If you're a family member of a student studying in Finland, you can apply for a residence permit. This guide explains who qualifies as a family member, the financial requirements, and the rights granted with a family residence permit.
Who Qualifies as a Family Member?
The following individuals are considered family members of a
Finnish citizen or a foreign national who is not an EU citizen:
- A
spouse
- A
registered partner
- A
child under 18 years of age
You can apply for a residence permit for family members on
the official website under the section “Moving to Finland to be with a family
member.”
Processing of Applications for Student’s Family Members
While students’ residence permit applications are
prioritized to ensure they can begin their studies on time, decisions for
family members may not be processed as quickly. Family members might receive
their residence permits after the student has been approved.
Financial Requirements for Living in Finland
To be eligible for a residence permit, both students and
their family members need to show they have sufficient financial resources.
Below is a breakdown of the required amount per month and year:
|
Person |
EUR per month |
EUR per year |
|
Student |
560 |
6,720 |
|
2nd adult in the household |
700 |
8,400 |
|
1st underage family member |
500 |
6,000 |
|
2nd underage family member |
400 |
4,800 |
|
3rd underage family member |
300 |
3,600 |
|
4th underage family member |
200 |
2,400 |
|
5th underage family member |
100 |
1,200 |
|
6th and further underage family members |
0 |
0 |
Example:
A family consisting of an adult student, another adult, and two children would
need a monthly income of EUR 2,160 (EUR 560 + 700 + 500 + 400).
Rights to Work and Study
If you're granted a residence permit based on family ties,
you’ll have an unrestricted right to work and study in Finland. However, if the
permit is based on an intimate relationship, certain work conditions may apply.
Types of Residence Permits for Family Members
Family members of students are issued either an A permit
(continuous residence permit) or a B permit (temporary residence permit),
depending on the student's type of studies.
- A
Permit: Family members of higher education students pursuing a degree
receive an A permit. This permit is initially granted for a maximum of one
year, with possible extensions of up to four years. After four years of
continuous residence on an A permit, you can apply for permanent
residence. With an A permit, you can apply for a municipality of
residence, giving you access to public healthcare services.
- B
Permit: Family members of non-higher education students are issued a B
permit, which is temporary. While you can still apply for a municipality
of residence with a B permit, there are more prerequisites compared to the
A permit.
By understanding these requirements and benefits, you can
better plan your family’s stay in Finland while supporting the student in your
household.
