Steps for a Family Reunification Visa in Finland

Steps for a Family Reunification Visa in Finland

Family reunification visas allow non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to join their close family members residing in Finland. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the process of obtaining a family reunification visa in Finland.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a family reunification visa, the applicant must:

• Be a spouse, registered partner, child, or parent of a Finnish citizen or a person residing permanently in Finland
• Have a valid passport and sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family members
• Not have any criminal record or pose a threat to Finnish society

Required Documents:

• Application form
• Passport and passport-size photo
• Proof of relationship to the family member in Finland (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Proof of the family member's residence in Finland (e.g., residence permit)
• Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements, employment contract)
• Medical certificate (if required)

Application Process:

1. Gather Required Documents:

Collect all necessary documents as listed above.

2. Submit Application:

Submit the application and supporting documents to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) either in person or by mail. Applications can also be submitted through the Enter Finland online service.

3. Application Fee:

Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's age.

4. Processing Time:

Migri typically processes family reunification visa applications within 4-6 months.

5. Decision:

Migri will make a decision on the application based on the eligibility criteria and the submitted documents. The applicant will be notified of the decision in writing.

6. Visa Grant:

If the visa is granted, the applicant will receive a visa sticker to be affixed to their passport. The visa will allow the applicant to enter Finland and apply for a residence permit.

Applying for a Residence Permit:

Once in Finland, the applicant must apply for a residence permit at the local police station within 30 days of arrival. The residence permit will be granted for the duration of the family member's residence in Finland.

Additional Considerations:

• Language Requirements: Applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.
• Medical Examination: Migri may require applicants to undergo a medical examination if they have a health condition that could affect their stay in Finland.
• Integration Plan: Applicants may be required to submit an integration plan outlining their plans for learning Finnish or Swedish and integrating into Finnish society.
• Renewal: Residence permits issued for family reunification purposes can be renewed as long as the family relationship remains valid.

Contact Information:

Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)

• Website: https://migri.fi/en/
• Email: kirjaamo@migri.fi

Embassy or Consulate of Finland:

• https://um.fi/en/embassies-and-consulates

Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and is not intended to be legal advice. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for specific advice on your individual situation.