Family Reunification in Finland — Official Guide
If you are a non‑EU/EEA citizen living in Finland with a valid residence permit, you may be able to bring your family members to Finland under family reunification rules. This section explains official requirements, procedures, and links.
Where to Apply
All applications for family member residence permits are submitted through:
➡️ Enter Finland – Official Online Application Service
https://enterfinland.fi/ (enterfinland.fi)
This portal is used for:
✔ New applications
✔ Extensions
✔ Tracking application status
✔ Uploading documents
Who Can Apply for Family Reunification
Eligible Family Members
The following family members can generally apply:
✔ Spouse or registered partner
✔ Children under 18 years
✔ Children aged 18–21 in some cases (depends on support/legal guardianship)
✔ Dependent family members in special circumstances (e.g., disabled children)
Eligibility depends on the resident’s permit type, financial ability, and family situation.
Main Requirements
To qualify for family reunification, the sponsor (the person already in Finland) must be able to demonstrate:
✔ Valid residence permit in Finland (work, student, family itself, etc.)
✔ Sufficient income to support the family without public assistance
✔ Adequate housing according to Finnish standards
✔ Insurance or proof of health coverage for family members
✔ If requested, additional documents on relationship authenticity
Financial & Housing Requirements
✔ You must show that you have stable and adequate income.
✔ You must have housing that meets Finnish municipal requirements (enough space for family members, legal registration, etc.).
✔ You may be asked for rental agreements or proof of housing arrangements.
There is no fixed amount published as a minimum income, but it is assessed based on your specific situation and household size. Always check the latest requirements on Migri.
Application Timeline
Family reunification processing times can vary widely depending on:
✔ The country where the application is submitted
✔ Completeness of documents
✔ Verification requirements
Permit processing for family members may take from a few weeks to several months. You can check estimated processing times after submitting your application on EnterFinland.
➡️ Check processing times:
https://migri.fi/en/check-the-processing-time-of-your-application (migri.fi)
Special Cases & Notes
Spouse or Registered Family Partner
✔ Must submit marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate
✔ Certificates not in English/Finnish/Swedish must be officially translated
Children
✔ Children under 18 commonly qualify under family reunification
✔ Children aged 18–21 may also qualify if they are dependent and not financially able to live independently
Dependents
In rare cases, dependent family members with special needs may apply. These cases are reviewed individually by Migri.
After Submission
Once you complete the online application:
✔ You may be asked to attend an identity appointment at a Finnish mission/embassy
✔ Family will need to prove identity and submit biometrics (fingerprints)
✔ Migri may request additional documents before a decision
Travel & Arrival
If the permit is approved:
➡️ Family members get a Residence Permit Card
➡️ They can enter Finland and register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)
➡️ They must register their address and personal identity code within the required timeframe after arrival
Official Family Reunification Links
| Topic | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Family Member Residence Permit (Migri) | https://migri.fi/en/family-members-residence-permit (search on Migri site) |
| Enter Finland – Apply Online | https://enterfinland.fi/ |
| Check application processing time | https://migri.fi/en/check-the-processing-time-of-your-application |
Note: Migri uses broad categories, so “Family Reunification” is often described as “Residence permit on the basis of family ties” in their official documents.
Tips for Family Reunification Applicants
✔ Start your application early (processing can take time)
✔ Ensure all documents are complete and correctly translated
✔ Keep clear proof of relationship (marriage, birth certificates, etc.)
✔ Make sure you meet financial and housing requirements
✔ Always use EnterFinland.fi for application and tracking
✔ Avoid third‑party service errors — always rely on official sources
⚠️ Important Reminder
Rules, requirements, and procedures change often. Always verify all information on the official Migri and EnterFinland websites before applying. Translation tools may slightly change meanings — check the original English content when possible. If you find outdated info on our page, please report it to us so we can update it promptly.