Moving to Finland to be with a family member
If you want to move to Finland to live with a member of your family who is already residing in this country, you will require a residence permit. The permit can be granted on the basis of family ties. The family member residing in Finland with whom you intend to lead a family life is referred to as the sponsor.
The sphere of family members is laid down by law and does not necessarily correspond to general views on what constitutes a family member. The Finnish concept of family is narrower than that of many other countries.
The family members of Finnish citizens and of non-EU (third country) citizens and comparable persons are:
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spouse
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registered partner
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cohabiting partner
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guardian of a child under 18 years of age
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child
A broader definition is applicable for family members of EU citizens.
With regard to the definition of a family member, the family members of Finnish citizens have the same status as family members of citizens of third countries. The broader definition for EU citizens is not applicable in this case.