Background:

As part of amending the conditions for family reunification, the Finnish government is examining the possibility of introducing a pre-entry language test. In the test, the spouse of a sponsor who has been granted international protection, seeking to enter the country on the basis of family ties, would have to demonstrate a certain level of language proficiency in the country of origin. The Finnish Immigration Service has been given the assignment to collect information on pre-entry language tests in the context of family reunification. In this context, the Finnish National Contact Point to the European Migration Network launched this ad-hoc query in order to know whether other EMN Member and Observer Countries have language requirements for family reunification and how these are being applied in practice.

Respondents:

23 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:

• Out of the 23 responding countries, only 1 (DE) has language proficiency requirements for applicants for family reunification in cases where the sponsor has been granted international protection. Spouses of beneficiaries of international protection in DE must demonstrate proficiency in German at A1 level (CEFR) in order to benefit from family reunification unless the marriage took place before the sponsor established their residence in DE. In BE, no language requirements are imposed prior to entry for family members of beneficiaries of international protection.
   
• At least four other countries have similar pre-entry language requirements for other categories of residence permits, such as for long-term residence (e.g. AT) or for work (CY and SE). Some countries, such as FR and IT, report having pre-entry language requirements for international students, however these are imposed by the higher education institutions themselves in the admission processes rather than by immigration authorities.
   
• Where language proficiency is required, it is usually demonstrated by submitting language diplomas from a recognised institution (e.g. AT, CY, DE, SE). Only a few countries report imposing a standardised language test, such as through the Goethe-Institut for the German language. In these cases, language training, such as online courses and learning material, is also provided and made available to prospective applicants.

For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.