For thousands of foreign residents in Finland, bringing a spouse or children to join them could become more difficult under new government plans to tighten family reunification rules.
The Finnish Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on 5 November 2026 that would increase the income requirements for certain family residence permits, potentially placing additional financial pressure on families hoping to live together.
The exact new amounts have not been announced, and the changes are not yet law.
What’s Changing?
Under Finland’s current immigration rules, many foreign residents must prove they have enough income to support their family before a residence permit can be granted.
The government now wants to set these income thresholds through a government decree and review them annually, taking housing costs and basic living expenses into account.
The Ministry of the Interior says the changes are expected to increase the minimum income required for family reunification.
How Much Do Families Need to Earn?
The amount depends on household size and location.
Under the current general income thresholds published by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), a family living in Helsinki needs the following monthly net income:
| Household | Monthly net income |
|---|---|
| One adult | €1,210 |
| Two adults | €1,820 |
| Two adults and one child | €2,430 |
| Two adults and two children | €2,910 |
These are existing thresholds, not the proposed new figures.
For example, a foreign worker living in Helsinki who wants their spouse to join them generally needs to demonstrate €1,820 in qualifying combined monthly net income, unless an exemption applies.
Net income means earnings after taxes and applicable deductions. The family’s qualifying income can be considered together.
Who Could Be Affected?
The proposal could affect foreign nationals living in Finland who want to bring their spouses or children to the country.
It may also be relevant to families preparing future residence permit applications or renewals, depending on the final rules.
However, not everyone must meet the same income requirements.
Family members of Finnish citizens are generally exempt from the financial resources requirement, according to Migri’s current guidance.
Other exceptions may apply, including cases involving the best interests of a child or exceptionally weighty reasons.
What If You’re Unemployed or Receiving Kela Benefits?
Being unemployed does not automatically prevent someone from applying, but applicants who are subject to the income requirement must demonstrate sufficient qualifying resources or obtain an exemption.
Migri does not accept social assistance and certain unemployment benefits as the basis for meeting the requirement.
Some other benefits, including child benefit and certain housing-related support, may be taken into account depending on the application.
Families should check their individual circumstances with Migri before applying.
What Happens to Existing Residence Permits?
The proposal does not immediately change or cancel existing residence permits.
People with pending applications should continue following Migri’s instructions.
It remains unclear how the proposed increases would apply to applications already submitted or future renewals. Those details will depend on the final legislation.
How Can Families Apply?
People applying for a residence permit based on family ties can use Finland’s official immigration application service.
The process generally involves:
- Choosing the correct family residence permit category.
- Preparing passports and documents proving the family relationship.
- Providing income evidence when required.
- Submitting the application through Enter Finland.
- Paying the application fee and completing identity verification.
- Waiting for a decision from Migri.
The documents and requirements depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
When Will the New Rules Take Effect?
There is no confirmed implementation date.
The proposal must first be considered by Parliament, and the government has not yet published the final increased income amounts.
Until the changes become law, families should follow Migri’s current requirements.
For those planning to bring loved ones to Finland, the message is clear: check the rules, prepare your documents and follow official updates rather than relying on rumours about future income limits.
Official sources:
Finnish Government — Proposed Family Income Changes
Finnish Immigration Service — Income Requirements
Information checked 8 November 2026. The proposed changes are not yet in force.
Author: Admin
Admin