For many Indian students, studying abroad is not just about academic growth—it’s also about building a life abroad. While Finland’s world-class education system and high quality of life attract international students, a common concern is how to stay connected with loved ones. If you’re planning to pursue your studies in Finland, you may be wondering: Can my spouse come with me? The good news is that Finland allows students to bring their spouses through a spouse visa, ensuring you can live together while you pursue your education. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the requirements, application process, and important considerations for spouse visa in Finland.
Understanding the Finland Spouse Visa
A spouse visa in Finland is officially termed a “residence permit on the basis of family ties.” This permit allows your spouse to live with you in Finland for the duration of your studies. It’s essential to note that this visa is not automatically granted; it requires a formal application process with specific criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a spouse visa in Finland, both you (the sponsor) and your spouse must meet certain requirements:
- Valid Student Residence Permit: You must have a valid residence permit for studies in Finland . This permit should be for a degree program at a recognized Finnish institution.
- Proof of Relationship: You need to provide official documentation proving your relationship, such as a marriage certificate. If the certificate is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, it may need to be translated and legalized.
- Sufficient Financial Resources: Both you and your spouse must demonstrate that you have enough financial means to support yourselves during your stay in Finland. This includes showing proof of income or savings.
- Adequate Housing: You must have suitable accommodation for both you and your spouse. This could be a rented apartment or university-provided housing.
- Age Requirement: Both you and your spouse must generally be at least 21 years old when the residence permit becomes valid.
Financial Considerations: Meeting the Income Requirement for Spouse Visa
Demonstrating sufficient financial resources is a critical part of applying for a spouse visa (residence permit on the basis of family ties) in Finland. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) requires that you and your spouse can support yourselves without relying on public assistance. Income from social assistance, labour market subsidy, or basic unemployment allowance paid by Kela cannot be used to meet the requirement. Certain social benefits such as child benefit, study grant, or housing allowance can reduce the required threshold.
Minimum Monthly Income for Students and Family Members
The required net income depends on where you will live in Finland. The numbers below are effective from 1 November 2024:
| Location | Student (€) | Spouse (€) | Child (€) | Notes |
| Helsinki Metropolitan Area (Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen, Vantaa) | 800 | 610 | 610 (first child), 480 (second), 360 (third+) | For more children, add €360/month per child starting from the third |
| Other Large Municipalities (Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, etc.) | 800 | 550 | 550 (first child), 430 (second), 320 (third+) | For more children, add €320/month per child starting from the third |
| Other Municipalities | 800 | 520 | 520 (first child), 410 (second), 310 (third+) | For more children, add €310/month per child starting from the third |
Acceptable Proof of Financial Resources
You must provide verifiable evidence, such as:
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Scholarship award letters including amount and duration
- Employment contracts or pay slips
- Affidavits or sponsorship letters with supporting bank statements if someone else provides financial support
Key Points
- Regional differences in living costs affect the required income.
- Exceptions may be granted in special circumstances, particularly in the best interest of a child.
- Always provide full documentation and explanations if seeking an exception.
- Check Migri’s official website for the latest figure
Application Process
The application for a spouse visa in Finland involves several steps:
- Online Application: Begin by submitting an application through the Finnish Immigration Service’s online portal, Enter Finland. This platform allows you to fill out the application form and upload necessary documents.
- Documentation: Prepare and submit all required documents, including:
- Valid passports for both you and your spouse
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Proof of accommodation in Finland
- Biometric Data: After submitting the online application, your spouse will need to visit a Finnish embassy or consulate to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Processing Time: The processing time for a spouse visa in Finland can vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to account for any delays.
- Decision: Once the application is processed, a decision will be made. If approved, your spouse will receive a residence permit card, allowing them to live in Finland.
Rights and Responsibilities
With a spouse visa in Finland, your partner can reside with you during your studies, work according to permit conditions, access public healthcare, and, depending on circumstances, qualify for certain social security benefits.
| Right | Details |
| Residence | Live with the student for the entire study period |
| Work | Spouses of students are generally allowed to work full-time. The exact work rights depend on the type of residence permit issued and may have restrictions. |
| Healthcare | Spouses are generally eligible for Finland’s public healthcare system once registered with Kela, Finland’s social insurance institution. |
| Social Security | Eligibility for other social security benefits depends on the duration of stay and employment status. |
Common Challenges and Solutions
While the process is straightforward, applicants often encounter certain challenges:
- Documentation Issues: Ensure all documents are translated into English, Finnish, or Swedish, and are legalized if necessary.
- Financial Proof: If you face difficulties in demonstrating sufficient funds, consider seeking financial support through scholarships or part-time employment.
- Processing Delays: Apply well in advance to accommodate any unforeseen delays in processing times.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your spouse to Finland during your studies is not only possible but also a wonderful opportunity to share your international experience with a loved one. By understanding the requirements and following the application process diligently, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your spouse.
Embrace this opportunity to build a future together in one of the world’s most innovative and welcoming countries. And if you ever need help in the application process, just ask our AI-Assistant for personalized guidance.
FAQs
- Can I apply for a spouse visa while in Finland?
Yes, you can apply for a residence permit for your spouse while you are in Finland. However, your spouse must submit their application from outside Finland. - Is there an age limit for applying for a spouse visa?
Yes, both you and your spouse must generally be at least 21 years old when the residence permit becomes valid. - Can my spouse work in Finland on a student visa?
In most cases, spouses of students can work in Finland. However, the exact work rights depend on the type of residence permit issued and may have restrictions. - How long does it take to process a spouse visa application?
The processing time can vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to account for any delays. - What documents are required for the spouse visa application?
Required documents include valid passports, marriage certificate, proof of sufficient financial resources, and proof of accommodation in Finland.
