For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the dream of reuniting with their families in a foreign land is a driving force behind their sacrifices and endeavors. Finland, known for its picturesque landscapes, high quality of life, and robust social welfare system, stands as an attractive destination for families seeking to build a new life together. However, the path to reunification can seem daunting, especially when it comes to navigating the intricacies of visa applications.
In this guide, we delve into the process of applying for a family ties visa in Finland, offering insights, tips, and resources to assist OFWs and their loved ones in embarking on this journey. From understanding the eligibility criteria to assembling the necessary documents and completing the application, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview to simplify the process and ease the anxieties associated with visa applications.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Ties Visa in Finland
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from a vlog channel named Mike in Finland. In this video, the vlogger talks about the step-by-step process to get a Family Visa for Finland. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Step 1: Setting Up Your Enterfinland.fi Account
The initial step in the process of applying for a family ties visa in Finland begins with setting up an account on Enterfinland.fi, the official online portal for immigration services. This platform streamlines the visa application process, making it convenient for applicants to submit their documents and track the progress of their application.
To create an account, follow these steps:
- Visit Enterfinland.fi: Navigate to Enterfinland.fi and locate the option to register for an account.
- Register: Fill out the required information accurately to complete the registration process.
- Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that you provide accurate information during the registration process to avoid any delays or complications later on.
Step 2: Understanding the Requirements
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for both the spouse and the sponsor. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary documents for each:
Requirements for the Spouse:
- Passport: A valid passport with an expiration date extending beyond the intended duration of stay in Finland.
- PK1 Plus: This refers to the form PK1 Plus, which serves as an application for a residence permit based on family ties.
- PSA Marriage Certificate with Apostille and Legalization: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) marriage certificate, authenticated with an apostille, and legalized by the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines. This ensures the validity of the marriage in Finland.
Requirements for the Sponsor (OFW):
- Passport: Similar to the spouse, the sponsor must provide a valid passport.
- Visa: If the sponsor is already residing in Finland under a visa, a copy of the visa must be included in the application.
- Tax Card: A copy of the sponsor’s tax card, which serves as proof of tax residency in Finland.
- 6 Months Pay Slip: Documentation demonstrating the sponsor’s stable income, typically in the form of pay slips covering the past six months.
- Tax Information or Tax Decision: Additional tax-related documentation, such as tax information or a tax decision issued by the Finnish Tax Administration.
- Employment Contract: A copy of the sponsor’s employment contract, providing details about their job position, salary, and terms of employment.
How to Apostille and Legalize
Obtaining an apostille and legalization for your documents is a crucial step in the process of applying for a family ties visa in Finland. Here’s a guide on how to navigate through this process:
- Visit DFA Cubao: Head to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office in Cubao, Philippines. You can either walk in or schedule an appointment through the website for a specific day and time.
- Get the Apostille: A vlogger shared his experience of walking in at DFA Cubao, located at Ali Mall. After approximately two hours, he obtained the apostille for his documents, with a fee of around 200 pesos.
- Email the Embassy: Once you have the apostille, reach out to the Embassy of Finland in Manila via email to inquire about the process of legalization.
- Prepare for Legalization: After receiving instructions from the embassy, gather all your documents apostilled by the DFA and head to the nearest LBC branch.
- Send Documents via LBC: Using the address provided by the Embassy of Finland in Manila, send the documents via LBC. Ensure that you include the payment for legalization, typically through a designated BPI account number provided by the embassy.
- Attach Receipt: Make a copy of the receipt for the payment and attach it to the brown envelope containing your documents before sending it via LBC.
- Wait for Legalization: After approximately three days, your documents should return from the embassy, now legalized and ready for submission as part of your visa application.
Requirements for Children:
When applying for a family ties visa in Finland, it’s essential to ensure that all family members meet the necessary requirements. Here are the document requirements for children:
- Passport: Each child must have a valid passport.
- PSA Birth Certificate Apostille and Legalization: The child’s birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), apostilled, and legalized by the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines.
As the sponsor, the same requirements apply as mentioned above.
After Completing All Requirements
Once all the necessary documents are gathered and prepared, the next step is to proceed with the application process. Here’s what to do after completing all requirements:
- Attach Documents to Enterfinland Account: Upload all the required documents to your Enterfinland.fi account.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the visa fees, which amount to 470 euros for the spouse and 240 euros for each child.
- Inquire at Embassy: Reach out to the Embassy of Finland in Manila for guidance on scheduling an appearance at VFS Global in Taguig.
- Schedule Appearance at VFS Global: Follow the instructions provided by the embassy to schedule an appointment at VFS Global. This involves providing details such as the application name, birthday, passport number, preferred date of appearance, and visa category (family visa).
- Receive Schedule from VFS Global: After approximately a week, VFS Global will provide a scheduled appointment. Make sure to print the schedule as assurance of your appointment on the designated day.
- Prepare for Appearance: It’s advisable to have necessary documents, such as identification, and extra cash for expenses like photocopying, as the cost of photocopying at VFS Global can be expensive (approximately 5,000 pesos per applicant).
Residence Permit Application Based on Family Ties
Getting a residence permit to live with your family in Finland is possible if you have close family there. The family member already living in Finland or planning to move there with you is called your sponsor. Before you can get your residence permit, your sponsor needs to have their own permit in Finland or apply for one at the same time as you and get it approved.
Family, according to Finnish law, includes spouses, registered partners, partners living together, children, and guardians of children under 18, whether they’re Finnish citizens, citizens of other countries, or similar.
How to Apply Online:
- Everyone Gets Their Own Account: If you’re 18 or older, you need your own account. You can’t use your account to apply for your spouse.
- Kids’ Applications: If you’re under 18, your guardian has to send in your application from their account.
- One Application per Person: Each family member can only have one application. If you have two guardians, use the one whose account you’re using.
- Guardians Can Apply: Even if you’re only applying for a permit for your child, you can make your own account to do it.
- If Someone Sought Asylum: You can only apply once they have their permit. You’ll need to know:
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- Why they got their permit (like asylum, protection, work)
- When it started and when it ends
- When they got the decision
You can find this info in the decision letter from the Finnish Immigration Service. If they lost it, they can ask for a certificate from the Finnish Immigration Service with the same details.
Embarking on the journey to obtain a family visa in Finland is a significant step towards building stronger familial ties and embracing new opportunities in a foreign land. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the intricate process of applying for a family ties visa, from setting up your Enterfinland.fi account to understanding the document requirements and navigating the electronic application process.
From obtaining apostilles and legalizations to scheduling appearances at VFS Global, each step in the process presents its challenges and requirements. However, armed with the right information and guidance, families can navigate these complexities with confidence and determination.
It’s important to remember that behind every document and bureaucratic procedure lies the cherished goal of reuniting families and creating a new life together in Finland. Whether you’re joining a spouse, partner, or guardian in Finland, the journey towards securing a family visa signifies a commitment to love, support, and shared experiences.