Family Reunification in Germany
All information about VISAGUARD services in the area of family reunification in Germany
Bringing the family to Germany
On this page you will find all the relevant information on applying for a visa for spouses and registered partners, for children and for parents and other family members.
The information includes in particular
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Requirements for spouse visa, child visa, parent visa
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Necessary documents for spouse visa, child visa, parent visa
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Application process, processing time and deadline for spouse visa, child visa, parent visa
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General requirements for family reunification
For most foreigners, family reunification is (understandably) an important prerequisite for integration . In particular, skilled workers who want to migrate to Germany often do not consider staying in Germany without their family. The following explains the conditions under which family reunification in Germany can be applied for. Further down on this page you will also find our VISAGUARD guides on the different types of family reunification (e.g. spouse reunification, child reunification and parent reunification).
In order to join your family, you must generally meet the following requirements:
1. Proof of a family relationship
In order to apply for a visa for family reunification, there must be a verifiable family relationship. This includes:
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Spouse reunification: Family reunification of spouses
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Reunification of children : Family reunification of minor children with their parents
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Parental reunification: Family reunification of parents with their children living in Germany
Official documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates are required as proof.
2. Secured livelihood
According to Section 2 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), the livelihood must be secured for family reunification. This means that the family must have sufficient income to finance rent, living expenses and health insurance - without state social benefits. An employment contract is the most common proof of this. The secured livelihood is usually checked by the immigration authorities for family reunification. In visa cases, the embassy then forwards the visa documents to the immigration authorities of the (future) place of residence of the foreigner. The authorities then check the livelihood before the visa is issued (so-called internal authority approval procedure , Section 31 AufenthV).
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3. Correct visa
An application for a residence permit for family reunification requires that a visa for family reunification was already in place prior to entry (Section 5, Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act). Entry with a tourist visa and subsequent application for a residence permit is generally not possible - however, there are numerous exceptions to this rule.
4. Language skills
In many cases, family members joining the country must prove that they have German language skills at A1 level . However, this rule does not apply to skilled immigration. This means that skilled workers can join their families even without language skills.
The legal requirements for family reunification are complex and depend on various factors. Errors in the application process can lead to delays or rejections. Therefore, seek advice from a specialist in migration law as early as possible. At VISAGUARD, we support you in every step of the family reunification process - from the application to the granting of the residence permit.
VISAGUARD Guides on Family Reunification
FAQ Family Reunification
What does “family reunification” mean?
A family reunification (“dependent visa”) is any derivation of a right of residence based on family ties. Family reunification is therefore not only “reunification” in the sense of a visa procedure, but also the application for residence rights in Germany. Even the birth of a child in Germany is a family “reunification” in the legal sense.
What types of family reunification are there?
The Residence Act distinguishes between the following constellations of family reunification:
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reunification with Germans
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reunification with third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU citizens)
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reunification with European citizens
Is there a difference between family reunification with Germans and family reunification with foreigners?
Yes, there are various simplifications for family reunification with Germans. This applies not only to the legal requirements, but also in particular to the actual administrative practice. In this respect, family reunification with Germans is generally much quicker than family reunification with foreigners.
Who can family reunification take place with?
Within these categories, a distinction can be made between:
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spouse reunification (§§ 28, 30, 31 AufenthG)
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child reunification (§§ 32 - 35 AufenthG)
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Parental reunification (§ 36 AufenthG)
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Reunification with other family members (e.g. siblings and grandparents)
Important documents for family reunification in Germany
Important online services for family reunification in Germany
VIDEX form for long-term residence (family reunification)
Book a visa appointment with RK-Visa (family reunification)
Contact form of the State Office for Immigration (LEA) (family reunification)
Overview of visa exemption by nationality (Federal Foreign Office)
Important information on family reunification in Germany
Summary of this Page
On this page (overview of family reunification in Germany) you have received various information on the subject of family reunification in Germany. The page explains the general requirements for family reunification and the types of family reunification that exist. The page also lists our VISAGUARD guides on family reunification and informs you about important documents, links and sources of information on family reunification in Germany.
