Finland tightens family reunification rules « Euro Weekly News

Finland is set to change its family reunification rules, and it could affect a lot of people.

The Finnish government has put forward a proposal to make it a bit tougher for family members to join their loved ones in the country. If all goes well, these changes will kick in on 15 May 2025.

Finland family reunification: Updated age & income requirements

Under the new rules, both spouses will need to be at least 21 years old to apply for a residence permit based on family ties. There’s an exception, though: if one spouse is a Finnish citizen, the age requirement doesn’t apply. In addition, if you’re a minor under international protection, your family will soon need to meet certain financial criteria again. This means that you’ll need to prove you have enough income to support your family before reunification is allowed. And for anyone with international protection status, the proposal suggests a waiting period of two years before family members can come over.

Why Finland is tightening its family reunification rules: The rationale explained

The aim here isn’t to make life harder for people—it’s more about ensuring that the process works smoothly for everyone. Finnish officials say these changes are designed to help genuine families settle in while discouraging cases of forced or sham marriages. They want to make sure that when families come together in Finland, they have a strong support system and the resources they need to integrate successfully. It’s about keeping things fair and making sure the system is sustainable in the long run.

Family impact: What Finland’s new reunification rules mean for families

For those of you who have been waiting to reunite with family members, these new rules might mean a bit more paperwork and a longer wait in some cases. However, the government believes that by setting clear requirements, it will be easier to support families once they’re here. The changes are also part of a broader effort to modernise Finland’s immigration policies and ensure that everyone who comes to the country can contribute positively to the community.

In a nutshell, while the new rules might seem a little stricter, the goal is to create a fairer and more sustainable system for family reunification. It’s a big change, but one that could ultimately help families settle in Finland more successfully. Stay tuned for more details as the proposal moves forward.

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