Views requested on proposal to set income thresholds for family reunification by decree

The Ministry of the Interior is requesting views on a government proposal under which the euro amounts required to demonstrate sufficient financial resources for family members of persons residing in Finland on a residence permit would in future be laid down by government decree. The consultation round closes on 2 October 2026.

In line with the Government Programme, the Government will review the income thresholds applicable to family reunification, taking into account their impacts on the availability of labour and on general government finances. The income thresholds will not be lowered. In future, the income thresholds would be determined by government decree. When the decree is issued, the income thresholds in euros will be reviewed and are expected to be increased. At present, the Finnish Immigration Service determines the required amount in its guidelines.

Family reunification refers to a situation in which a family member living abroad applies for a residence permit on the basis of a family tie to a person who is lawfully residing in Finland. As a general rule, family reunification requires that the family members are able to support themselves.

More effective action against labour exploitation

In future, the Finnish Immigration Service, the Economic Development Centres and the Finnish Tax Administration could disclose information related to labour exploitation on their own initiative. The Finnish Immigration Service and the Economic Development Centres would disclose information to the occupational safety and health authorities and the police, and the Finnish Tax Administration would disclose information to the Finnish Immigration Service. 

The aim is to enable the authority receiving the information to intervene more effectively in cases of labour exploitation. 

Rules on payment cards issued by the Finnish Immigration Service to be laid down in law

In addition, the proposal would add provisions to the Reception Act concerning payment cards issued to persons accommodated in reception centres, such as asylum seekers.

The government proposal is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament during the 2026 autumn session.

Inquiries:
Tuuli Tuunanen, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 658, [email protected] (income thresholds for family reunification)
Pekka Lindroos, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 327, [email protected] (disclosure of information by the Finnish Immigration Service)
Mirka Eirola, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 383, [email protected] (payment card issued by the Finnish Immigration Service)