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Family Reunification - Cohabiting Partner (Oleskelulupa - avopuoliso)
FinlandFinland•Europe
Open

Family Reunification - Cohabiting Partner (Oleskelulupa - avopuoliso)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–9 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €750–€800

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Varies (Extensible if relationship continues and requirements met)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Residence permit for unmarried cohabiting partners of Finnish citizens or residents; requires two years of shared living and grants unrestricted work rights.

The residence permit for a cohabiting partner in Finland is a family reunification visa for unmarried couples in long-term committed relationships. Both partners must be at least 21 years old, have lived together for at least two years (or have a child together), with the sponsor being a Finnish citizen or resident, and both must intend to reside together in Finland.

The permit is renewable with a pathway to permanent residence. Processing takes up to nine months; fees are EUR 750 online or EUR 800 paper. Once granted, the holder gains unrestricted right to work and study in Finland, though work is not permitted before permit issuance. Dependents may reside; spouses may work independently.

This visa is ideal for international couples seeking to establish a long-term life together in Finland without marriage, provided they have cohabited at least two years.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (online)EUR €750
Application fee (paper)EUR €800
TotalEUR €750–€800

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

P-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit (Pysyvä oleskelulupa)
Finland flagFinland

P-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit (Pysyvä oleskelulupa)

Validity5 years
Processing5 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

The sponsor must be a Finnish citizen or hold a valid Finnish residence permit.

The partners must have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years, or have a child together.

Both partners must be at least 21 years old when the residence permit becomes valid (exceptions apply if there is a child in joint custody).

Neither partner can be married to a third party.

The couple must intend to live together in Finland.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

14,520 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Cohabitation proof

Joint statement

Passport photos

Residence permit (sponsor)

Residence proof (sponsor)

Financial proof (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Renewable permit with clear pathway to permanent residency
  • Unrestricted right to work in Finland once residence permit is granted
  • No employment sponsorship or job offer requirement
  • Right to study and access public services without restrictions
  • Can work in any sector and change employers freely
  • No language requirement for initial application

Worth Knowing

  • Requires proven 2-year cohabitation or child together before applying
  • Processing time up to 9 months; current backlogs mean longer waits
  • Application fees EUR 750 (online) or EUR 800 (paper)
  • Work authorization only begins after permit approval
  • Both partners must be at least 21 years old; no exceptions without joint child
  • Cannot be married to anyone else; exclusive relationship legally required

Application Process

1

Prove cohabitation

2-year living together requirement

2

Gather evidence

Rental agreement, cohabitation certificate, joint bills

3

Verify sponsor

Sponsor must have 2+ year residence

4

Prepare documents

Cohabitation proof, passport, financial documentation

5

Apply abroad

Submit at Finnish embassy or consulate

6

Pay fee

EUR 240 application fee

7

Await decision

3-4 months

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Residence Permit Application for Cohabiting Partner—

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