Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner)
Spouses, registered partners and cohabiting partners of a person living in Finland.
The Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) is a Finnish family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€470 online (~€550 on paper)) and processing time (Varies (backlog); statutory maximum 9 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) is for
Spouses, registered partners and cohabiting partners of a person living in Finland.
Continuous family-based residence counts towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) - eligibility criteria
- Genuine marriage, registered or cohabiting partnership
- Sponsor living in Finland on a valid basis
- Income requirement met (unless an exemption applies)
- Established or genuine intention to live together
Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) (Finland) is ~€470 online (~€550 on paper), with an indicative processing time of Varies (backlog); statutory maximum 9 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside Finland (online via Enter Finland) |
| Length of stay | Matched to the sponsor, usually 1-4 years |
| Work rights | Unrestricted right to work |
| Study rights | Studying allowed |
| Government fee | ~€470 online (~€550 on paper) |
| Processing time | Varies (backlog); statutory maximum 9 months |
| Route to PR | Continuous family-based residence counts towards a permanent permit after 4 years. |
Pathway & next steps
Continuous family-based residence counts towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Many applicants also compare Family - Child · Residence permit on the basis of family ties (child), Family - Other · Residence permit on the basis of family ties (other relative), EU Family Card · Residence card for a family member of an EU citizen. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Finnish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) pitfalls we fix
Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) cost?
The Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) government fee is ~€470 online (~€550 on paper). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) take to process?
Indicative processing time is Varies (backlog); statutory maximum 9 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner) lead to permanent residence?
Continuous family-based residence counts towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Can I work on the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner)?
Work rights: Unrestricted right to work.
Who can apply for the Residence permit on the basis of family ties (spouse or partner)?
Spouses, registered partners and cohabiting partners of a person living in Finland.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Finland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) - official Finland immigration authority