Where and how to apply for a visa?

If your country of destination is Finland, you must apply for a visa at the Visa Application Centre indicated by the nearest Finnish mission. Honorary consuls and honorary consulates do not grant visas.

How to apply for a visa

  1. Fill in the visa application form at the website finlandvisa.fi. At the website, you will find information about the documents, appendices and passport photo you need to submit an application. You can check the required visa application documents without logging in on the website finlandvisa.fi.
  2. You can even fill in an application in pdf format either by hand or with computer. Even when filling in a pdf application, you should check the required visa application documents at the website finlandvisa.fi.
  3. Book an appointment for submitting your application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre located in your country of residence or indicated to you by the mission providing services to your country of residence.
  4. All visa applications must be submitted in person. Your biometric identifiers will be collected at the same time. Fingerprints will not be collected if fingerprints were collected for an earlier application for a Schengen visa less than 59 months before.
  5. A visa fee will be charged for processing visa applications (see the Service fees). The Visa Application Centre may charge an additional service fee for processing the application (see the website of VFS Global Visa Application Centre).
  6. Family members of EU citizens who are covered by the EU Free Movement Directive may submit their application for visa either at a visa application centre or at Finland’s mission abroad.
  7. The mission may invite you to a personal interview to find out about the purpose of your visit.

Processing times of visa applications

You must submit your application well in advance. You may submit an application no more than six (6) months before the start of the intended visit. The processing time of a visa application is 15 days.

The processing time may be longer if a more detailed examination of the application is required.

Visa for seasonal work

Fill in the visa application form on the website finlandvisa.fi. On the website you will find information about the documents and appendices you need to apply for a visa for seasonal work. You can check the required documents without logging in on the finlandvisa.fi website.

Employer’s assurance form (PDF)

The employer's assurance form is one of the appendices required for applying for a visa for seasonal work. Employers can fill in the form in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Application process for Iraqi citizens

The Embassy of Finland in Baghdad does not have customer service in immigration issues.

A Schengen visa to Finland must be applied in person at the Finland Visa Application Centers in Ankara, Istanbul and Antalya in Türkiye.

You can book an appointment through their website, by phone +90 212 373 5812 or by email [email protected].

1.10.2025 Finland will open the submission of visa and residence permit applications in Qatar at VFS Doha to Iraqi citizens

Residence permit applications for Iraqi nationals and applicants residing legally in Iraq (with a residence permit etc.) can be submitted either in Ankara or Doha.

Visa applications are accepted for Iraqi nationals either in Ankara or Doha.

Visa and residence permit application submissions in Qatar are outsourced to an application centre operated by VFS Global. Visa applications will be received on behalf of Finland at the VFS application center starting September 30, 2025, and residence permit applications starting October 1, 2025.

The VFS Global Application Centre is located at:
1st Floor, Al Nuaimi Building,
Next To Oqba Bin Nafie Metro Station,
Airport Road, Zone 45, Doha, Qatar

Visa application requirements are:

  • Your main destination is Finland.
  • Flight reservations (note, purchasing flight tickets is not recommended prior to visa decision, only reservation is required)
  • Travel insurance (covering the whole stay in the Schengen area)
  • Invitation letter (written by the person inviting you including the length and purpose of the stay, personal details of you and of the person inviting, signature of the person inviting you).
  • Passport photo (with white background)
  • Proof of sufficient funds (for example bank statement from the last 3 months) for the planned journey
  • Additional documents can be required.

Visa application processing time is 15 days.

For more information, visit the website of the Embassy of Finland in Ankara our website at:

Submit your visa application no later than 15 days before your planned trip. The application can be submitted a maximum six (6) months before the planned travel date. Visa applications cannot be sent by mail.

Iraqi citizens need a visa to Türkiye. Please contact Gateway management for instructions and to find an application center near you.