Austrian Embassy for Finland - Address / Phone Number

Austrian Embassy in Finland

Address: Unioninkatu 22 , 00130 Helsinki
City: Helsinki (Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +2 hours)
Tel.: 68 18 600
Fax: 66 50 84
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00 - 12.00

The relations between Austria and Finland are excellent. Despite the large geographical distance, similar interests and priorities in many areas are the basis for close cooperation between the two countries in bilateral questions and multilateral forums. Originally partners in the EFTA, Austria and Finland joined the European Union together on 1.1.1995. In addition to the regular meetings within the EU context, an intensive bilateral exchange of visits takes place at all levels.

One of the key functions of the Embassy is as a support service for expatriate and visiting Austrians. The Consulate provides services regarding the issuing of passports and visa, and many more.

Austrian citizens living abroad permanently may also apply for an Austrian passport with the local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria. Since March 30, 2009 all new Austrian passports include fingerprints. The fingerprints will be saved on the chip and not shown in the passport. All applicants are therefore requested to appear in person when applying for an Austrian passport. The Austrian Consulate General cannot accept passport applications by mail. All valid Austrian passports will stay valid until their expiration date and don't need to be exchanged.

Austrian passports are valid for ten (10) years and cannot be renewed. Since March 30, 2009, biometric passports with fingerprints are issued in Austria. It takes approximately four weeks before the new passport may be handed over to the applicant.

An "authentication" is a governmental act by which a designated public official (e.g. consular officer at an embassy or a consulate) certifies to the genuineness of the signature and/or seal and the position of the person/official who has executed, issued, or certified (a copy of) a document.

Authentication is provided for:
1) private (e.g. agreements, power-of-attorney) and official signatures
2) transcripts and copies (stating that original and copy are identical)

An apostille (French for "certification") is an internationally recognized form of notarization and ensures that public documents issued in one country will be recognized as valid in another country. The sole function of the apostille is to certify the authenticity of the signature on the document in question; the capacity in which the person signing the document acted; and the identity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document. The apostille either must be attached as an annex to the official document or placed on the document itself by means of a stamp. An apostille is solely issued upon request. 

Austria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Finnish citizens only need a valid travel document for travelling to Austria. As Austria is part of the Schengen Area, third country nationals permanently residing in Finland do not need a visa for travelling to Austria as a tourist and for a period not longer than 90 days. For crossing the border they only need a valid passport and a valid Finnish residence permit (title accepted: "oleskelulupa").