Family Reunification Germany is one of the most important immigration procedures for families who want to live together in Germany. However, the applicable requirements can differ considerably depending on who is already living in Germany, their residence status, and whether the applicant is joining a German, EU, or non-EU citizen.
Understanding Family Reunification Germany rules before submitting an application can help applicants identify the correct procedure, prepare the necessary documents and avoid unnecessary delays.
The German Federal Foreign Office explains that family reunification applications are generally submitted through the competent German mission abroad when a visa is required. Depending on the case, the application may then be forwarded to the relevant foreigners authority in Germany.
This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Family Reunification Germany, including questions about spouses, children, documents, visas, residence permits and the application process.
1. What Is Family Reunification in Germany?
Family Reunification Germany refers to the legal procedures that allow certain family members of people living in Germany to join them and establish residence in Germany.
The rules depend on the relationship between the applicant and the person already living in Germany.
Common situations include:
- A spouse joining their husband or wife
- Children joining their parents
- Parents joining certain children
- Family members joining a person with a qualifying residence status
- Family members joining German or EU citizens
The official German government portal provides separate information for spouses, children and different residence situations because the requirements are not identical in every case.
2. Does a Spouse Usually Need a Visa?
In many Family Reunification Germany cases, a spouse from a third country who requires a visa must apply for a family reunification visa before travelling to Germany.
The Federal Foreign Office states that a foreign spouse of a German citizen must generally apply for a family reunification visa at the competent German mission abroad.
There are, however, exceptions depending on nationality and the applicable EU free-movement rules.
For example, certain EU/EFTA citizens and their family members can benefit from different entry and residence rules.
Therefore, applicants should establish which legal framework applies to their particular case before applying.
3. What Documents Are Usually Required?
One of the most important questions concerning Family Reunification Germany is which documents need to be submitted.
The exact checklist depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the responsible German mission.
Documents commonly requested can include:
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Proof of the family relationship
- Residence documents of the person living in Germany
- Proof of accommodation where applicable
- Financial documents where applicable
- Other documents requested by the German mission
For a spouse joining a German citizen, the Federal Foreign Office specifically mentions an authenticated marriage certificate and the German spouse’s passport among the documents required.
The responsible German mission should always be consulted for the current document checklist.
4. Can Children Join Their Parents in Germany?
Yes, Family Reunification Germany can also apply to children.
According to the official Make it in Germany portal, children under 18 who are not married can generally qualify for family reunification when the relevant requirements are met. Children from non-EU/EFTA countries will generally require a visa to enter Germany, subject to applicable exceptions.
Special rules can apply to children aged 16 or older.
The situation can also become more complicated where only one parent has custody.
If only one parent with custody is applying to bring a child to Germany, the consent of the other parent with custody may be required.
5. Does the Family Member Need German Language Skills?
Language requirements are one of the most frequently asked questions about Family Reunification Germany.
The answer depends on the specific family reunification situation.
For example, the official Make it in Germany portal states that family members joining certain skilled workers with a valid German residence title do not have to provide proof of German language skills.
Other family reunification situations may have different requirements.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that the same language requirement applies to every family reunification application.
The residence status of the person living in Germany and the legal basis for the reunification are important factors.
6. Can a Spouse Work in Germany After Family Reunification?
Yes, in qualifying cases.
The official Make it in Germany portal states that once the relevant residence permit is issued, a spouse joining their partner can work in Germany without restriction.
This means that Family Reunification Germany can provide not only a route to living together but also access to employment where the applicable residence permit allows it.
The exact rights should always be confirmed from the residence title issued to the family member.
7. Where Is the Family Reunification Application Submitted?
For applicants who require a visa, Family Reunification Germany applications are generally submitted through the competent German mission abroad.
The Federal Foreign Office states that a foreign spouse joining a German citizen must first apply for the family reunification visa at the competent German mission abroad.
Germany has also introduced the Consular Services Portal, which allows eligible applicants to submit certain national visa applications online, including family reunification applications.
However, online submission does not necessarily eliminate the need for an appointment.
The Federal Foreign Office states that an in-person appointment is still required for steps such as biometric data collection and verification of original documents where necessary.
8. What Happens After the Application Is Submitted?
After a Family Reunification Germany application is submitted, the responsible authorities may need to examine the application and supporting documents.
In some cases, the German mission forwards the application to the foreigners authority responsible for the intended place of residence in Germany.
For example, the Federal Foreign Office explains that in the case of a foreign spouse joining a German citizen, the German mission forwards the application to the relevant foreigners authority for an opinion. The visa can then be issued once the necessary approval has been obtained.
The procedure therefore may involve authorities both outside and inside Germany.
The precise process depends on the individual case.
9. What Happens After the Family Member Arrives in Germany?
The Family Reunification Germany procedure does not necessarily end when the family member enters Germany.
According to the official Make it in Germany portal, family members arriving in Germany generally need to register their address with the Residents’ Registration Office.
Before the entry visa expires, they must also apply for the appropriate residence permit at the competent foreigners authority.
Documents that may be needed for the residence permit application can include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of income
- Rental agreement or housing evidence
- Other documents relevant to the family’s circumstances
Applicants should arrange the residence permit appointment in good time because some foreigners authorities can have long waiting periods.
10. How Long Does Family Reunification Take?
There is no single processing time that applies to every Family Reunification Germany application.
Processing can depend on:
- The type of family reunification
- The applicant’s nationality
- The German mission handling the case
- The sponsor’s residence status
- Whether another German authority must approve the application
- Whether additional documents are required
- Whether the submitted documents are complete
The official Make it in Germany portal specifically recommends submitting applications in good time because processing can take some time.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on processing times reported by other applicants as a guaranteed timeframe for their own case.
Family Reunification Germany for German Citizens
When the sponsor is a German citizen, specific rules apply.
For example, a foreign spouse who is not an EU citizen generally needs to apply for a family reunification visa through the competent German mission abroad.
The application can involve:
- Submission of the visa application
- Examination of the documents
- Involvement of the foreigners authority in Germany
- Decision on the visa
- Entry into Germany
- Application for the relevant residence permit
The exact requirements depend on the family relationship and individual circumstances.
Family Reunification Germany for Non-EU Residents
Family Reunification Germany is also possible in certain circumstances when the person living in Germany is not a German citizen.
The requirements depend on the residence title of the sponsor.
For example, the official Make it in Germany portal provides specific information for spouses joining certain skilled workers from non-EU countries. The sponsor may need a qualifying residence title and adequate health insurance and financial resources, while certain skilled-worker family reunification cases do not require the joining spouse to prove German language skills.
This demonstrates why the sponsor’s residence status should be established before preparing the application.
Family Reunification Germany for EU Citizens
Different rules can apply when the person living in Germany is an EU citizen exercising free-movement rights.
The official Make it in Germany portal explains that family members joining EU or EFTA citizens can benefit from free-movement rules, depending on their circumstances.
A third-country spouse may have a right of residence derived from the EU citizen’s free-movement rights.
The exact procedure can therefore differ significantly from ordinary national family reunification.
Family Reunification Germany and Parents
Recent changes have also affected certain possibilities for parental reunification.
The official Make it in Germany portal states that people whose visa or residence permit for gainful employment was issued for the first time after 1 March 2024 may have an option to bring their parents or parents-in-law to Germany, subject to the applicable conditions.
This is a specialized area and should be assessed according to the sponsor’s residence title and individual circumstances.
Family Reunification Germany and the Consular Services Portal
Germany’s digital application system has changed how many applicants begin the visa process.
The Federal Foreign Office states that the Consular Services Portal allows eligible applicants to apply online for national visas for family reunification. It can also be used for group applications involving several family members.
However, applicants should remember that:
- Not every visa procedure necessarily follows exactly the same process.
- The responsible German mission remains relevant.
- Original documents may still need to be checked.
- Biometric information may need to be provided in person.
- The applicable visa fee still needs to be considered.
Common Mistakes in Family Reunification Germany Applications
Applicants can encounter avoidable problems when preparing their applications.
Common issues can include:
Incomplete documentation
Missing documents can result in requests for additional information.
Using an outdated checklist
Visa requirements and procedures can change, so applicants should use the current information provided by the responsible German mission.
Applying under the wrong category
The correct procedure depends on the sponsor’s status and the relationship between the family members.
Ignoring correspondence
Applicants should regularly check their email and the relevant online application account where applicable.
Assuming another applicant’s experience is identical
Different family relationships and residence statuses can result in different procedures.
Family Reunification Germany Checklist
Before submitting a Family Reunification Germany application, applicants should consider the following:
- Identify the correct family reunification category.
- Confirm whether a visa is required.
- Identify the competent German mission.
- Check the current document requirements.
- Prepare passports and civil-status documents.
- Check translation and certification requirements.
- Review the sponsor’s residence status.
- Check whether language requirements apply.
- Prepare additional documents requested for the specific case.
- Keep copies of the complete application.
- Monitor official correspondence after submission.
How RBS Can Help
Preparing a Family Reunification Germany application can involve multiple documents and authorities.
RBS can assist with:
- Reviewing available documents
- Organizing the application file
- Checking correspondence
- Explaining administrative procedures
- Identifying potentially missing documentation
- Assisting with preparation for the application
- Reviewing individual circumstances that may require further legal assessment
Each family reunification case is different, and professional assistance cannot guarantee a particular decision or processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for family reunification online?
Eligible applicants can submit certain family reunification visa applications through Germany’s Consular Services Portal. An in-person appointment may still be required for biometric data and other procedures.
Does every spouse need a German language certificate?
No. The applicable language requirement depends on the specific family reunification situation. Certain family members joining skilled workers do not need to provide proof of German language skills.
Can children join their parents in Germany?
Yes, subject to the applicable requirements. Children under 18 who are unmarried can generally qualify where the relevant legal conditions are fulfilled.
Can a family member work after arriving in Germany?
In qualifying spouse reunification cases, the residence permit provides an unrestricted right to work.
Does the application always go through the Ausländerbehörde?
Not every case follows exactly the same procedure. However, the foreigners authority can be involved in the visa process depending on the circumstances.
Can parents be brought to Germany?
In certain circumstances, yes. Specific rules apply depending on the sponsor’s residence status and when the relevant residence permit for employment was first issued.
How long does Family Reunification Germany take?
There is no universal processing time. The duration depends on the type of case, authorities involved, documentation and individual circumstances.
What happens after entering Germany?
The family member generally needs to register their address and apply for the appropriate residence permit before the entry visa expires.
Can I apply if my spouse is not a German citizen?
Yes, family reunification can be possible when the sponsor is a non-EU citizen with an appropriate residence status, subject to the applicable requirements.
Where can I find the exact document checklist?
The competent German mission should be consulted for the current requirements applicable to the specific application.
Conclusion
Family Reunification Germany involves different procedures depending on the applicant’s relationship to the person living in Germany and that person’s nationality or residence status.
A spouse, child, parent, German citizen’s family member and EU citizen’s family member may all be subject to different legal requirements.
The safest approach is to identify the correct family reunification category first, check the current requirements of the responsible German mission, prepare the required documents carefully and monitor official communication throughout the procedure.
Germany’s Consular Services Portal has also made it possible to submit eligible family reunification visa applications online, while certain in-person steps remain necessary.
For applicants who are uncertain about their specific circumstances, reviewing the case and documentation before submission can help clarify which procedure applies.