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Guide to the Invitation Letter and the Required Documents
Many people living in Finland want to send an invitation letter to family members, friends or relatives who are coming from Turkey and applying for a Schengen visa. The question that comes up most often is how the invitation letter and the sponsorship form should be prepared. In this article we explain, step by step, the documents required for a Finland Schengen visa application and the invitation process itself.
What Are an Invitation Letter and Sponsorship?
If you live in Finland and are inviting someone close to you, you can act as the sponsor in the application process. In that case the person issuing the invitation declares that they will cover the applicant’s accommodation and/or daily expenses in Finland. That declaration is made official through a sponsorship form and a free-form invitation letter. “Visiting family or friends” can be chosen as the application category.
Documents Required from the Sponsor (the person living in Finland)
The documents to be prepared by the person sending the invitation from Finland:
- Invitation letter (click here for a template)
- Finnish ID
- Passport, if a Finnish citizen
- Residence permit card
- Proof of income (employment contract, payslips for the last 3 months)
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Current tax card and the previous year’s tax decision (preferably)
- Tenancy agreement, or the title deed if you own the home (preferably)
These documents need to be prepared and sent to the person close to you who will submit the visa application in Turkey. Preparing the invitation and sponsorship documents correctly is the most important part of the application. We can advise you throughout the preparation of these documents.
Documents Required from the Applicant (the person travelling from Turkey)
The basic documents that the person applying for the Schengen visa needs to prepare are as follows:
- Visa application form (https://finlandvisa.fi/)
- Passport and ID
- Biometric photograph
- Certificate of residence
- Full civil registration record
- Return flight reservation
- Travel health insurance
- Payslips for the last 3 months or proof of income
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- They must be signed by the bank and accompanied by the bank’s signature circular
- Further financial documents (title deed, vehicle registration, rental income, etc.) (preferably)
Official site for the required documents: https://finlandvisa.fi/checklist/TUR/265
Additional Documents Depending on the Applicant’s Situation
Additional documents are also required depending on the applicant’s situation:
For employees:
- Employer letter / approval of leave
- SGK employment record
For business owners:
- Chamber of Commerce registration
- Tax certificate
- Trade registry gazette
For pensioners:
- Pension certificate or account statement
For students:
- Student certificate
For farmers:
- Farming certificate approved by the Chamber of Agriculture
Booking an Appointment
Finland Schengen visa applications can be submitted in Turkey through VFS Global’s Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya offices. An appointment must be booked through the system before the application is made.
VFS Global Finland appointment system: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tur/en/fin/login
The application fee for a Finland Schengen visa is 90 €, and it is collected at the VFS Global centre when the application is submitted. In addition, a 20 € VFS service fee and a courier fee are charged.
It is important to put the application file together in full before booking an appointment. Appointments taken with missing or incorrect paperwork can drag the process out.
The Most Common Mistakes
- A missing or incorrect invitation letter
- An insufficient bank balance, or a large sum paid into the account at the last minute
- Giving inconsistent information
- Failing to submit documents that show family ties
- Failing to provide evidence of an intention to return
These mistakes can lead to the application being refused.
Consultancy Support
We offer professional support throughout the Finland Schengen visa application and the preparation of the invitation letter and the sponsorship documents.
Consultancy fee: 350 € + ALV
To get your application prepared correctly and in full, you can get in touch with us.