelling to Finland. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Journalist visa (Finland Short-Stay Journalist Schengen Visa (C-type))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
15-45 calendar days
Fee
EUR 90
Validity
180 days
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be a national of a Schengen Annex I country (visa-required)

  • Employment

    Must be a working journalist, correspondent, or photographer on assignment

    Required status: Working journalist, correspondent, or photographer

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be visiting Finland for press/media work such as reporting, coverage, interviews, or documentation

    Includes
    • Press/media work
    • reporting
    • coverage
    • interviews

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized colour photographs, 35x45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, employer sponsorship letter, assignment fee documentation; Minimum amount: EUR 50 per day of stay

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Entire Schengen area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel reservation, company-arranged accommodation; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Assignment letter from media organization detailing the purpose, location, and duration of the assignment in Finland

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form; Form url: https://finlandvisa.fi/

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/; Location: VFS Global application centre or Finnish embassy/consulate

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, credit card, debit card (varies by application centre); Amount: EUR 90

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Fill out the Schengen visa application form indicating journalism/press as purpose

  2. Document gathering

    Collect press credentials, assignment letter, and all standard Schengen visa documents

  3. Appointment booking

    Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre or Finnish embassy

  4. Document submission

    Submit all documents in person at the appointment

  5. Biometrics

    Provide fingerprints and photograph if not previously provided within 59 months

  6. Fee payment

    Pay EUR 90 plus any VFS service fee

  7. Processing wait

    Standard processing time 15 calendar days

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa sticker

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Finland Journalist/Media Worker Residence Permit)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
30-120 calendar days
Fee
EUR 750
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be a non-EU/EEA national

  • Employment

    Must work as a correspondent, journalist, or photographer in the field of mass media

    Required status: Journalist, correspondent, or photographer

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting ICAO standards

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Employment contract with media organization, freelance contract, proof of income from media work; Minimum amount: Sufficient income from media work to support yourself in Finland

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Online payment via Enter Finland, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 750 (online application), EUR 900 (paper application)

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete and submit the residence permit application for work in the field of mass media at enterfinland.fi

  2. Fee payment

    Pay the processing fee of EUR 750 (online) or EUR 900 (paper)

  3. Appointment booking

    Book an appointment at the nearest Finnish embassy/consulate

  4. Document submission

    Attend the appointment with passport and original documents. First residence permits must be applied for abroad.

  5. Biometrics

    Provide fingerprints and photograph

  6. Processing wait

    Processing time 1-4 months

  7. Visa collection

    Once approved, a residence permit card is issued. A D visa may be issued simultaneously for immediate travel.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.