Bringing Your Family to Finland on a Student Permit
If you are studying in Finland and want your spouse or children to join you, they can apply for a family reunification residence permit. The process has specific financial requirements that catch many applicants off guard.
Who Qualifies as Family?
Your spouse or registered partner, and children under 18 in your custody, qualify for family reunification. Cohabiting partners (not legally married) must prove at least two years of living together.
Financial Requirements
This is the most common obstacle. For family reunification, Migri expects you to have a net monthly income of approximately €1,300–€1,500 per month after taxes — significantly more than the self-sufficiency threshold for single students. Scholarships may count as income.
Application Process
The family member applies via Enter Finland from their home country. They must provide their relationship documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates), your residence permit details, and evidence of your shared financial resources.
Children's Right to Education
Children with a valid residence permit have the right to attend Finnish basic education (perusopetus) free of charge. Contact your local municipality's education office to enrol your child.
Processing Times
Family reunification permits typically take 3–9 months to process. Apply well in advance of your family's planned arrival. Both you and your family member will receive notifications via Enter Finland.
