The Ministry of the Interior announced on Thursday that Finland will implement tighter regulations on family reunification with the new rules set to take effect on 16 June.
Family reunification involves granting residence permits to foreign nationals based on their family relationships.
Published: 12/06/25 | 16:57
The Finnish government has submitted the proposal for approval by President Alexander Stubb. According to a press release from the ministry the upcoming changes are rooted in the EU Family Reunification Directive.
“Finland will now apply more broadly the optional stricter measures allowed under the directive,” the statement said.
One major change is that both spouses must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for a residence permit based on marriage. However, this age requirement does not apply to Finnish citizens.
The ministry also stated that when a family member of a minor who has received international protection applies for reunification they will generally need to show adequate financial resources, although exceptions may apply.
Furthermore, individuals granted international protection will typically need to have resided in Finland for at least two years before their family members can apply to join them.
According to the ministry the revised laws aim to support better integration and encourage newcomers to take more personal responsibility for integrating into Finnish society. They are also implemented to prevent harmful practices like using children to gain entry to the country, forced marriages and fraudulent unions.
The Ministry of the Interior noted that these reforms will help strengthen domestic security and align Finland’s family reunification policies with those of other EU nations.
