Are you dreaming of moving to Finland, one of the happiest and most progressive countries in the world? Do you want to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Finns, enjoy the stunning nature and seasons, and benefit from the high-quality education and social security system? If you answered yes, then you might be wondering how to make your dream come true.
You might have heard that moving to Finland is difficult, expensive, and requires a lot of paperwork and qualifications. You might have been discouraged by the requirements of language proficiency, age limit, proof of funds, and degree recognition. But what if we told you that there is a way to move to Finland in 10 days, without any of these obstacles?
In this article, we will show you how to apply for a Finnish visa and residence permit, and what are the steps and conditions to make your relocation as smooth and fast as possible. We will also give you some tips and resources to help you prepare for your new life in Finland. So, let’s get started!
How to Apply for a Finnish Visa and Residence Permit
The first thing you need to do is to apply for a Finnish visa and residence permit. Depending on your nationality, purpose of stay, and duration of stay, you will need different types of visas and permits. Here are the main categories:
Schengen visa
This is a short-term visa that allows you to visit Finland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You will need this visa if you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-free for Finland. You can check the list of visa-free countries here. You can apply for a Schengen visa at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country, or at a Schengen country mission representing Finland. You will need to fill in an online application form, pay a fee, and submit some documents, such as your passport, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. You will also need to attend an interview and provide your biometric data. The processing time for a Schengen visa is usually 15 days, but it can vary depending on the season and the demand. You can find more information about the Schengen visa here.
D visa
This is a long-term visa that allows you to stay in Finland for more than 90 days, but less than a year. You will need this visa if you are coming to Finland for work, study, family, or other reasons that require a longer stay. You can apply for a D visa at the same time as you apply for a residence permit. You will need to fill in an online application form, pay a fee, and submit some documents, such as your passport, residence permit application, and proof of income. You will also need to attend an interview and provide your biometric data. The processing time for a D visa is usually the same as for a residence permit, which can vary depending on the type of permit and the demand. You can find more information about the D visa here.
Residence permit
This is a permit that allows you to live and work in Finland for a longer period of time, usually one year or more. You will need this permit if you want to stay in Finland permanently, or if you want to apply for Finnish citizenship in the future. You can apply for a residence permit in Finland if you have a job, a study place, a family member, or another valid reason to stay in Finland. You will need to fill in an online application form, pay a fee, and submit some documents, such as your passport, proof of identity, and proof of purpose of stay. You will also need to attend an interview and provide your biometric data. The processing time for a residence permit can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of permit and the demand. You can find more information about the residence permit here.
How to Move to Finland in 10 Days
Now that you know the basics of applying for a Finnish visa and residence permit, you might be wondering how to move to Finland in 10 days. Is it even possible? Well, the answer is yes, but it requires some planning, preparation, and luck. Here are some tips to help you achieve your goal:
Choose the right visa and permit
Depending on your nationality and purpose of stay, you will need to choose the right visa and permit that suit your situation. For example, if you are a citizen of a visa-free country, you can enter Finland with just your passport and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If you are coming to Finland for work, you will need a D visa and a residence permit based on employment. If you are coming to Finland for study, you will need a D visa and a residence permit based on studies. If you are coming to Finland for family, you will need a D visa and a residence permit based on family ties. You can check the different types of visas and permits and their requirements here.
Apply early and online
To speed up the process of getting your visa and permit, you should apply as early as possible, preferably six months before your planned trip. You should also use the online service Enter Finland, which allows you to fill in your application form, pay your fee, and submit your documents electronically. You can also track the status of your application and receive notifications and decisions online. You can access the Enter Finland service here.
Prepare your documents
To avoid delays and rejections, you should prepare your documents carefully and make sure they are valid, complete, and accurate. You should also have them translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English if they are in another language. You should also make copies of your documents and keep them with you. You can find a list of the required documents for each type of visa and permit here.
Book your appointment and interview
To submit your visa and permit application, you will need to book an appointment at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country, or at a Schengen country mission representing Finland. You can book your appointment online or by phone. You should book your appointment as soon as possible, as the availability of slots can be limited. You should also prepare for your interview, which will take place at the same time as you submit your application. You should dress appropriately, be polite and honest, and answer the questions clearly and confidently. You should also bring your original documents and your biometric data, such as your fingerprints and photo. You can find more information about the appointment and interview here.
Wait for your decision and collect your visa and permit
After you submit your application, you will have to wait for the decision, which will be sent to you by email or by post. The decision will tell you whether your visa and permit have been granted or refused, and the reasons for the decision. If your visa and permit have been granted, you will have to collect them from the Finnish embassy or consulate, or from the Schengen country mission representing Finland. You will have to show your passport and the decision letter to collect your visa and permit. You should check the validity and accuracy of your visa and permit before you leave. You can find more information about the decision and collection here.
Pack your bags and book your flight
Once you have your visa and permit, you are ready to pack your bags and book your flight to Finland. You should pack your essentials, such as your passport, visa, permit, documents, money, clothes, and personal items. You should also pack some items that will help you adapt to the Finnish climate, culture, and lifestyle, such as warm clothing, rain gear, winter accessories, electrical adapters, and language books. You should also book your flight as soon as possible, as the prices can vary depending on the season and the demand. You should also check the entry requirements and travel restrictions for Finland, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find more information about the entry requirements and travel restrictions here.
Arrive in Finland and register your stay
Congratulations, you have made it to Finland! Now, you will have to go through the entry check at the border, where you will have to show your passport, visa, permit, and other documents. You will also have to prove that you have enough funds, insurance, and accommodation for your stay. You will also have to follow the health and safety measures, such as wearing a mask, taking a test, or quarantining if required. You can find more information about the entry check here. After you enter Finland, you will have to register your stay, depending on the duration and purpose of your stay. If you are staying for less than a year, you will have to register your right of residence at the Finnish Immigration Service. If you are staying for more than a year, you will have to register your residence at the local register office. You will also have to register your address, tax, social security, and health care at the relevant authorities. You can find more information about the registration here.
Tips and Resources to Help You Prepare for Your New Life in Finland
Moving to Finland is a big decision and a life-changing experience. It can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding at the same time. To help you prepare for your new life in Finland, here are some tips and resources that you might find useful:
Learn the language
Learning Finnish or Swedish, the official languages of Finland, will help you communicate, integrate, and access the services and opportunities in Finland. You can start learning the language before you move, by taking online courses, watching videos, listening to podcasts, or reading books. You can also continue learning the language after you move, by taking courses, joining clubs, or finding language partners. You can find some resources to learn Finnish [here] and Swedish [here].
Research the culture
Learning about the Finnish culture, history, values, and customs will help you understand and appreciate the Finnish way of life. You can research the culture by reading articles, blogs, books, or magazines, watching movies, shows, or documentaries, or listening to music, radio, or podcasts. You can also learn from the locals, by making friends, joining groups, or attending events. You can find some resources to learn about the Finnish culture [here].
Plan your budget
Moving to Finland can be expensive, depending on your lifestyle, income, and expenses. You should plan your budget carefully and realistically, and consider the costs of living, such as housing, food, transportation, health care, education, and entertainment. You should also consider the taxes, fees, and benefits that apply to you, depending on your visa and permit status, employment, and income.
Find your accommodation
Finding a suitable and affordable accommodation in Finland can be challenging, especially in the bigger cities and during the peak seasons. You should start looking for your accommodation as soon as possible, and compare the different options, such as renting, buying, or sharing. You should also consider the location, size, condition, and amenities of your accommodation, and the contract, deposit, and utilities that are involved.
Connect with the community
Moving to Finland can be lonely, especially if you don’t know anyone or don’t speak the language. You should connect with the community and make new friends, both locals and expats, who can support you, guide you, and share your experiences. You can connect with the community by joining online platforms, groups, or forums, or by attending offline events, meetups, or activities.
We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to move to Finland in 10 days. Moving to Finland is a great opportunity and adventure, but it also requires some preparation and adaptation. We wish you all the best in your journey and welcome you to Finland.
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