Which European Countries Allow Spouses with a Student Visa in 2026

For Bangladeshi students planning to study in Europe with their spouse in 2026, several countries offer dependent visa options, allowing spouses to accompany international students and, in many cases, work. This guide outlines the key European countries—focusing on Finland, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, France, Denmark, and Lithuania—that permit spouses to join students, along with eligibility criteria, work rights, and application details. Tailored for your blog at kfplanet.com, this post provides accurate and up-to-date information to help students make informed decisions.

What is a Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa is a type of residence permit that allows the husband, wife, or registered partner of an international student to live in the host country during the student’s study period. In many cases, it also grants work rights, enabling the spouse to seek employment or start a business. Below are the details for countries allowing spouse visas with student visas in 2026.

European Countries Allowing Spouses with Student Visas

1. Finland

• Eligibility: Spouses and children (under 18) can accompany students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs. Both student and spouse visas can be applied for simultaneously.

• Work Rights: Spouses receive full work rights without needing a separate work permit, allowing employment or self-employment.

• Requirements:

  • Valid passport (valid for 6+ months beyond stay).

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate).

  • Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €560/month per person).

  • Health insurance covering the entire stay (€30,000 minimum).

  • IELTS: 6.0 for Bachelor’s, 6.5 for Master’s.

• Processing: Applications are processed together by Finnish Immigration Services, taking 1-3 months.

• Note: Finland’s flexible immigration policies and high-quality education make it a top choice for 2026 intakes (January/February).

2. Sweden

• Eligibility: Spouses or registered partners can join students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs. Bachelor’s students are not eligible for spouse visas.

• Work Rights: Spouses have unrestricted work rights, allowing part-time or full-time employment without a separate permit, provided they maintain at least 40 hours/week on studies.

• Requirements:

  • Proof of cohabitation (if not married, at least 6 months).

  • Valid passport and marriage certificate.

  • Financial proof (approx. SEK 9,450/month for the spouse).

  • Health insurance.

  • IELTS: 6.5 for Master’s/PhD.

• Processing: Applications can be submitted together, with processing times of 2-4 months.

• Note: Sweden’s high-quality education and work opportunities make it ideal, but strict financial criteria apply.

3. Denmark

• Eligibility: Spouses and children (under 18) can accompany students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs. Applications can be submitted simultaneously.

• Work Rights: Spouses have full work rights, including employment and self-employment, without needing a separate permit.

• Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate or proof of relationship.

  • Financial proof (DKK 6,243/month per person).

  • Valid passport and health insurance.

  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5 depending on the program.

• Processing: Takes 1-3 months via SIRI or VFS Global in Dhaka.

• Note: Denmark’s high visa success rate and family-friendly policies make it a top choice for 2026.

4. Lithuania

• Eligibility: Spouses can join students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs. Bachelor’s students are not eligible. The student must first obtain their visa and arrive in Lithuania before applying for the spouse.

• Work Rights: Spouses can work full-time (up to 40 hours/week) after obtaining a temporary residence permit.

• Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate.

  • Proof of student’s enrollment and residence in Lithuania.

  • Financial proof (varies, typically €500/month per person).

  • Health insurance and valid passport.

  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5 for Master’s/PhD.

• Processing: Student visa processed first (1-2 months), followed by spouse visa (1-3 months after student’s arrival).

• Note: Spouses cannot travel together initially, but Lithuania’s low tuition and living costs are attractive.

5. Austria

• Eligibility: Spouses can join students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs. Bachelor’s students may face stricter conditions.

• Work Rights: Spouses can apply for a work permit after arrival, typically for part-time work (20 hours/week).

• Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate.

  • Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €1,030/month for couples).

  • Health insurance and valid passport.

  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5 depending on the program.

• Processing: Takes 2-4 months; applications may not be processed simultaneously.

• Note: Processing can be slower, but Austria’s affordable education is appealing.

6. Ireland

• Eligibility: Spouses can accompany students enrolled in NFQ Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) programs. Bachelor’s students are not eligible.

• Work Rights: Spouses have full work rights under a Stamp 1G permit, allowing employment or self-employment.

• Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate.

  • Proof of enrollment in a qualifying program.

  • Financial proof (€600-1,000/month per person).

  • Health insurance and valid passport.

  • IELTS: 6.5 for Master’s/PhD.

• Processing: Applications can be submitted together, but spouses typically travel after the student’s visa approval (2-4 months).

• Note: Ireland’s vibrant job market is a draw, but strict program-level restrictions apply.

7. France

• Eligibility: Spouses can join students with a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs.

• Work Rights: Spouses can apply for a work permit after arrival, typically allowing part-time work (20 hours/week).

• Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate.

  • Proof of student’s enrollment and financial stability (€615/month per person).

  • Health insurance and valid passport.

  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5 or French proficiency (e.g., DELF B2) depending on the program.

• Processing: Takes 3 weeks to 3 months; applications can be submitted together.

• Note: France’s cultural appeal and flexible visa options make it a strong choice.

Other Notable Countries

• Netherlands : Spouses can join Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students after the student has resided in the Netherlands for at least one year. Work rights are granted after a work permit is obtained (processing: 2-4 months). IELTS: 6.0-6.5. Financial proof: €1,000/month per person.

• Germany : Spouses can accompany Master’s or PhD students, but simultaneous travel is challenging due to longer processing times (2-6 months). Work rights are available after obtaining a permit. IELTS: 6.5. Financial proof: €934/month per person.

• Norway : Spouses can join Master’s or PhD students, with simultaneous applications possible if approved together (1-3 months). Spouses have full work rights. IELTS: 6.5. Financial proof: NOK 13,750/month per person.

Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants

• Apply Early: Submit applications 3-6 months before the January/February 2026 intake to account for processing times.

• Financial Proof: Ensure sufficient funds to support both student and spouse, as this is a common rejection reason.

• Document Accuracy: Provide certified marriage certificates and financial documents to avoid delays.

• Language Requirements: Meet IELTS or language proficiency standards (e.g., 6.0-6.5 for English, DELF B2 for France).

• Visa Processing: Use VFS Global in Dhaka for Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and others. For Lithuania, contact the Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi. Austria, Ireland, and France may require direct embassy submissions.

• Consult Official Sources: Check www.siri.dk (Denmark), www.migri.fi (Finland), www.migrationsverket.se (Sweden), or respective embassy websites for updates.

• Professional Help: Consider credible visa consultants for complex cases, but verify their legitimacy.

Which Countries Allow Spouse with Student Visa in Europe? Top Picks

For Bangladeshi students, Finland, Denmark, and Lithuania are the best options for 2026 due to their flexible spouse visa policies, high visa success rates, and full work rights for spouses. These countries also offer affordable education and welcoming environments, making them ideal for January/February intakes.

• Bringing your spouse to Europe while studying is possible in countries like Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, Austria, Ireland, France, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. Each country has specific eligibility criteria, with Finland and Denmark being the most accommodating for simultaneous applications and work rights. Prepare thoroughly, meet financial and language requirements, and apply early to ensure a smooth process.
• For personalized assistance with spouse visa applications for Finland, Denmark, or Lithuania, contact trusted consultants, but always verify details with official immigration portals. Safe travels and happy studying in 2026