Finland
Updated income requirements for residence permits
The Finnish Immigration Service has announced that new income thresholds for residence permit applicants will affect applications that are submitted on or after 1 November 2024.
The new income thresholds concern the following residence permits:
- Residence permits for family members
- Residence permit on the basis of established relationship
- Residence permit for a person who has completed a degree or qualification or conducted research in Finland (for working or to start a business)
- Residence permit for startup entrepreneurs
- Residence permit for researchers with own funding
Background
Usually, the authorities can grant a residence permit only if the applicant has enough money (‘sufficient financial resources’) for living in Finland. Applicants are considered to have sufficient financial resources if their net earnings meet the required level, which is the income threshold in euros determined by the Finnish Immigration Service.
The most recent adjustments to the income thresholds were made in 2013, and the old thresholds did not correspond to the current costs of living. The old income thresholds were lower than the average income of beneficiaries of social assistance.
The amount of money that is required depends on where the applicant lives, since there is regional variation in housing costs. The income thresholds are now divided into three groups:
- Helsinki metropolitan area: Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen, Vantaa
- Other large municipalities: Hyvinkää, Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Järvenpää, Kajaani, Kerava, Kirkkonummi, Kouvola, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Lohja, Mikkeli, Nokia, Nurmijärvi, Oulu, Pori, Porvoo, Raisio, Riihimäki, Rovaniemi, Seinäjoki, Sipoo, Siuntio, Tampere, Turku, Tuusula, Vaasa, Vihti
- Other municipalities
The new income thresholds as of 1 November 2024 are as follows:
1. Helsinki metropolitan area:
| Person | €/month (net) | €/year (net) |
| 1 adult | 1,210 | 14,520 |
| 2nd adult living in the same household | 610 | 7,320 |
| 1st child | 610 | 7,320 |
| 2nd child | 480 | 5,760 |
| 3rd child | 360 | 4,320 |
| 4th child | 360 | 4,320 |
| 5th child | 360 | 4,320 |
The income threshold for a family increases by 360 euros per each child starting from the third child.
2. Other large municipalities:
| Person | €/month (net) | €/year (net) |
| 1 adult | 1,090 | 13,080 |
| 2nd adult living in the same household | 550 | 6,600 |
| 1st child | 550 | 6,600 |
| 2nd child | 430 | 5,760 |
| 3rd child | 320 | 3,840 |
| 4th child | 320 | 3,840 |
| 5th child | 320 | 3,840 |
The income threshold for a family increases by 320 euros per each child starting from the third child.
3. Other municipalities:
| Person | €/month (net) | €/year (net) |
| 1 adult | 1,030 | 12,360 |
| 2nd adult living in the same household | 520 | 6,240 |
| 1st child | 520 | 6,240 |
| 2nd child | 410 | 4,920 |
| 3rd child | 310 | 3,720 |
| 4th child | 310 | 3,720 |
| 5th child | 310 | 3,720 |
The income threshold for a family increases by 310 euros per each child starting from the third child.
Examples of income thresholds for families
- For a family consisting of 1 adult and 1 child who live in Helsinki (group 1), the income threshold is EUR 1,210 + EUR 610 = EUR 1,820 per month.
- For a family consisting of 2 adults and 2 children who live in Tampere (group 2), the income threshold is EUR 1,090 + EUR 550 + EUR 550 + EUR 430 = EUR 2,620 per month.
- For a family consisting of 2 adults and 4 children who live in a municipality that belongs to group 3, the income threshold is EUR 1,030 + EUR 520 + EUR 520 + EUR 410 + EUR 310 + EUR 310 = EUR 3,100 per month.
Income thresholds for permits for studies, au pairing and working holiday as of 1 November 2024
- For the residence permit for studies, the income threshold is 800 euros per month. This also applies to the residence permit issued to students who have graduated or to researchers for the purpose of looking for work or starting a business. Family members of students must meet the income thresholds listed in the tables.
- The required income for a residence permit for au pairs (the amount of pocket money) is 340 euros per month.
- The income threshold for a residence permit for working holiday is usually 2,450 euros for the first 3 months.
France
Minimum wage increased
A 2% increase in the minimum wage took effect on 1 November 2024.
The gross annual minimum wage is now EUR 21,621.60.
As a result, the following thresholds for various immigration statuses are also modified:
- Talent Passport – Employee on assignment: EUR 38,918.88
- Talent Passport – Qualified employee/Employee of a JEI/Employee of an innovative company: EUR 43,243.20
- Talent Passport – Company director: EUR 64,864.80
- Talent Passport – New business: EUR 21,621.60 (sufficient financial means).
The minimum salary for an EU Blue Card remains unchanged at EUR 53,836.50.
Slovenia
Slovenian language requirement changes take effect
According to the Act amending the Foreigners Act, an adult family member (aged between 18 and 60), is required to have at least a survival level of Slovenian language proficiency in order to extend his or her temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. This new requirement took effect on 1 November 2024.
The survival level refers to the ability to communicate in basic Slovenian in everyday life and familiar situations by using basic vocabulary and simple phrases.
The Act entered into force on 16 November 2023, but the Slovenian language requirement has been introduced gradually according to the following timeline:
- Until 30 April 2024, the Slovenian language requirement did not need to be fulfilled.
- 1 May 2024 – 31 October 2024. To renew their temporary residence permits for the purpose of family reunification, applicants had to present a certificate of enrolment in a Slovenian language education programme for adults or a certificate of a successfully completed Slovenian language examination at entry level or higher.
- From 1 November 2024, the survival level of Slovenian is required. Applicants have to present a certificate of a successfully completed Slovenian language examination at survival level.
Adult family members of non-EU nationals who were issued a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification are eligible to attend a free 180-hour Slovenian language course at survival level. They may also be eligible for an additional 60 hours of free language teaching.
