Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Salo

About Dependent Visa Law in Salo, Finland

In Finland the term "dependent visa" is commonly used by applicants to refer to a residence permit based on family ties - for example for spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners and minor children of a person already living in Finland. Applications for family-based residence permits are handled by the Finnish Immigration Service - Migri. Practical matters such as collecting biometric data and receiving a residence permit card are often dealt with at local police services; in Salo those services are provided through the regional police station and local register offices.

Rules differ depending on whether the sponsor is an EU/EEA citizen, a Finnish citizen, or a third-country national holding a Finnish residence permit. The main elements that authorities assess are the family relationship, the applicant's identity, accommodation in Finland, and the sponsor's ability to provide for the family or otherwise meet financial and insurance requirements. Processing times, required documents and work rights for the dependent person vary with the situation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Although many family-based residence permit applications are straightforward, legal help can be essential in a number of common situations:

- Complex family situations: cases involving non-standard family relationships, contested parentage, previous marriages, separation or contested custody can require legal expertise to present evidence and explain legal status.

- Rejected applications: if Migri refuses a residence permit, an appeal to the Administrative Court is usually required. A lawyer experienced in immigration appeals improves the chances of success and ensures procedural deadlines and requirements are met.

- Evidence and document preparation: lawyers can help assemble and, when needed, organise certified translations, notarised documents or proofs of shared life - for example evidence of cohabitation, joint finances, photographs, correspondence and affidavits.

- Work and study permits for dependents: where rights to work or study are uncertain, a legal adviser can clarify entitlements and advise whether a separate permit is required.

- Humanitarian or discretionary cases: where there are health issues, domestic violence, or other humanitarian reasons that affect a residency claim, specialised legal assistance is often necessary to present the best possible case.

- Representation with authorities: lawyers can correspond with Migri, the police and courts on your behalf and represent you at hearings if needed.

Local Laws Overview

Key points of Finnish and local practice relevant to family-based residence permits in Salo include:

- Legal basis and authority - Migri is the central authority for residence permits and residence permit decisions. Local police stations handle identity checks, biometric data collection and issuing of residence permit cards.

- Who qualifies - immediate family members such as spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners and minor children are typically eligible. Extended family members may qualify only in restricted circumstances. For EU/EEA sponsors different rules apply under EU free movement law.

- Proof of relationship - marriage certificates, partnership certificates, birth certificates and evidence of a genuine partnership or marriage are required. For cohabiting partners applicants should provide evidence of a stable shared household over time.

- Means of support and housing - applicants must normally demonstrate that the sponsor has adequate means to support the family and suitable accommodation is available. The precise interpretation of "adequate" can vary with the sponsor's status.

- Right to work - family members of persons with a Finnish residence permit often receive a permit that allows work, but the specific right must be checked on the permit label or decision. Spouses of EU citizens exercising treaty rights generally have a right to reside and work under EU rules.

- Documents and translations - authorities will require original or officially certified documents. Documents not in Finnish, Swedish or English usually need a certified translation.

- Biometric data and residence permit card - applicants usually must give fingerprints and a photograph at a police service point. The residence permit card serves as the official document of stay in Finland.

- Appeals and deadlines - refusals by Migri can normally be appealed to the Administrative Court within the statutory appeal period stated in the decision. Missing an appeal deadline can make it difficult to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dependent visa and a residence permit based on family ties?

"Dependent visa" is an informal expression. The correct legal term in Finland is a residence permit based on family ties or family reasons. The process, requirements and rights are determined by Finnish immigration law and Migri's guidelines.

Who qualifies as a family member for a residence permit application?

Immediate family members typically include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners in recognised relationships and minor children. Rules for extended family members are stricter and granted only in limited circumstances. Eligibility depends on the sponsor's status and the specific family relationship.

What documents do I need to apply from abroad?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate), proof of sponsor's residence and legal status in Finland, proof of income and housing, passport photographs and any required translations. Requirements vary by case so consult Migri's checklist for your specific application type.

Do I need certified translations for documents in another language?

Yes. Documents not in Finnish, Swedish or English usually need certified translations. Some authorities accept English translations from the issuing country but you should check the specific requirements before submission.

How long does it take to process a family-based residence permit?

Processing times vary widely with the type of application, whether biometric data is required and current workloads. Simple cases can take a few months, while more complex cases or requests requiring additional evidence can take longer. Expect several months as a general guideline.

Can a dependent work in Finland?

Work rights depend on the type of residence permit issued. Many family permits include the right to work, but applicants should check the permit decision or card for any restrictions. Spouses of EU/EEA nationals exercising treaty rights generally have a right to work.

What happens if Migri refuses the application?

If the application is refused you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons and the appeal period. You can usually appeal the decision to the Administrative Court within the time stated in the decision. Legal representation is recommended for appeals.

Do I have to attend an appointment in Salo?

Most applicants must attend a biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and a photo. These appointments are arranged at the regional police service point - you may be asked to visit the nearest passport or police office. If you apply from abroad you may attend a Finnish diplomatic mission or another designated location for biometrics.

What proof is sufficient to show a genuine partnership or cohabitation?

Useful evidence includes joint rental agreements or mortgage documents, shared utility bills, joint bank accounts, evidence of children in common, photographs, correspondence showing shared life and statements from third parties. The stronger and more consistent the evidence the better.

Can a minor child join a parent who has a residence permit in Finland?

Yes. Minor dependent children of a parent residing in Finland are commonly eligible for a family-based residence permit. Documentation of parentage and custody arrangements may be required. If parents are separated, authorities will want clear proof of custody rights.

Additional Resources

For accurate and official information consult the following Finnish bodies and organisations - contact them directly for guidance specific to your case:

- Finnish Immigration Service - Migri

- Regional police and passport services (for biometric appointments and residence permit cards)

- Digital and Population Data Services Agency - for population registration and identity matters

- Social Insurance Institution of Finland - Kela - for social security and benefits information

- TE Services - for employment and integration information

- Local municipality of Salo - for local housing and social services

- Office for Legal Aid - Oikeusaputoimisto - for information about eligibility for state-funded legal aid

- Bar Association of Finland - to find a licensed lawyer specialising in immigration law

- Local non-profit organisations or community migrant advice centres - for practical support and guidance

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a dependent visa case in Salo follow these practical steps:

- Gather key documents - passports, relationship documents, proof of residence and income, birth certificates and any existing Migri correspondence.

- Check Migri's checklist for the precise application type and prepare certified translations if needed.

- Book any required biometric or police appointments as early as possible.

- If your situation involves complex facts - for example previous refusals, contested parentage, criminal convictions, domestic violence or tight deadlines - consult an immigration lawyer promptly. Use the Bar Association directory to find a licensed specialist or contact the Office for Legal Aid to check eligibility for subsidised assistance.

- If you receive a refusal, act quickly - read the decision carefully to note appeal deadlines and available remedies, and seek legal advice before submitting an appeal.

- Keep copies of all documents and correspondence, and make a simple timeline of key events - dates of marriage, children, arrivals and applications. Clear documentation helps both lawyers and authorities evaluate the case.

Legal advice can reduce uncertainty and risk. If you are unsure what to do next contact an immigration specialist in Salo or a national legal aid service to review your options and help you prepare a complete and well-documented application.