Finland, known for its high quality of life, scenic landscapes, and progressive society, is an attractive destination for immigrants from all over the world.
For individuals looking to reunite with their spouses, the Finland Spouse Visa offers a pathway to live together in this beautiful Nordic country.
This visa is specifically designed for non-Finnish citizens who are married to Finnish nationals or residents, allowing them to join their spouse and live in Finland.
In this guide, we will provide detailed information on how to apply for a Finland Spouse Visa, the visa sponsorship process, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step process to reunite with your partner in Finland.
What is the Finland Spouse Visa?
The Finland Spouse Visa is a type of residence permit that allows the spouse of a Finnish citizen or resident to move to Finland and live together. This visa enables the non-Finnish spouse to reside legally in Finland, and it can also be used to apply for family reunification. It is part of Finland’s immigration policies aimed at family reunification, which prioritize the unity of families by enabling spouses to live together in the same country.
The spouse visa is granted on the basis of the applicant’s marriage to a Finnish national or a foreigner residing in Finland. The visa allows the foreign spouse to live, work, and, in some cases, study in Finland. Importantly, the Finnish government recognizes marriage and other legal partnerships as valid reasons for immigration, ensuring that families can remain together despite geographical distances.
Types of Spouse Visas for Finland
In Finland, there is no specific visa termed “Spouse Visa.” Instead, applicants apply for a Residence Permit for a Spouse, which is issued based on their relationship with a Finnish citizen or resident. This permit can be categorized into different types depending on the applicant’s situation and their intentions during their stay in Finland.
1. Residence Permit for a Spouse of a Finnish Citizen
The Residence Permit for a Spouse of a Finnish Citizen is available for individuals married to a Finnish citizen. This visa allows the foreign spouse to join their Finnish partner in Finland and establish permanent residency.
Requirements:
- Proof of marriage (a valid marriage certificate).
- Evidence that the marriage is genuine and not just for immigration purposes (e.g., joint bank accounts, cohabitation proof, etc.).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to support both the Finnish citizen and their spouse.
- Health insurance coverage.
2. Residence Permit for a Spouse of a Foreign Resident in Finland
For spouses of foreign nationals who are residents of Finland (those with a work or student visa), the Residence Permit for a Spouse of a Foreign Resident is applicable. This permit allows the foreign spouse to join their partner in Finland and live together while the partner remains a legal resident in the country.
Requirements:
- Valid proof of marriage to the foreign resident.
- Evidence of legal residency of the foreign spouse in Finland.
- Proof of sufficient financial support for the spouse’s stay in Finland.
- Documentation of the relationship and evidence of cohabitation or shared life.
3. Permanent Residence Permit for Spouse
After residing in Finland for a certain period with a temporary residence permit, the foreign spouse may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. This is available after living in Finland for two years on a temporary basis or more, allowing the spouse to settle permanently in Finland.
Requirements:
- Proof of at least two years of residence in Finland on a temporary basis.
- Continued proof of a genuine relationship with the Finnish citizen or resident.
- Financial self-sufficiency and stable living arrangements.
4. Residence Permit for a Same-Sex Spouse
Finland recognizes same-sex marriages, and foreign nationals in same-sex marriages are eligible to apply for the same residence permits as heterosexual couples. The Residence Permit for a Same-Sex Spouse follows the same application process as that for a heterosexual couple.
Visa Sponsorship in Finland
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship in Finland refers to the process in which a Finnish national or resident supports the visa application of a foreign spouse. This sponsorship can come in the form of a written guarantee that the Finnish citizen or resident will financially support the foreign spouse while they live in Finland. The sponsor plays an essential role in ensuring that the foreign spouse will not become a financial burden on the Finnish social welfare system.
Visa sponsorship is crucial for those applying for the Residence Permit for a Spouse, as it provides assurance to the Finnish authorities that the foreign spouse will have the financial means to live and support themselves in the country. Sponsorship is required to demonstrate the stability of the relationship and ensure that the couple can maintain a good standard of living.
Why is Visa Sponsorship Important?
Visa sponsorship in Finland is important for several reasons:
- Assurance of Financial Support: The Finnish immigration authorities require proof that the foreign spouse will not need public assistance. A sponsor is responsible for providing evidence of sufficient financial resources to support both individuals.
- Genuine Relationship: Sponsorship helps to demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage or partnership, as the sponsor must submit documents that prove the validity of the relationship and intention to live together in Finland.
- Immigration Process Streamlining: With a sponsor’s support, the immigration process is often smoother. The Finnish authorities trust that the sponsor will assist with the foreign spouse’s settlement in Finland.
- Work and Residency Rights: When sponsored by a Finnish citizen or resident, the foreign spouse typically has the right to live, work, and sometimes even study in Finland, contributing to the integration of the couple into Finnish society.
How to Find a Visa Sponsor in Finland?
The visa sponsor in Finland is typically the Finnish spouse or the foreign resident living in Finland. Here are some common ways to find sponsorship:
1. Spouse as the Primary Sponsor
The most straightforward sponsorship arrangement is when the Finnish national or resident is the sponsor. In this case, the Finnish partner will submit the application on behalf of the foreign spouse, providing necessary financial guarantees and documentation.
2. Government Sponsorship (Indirect)
In some cases, the government may indirectly support the visa application if the Finnish citizen or resident can demonstrate that they can meet the financial requirements to support the foreign spouse. This includes submitting evidence of income, employment, and housing conditions.
3. Third-Party Sponsors
In rare instances, a third-party sponsor, such as a relative or family friend, may assist with the visa application. However, this is not a common route for spouse visas and requires additional documentation and proof of relationship between the sponsor and the applicant.
Steps to Apply for a Finland Spouse Visa with Sponsorship
The process of applying for a Finland Spouse Visa with sponsorship involves several steps. Understanding these steps ensures that you will be fully prepared to submit a strong application and minimize delays. Below is an outline of the general process:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying for the residence permit, ensure that both the applicant and the sponsor meet all the eligibility criteria. This includes proving the legality and authenticity of the marriage, financial support, and living arrangements.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documentation
Collect all necessary documents to support the visa application. The documents typically required include:
- Valid marriage certificate or partnership agreement.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources, such as salary slips, bank statements, and tax returns.
- Health insurance for the spouse.
- Evidence of the sponsor’s financial stability (employment contracts, income statements).
- Proof of accommodation in Finland.
- Photos and communication history that demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship (in cases of marriage arranged abroad).
Step 3: Submit the Application
Once all documents are gathered, submit the visa application to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Applications can typically be submitted online or at a Finnish embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. If submitting online, the documents will need to be uploaded, and in some cases, biometrics or fingerprints may be required.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Applicants are required to pay an application fee for processing their spouse visa application. The fee varies depending on the type of permit being applied for, and it must be paid during the application submission process.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
After submitting the application, the Finnish Immigration Service will process the application, which may take several months. The authorities will evaluate all the submitted documents, including the sponsor’s financial status, the authenticity of the marriage, and the living situation in Finland.
Step 6: Attend an Interview (If Required)
In some cases, an interview may be required to assess the relationship further. The Finnish authorities may call the foreign spouse or sponsor to attend an interview, either in person or via video call, to answer questions about the relationship and verify the provided information.
Step 7: Receive the Residence Permit
Once the application is approved, the foreign spouse will be granted a residence permit to live with their partner in Finland. If the applicant is already in Finland on another visa, the residence permit can be adjusted accordingly.
Step 8: Finalize the Process
Upon arrival in Finland, the foreign spouse must register with the local authorities, obtain a Finnish personal identity code, and finalize their residence permit details.
The spouse will also have the right to work, study, and access other public services while residing in Finland.
Key Considerations for Immigrants Applying for a Finland Spouse Visa
While the process of applying for a Finland Spouse Visa is relatively straightforward, there are several important factors to consider:
- Proof of Genuine Relationship: Finland requires applicants to provide solid proof that their marriage or partnership is genuine and not merely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit. It’s important to provide as much evidence
