Yes. Eligible international students can apply for residence permits for their family members to join them in Finland. Family members can include a spouse or registered partner and children under 18, subject to the Finnish Immigration Service requirements.
Family members can submit their applications at the same time as the main student applicant, although Migri notes that family members may not always receive their decisions at the same time because student applications are prioritised so students can begin their studies on time.
How Much Maintenance Funds Are Required for Family Members?
The family must show that they have enough money to support themselves in Finland for the first year.
For a family living in the Helsinki metropolitan area, the current minimum amounts are:
| Family Member | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Main student | €800 | €9,600 |
| Spouse / second adult | €610 | €7,320 |
| First child under 18 | €610 | €7,320 |
| Second child under 18 | €480 | €5,760 |
| Third child under 18 | €360 | €4,320 |
| Each additional child | €360 | €4,320 |
For example, a student travelling with a spouse and two children would need to demonstrate approximately €2,500 per month, or €30,000 for one year, for family living costs in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Tuition fees are considered separately.
Outside the Helsinki metropolitan area, the required amount for family members can generally be 10–15% lower, depending on the municipality.
Can My Spouse Work Full-Time in Finland?
Yes. A family member who is granted a Finnish residence permit on the basis of family ties has an unrestricted right to work and study in Finland. This means the spouse is not subject to the student’s 30-hour-per-week work limit and can work full-time.
The main student, by comparison, can generally work in paid employment for an average of up to 30 hours per week while holding a residence permit for studies.
Residence Permit for Family Members
If the main applicant is completing a higher-education degree in Finland, eligible family members are generally issued a continuous A residence permit. The family member’s permit cannot normally extend beyond the validity of the student’s permit.
Important Points
Students planning to bring their family should make sure they have sufficient funds for the whole family, provide the required evidence of their family relationship, and submit complete residence-permit applications.
In summary, eligible students can bring their spouse and children to Finland, family members can apply together with the main applicant, sufficient maintenance funds must be demonstrated, and a spouse granted a residence permit on the basis of family ties can work full-time without the student’s 30-hour restriction.