The four-party alliance government led by Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) decided to tighten conditions for family reunification of the immigrants.
The government in its session on Thursday proposed that the President will approve the relevant amendments to the Aliens Act on Friday in this regard, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.
The amendments will enter into force on 16 June.
As per the new amendments, if a residence permit is granted to a spouse on the basis of family ties, both spouses will need to be of a minimum age of 21 years. However, the minimum age requirement will not apply to a Finnish citizen whose spouse applies for a residence permit.
When a family member of a minor who has been granted international protection applies for family reunification, the family member will, with certain exceptions, be required to have sufficient financial resources.
Beneficiaries of international protection will, as a rule, have to stay in Finland for two years before their family members can apply for family reunification. This condition will be introduced with certain exceptions.
The government said that the amendments aim to promote integration and encourage immigrants to take more responsibility for their integration and it will put an end to practices that are harmful to society and individuals, such as the use of children as a means of entry to the country, forced marriages and marriages of convenience. The amendments will therefore improve Finland's internal security.
A foreign spouse of a Finnish citizen, a family member of a foreign national working or studying in Finland, or a family member of a person who has been granted international protection in Finland may apply for family reunification.
Earlier, the legal amendments were passed in the parliament following a proposal submitted by the government on March 6, 2025.
In June 5, 2025, the government has taken an initiative to stiffen criteria for getting permanent residence permit in Finland.
On June 16, 2023, leaders of the ruling parties announced the programme, which included tougher immigration, residence and citizenship laws.
The government tightened the immigration policy despite strong protest by different groups.
Separate demonstrations were held in Helsinki on June 27, 2023 and June 18,2023 protesting against the immigration policy taken by the government.
Several hundreds of people went on demonstrations in Helsinki in August, 2023 protesting against the move.
- Finland
- Tightens
- Family reunification
- Law
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
