Family reunification in Germany: Step-by-step guide to the German Family Reunion Visa

Germany is a popular destination for many international students and professionals, and it's no surprise that they often wish to bring their families along. The German Family Reunion Visa facilitates the reunification of families, allowing non-EU family members to join their relatives in Germany. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, requirements, and important considerations for obtaining a Family Reunion Visa in Germany.

Family reunification with a Spouse Visa in Germany

For non-EU nationals, the German Family Reunion Visa (Spouse Visa) provides a pathway for spouses to reunite with their partners residing in Germany. Whether the spouse in Germany is a student, employee, or permanent resident, this visa allows their partner to join them. This opportunity underscores the importance of family unity and support, which are essential for the well-being and success of individuals living abroad.

Obtaining this visa not only enables families to reunite but also provides several benefits. It offers emotional support, helps maintain family bonds, and creates a stable environment for you and the one joining you. Additionally, depending on the visa conditions, your spouse may be allowed to work in Germany, further contributing to the household's financial stability and integration into German society.

Requirements for the German Family Reunion Visa

To obtain a Family Reunion Visa, you or your spouse must fulfill certain requirements set by the German immigration authorities. These requirements ensure that the applicant and their family member in Germany meet specific criteria related to legal residence, financial stability, health insurance, and language proficiency.

What are the visa requirements for Germany for a spouse?

Applying for a German Family Reunion Visa to bring your partner and/ or child to Germany involves meeting several key requirements.

• Legal Residence: The spouse with residence in Germany (sponsor) must have a valid residence permit. This could be a student visa, work permit, or permanent residency. Proof of legal residence, such as a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), must be provided.
• Sufficient Income: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their spouse without relying on public funds. This typically involves providing recent payslips, an employment contract, or proof of other financial resources.
• Health Insurance: This is mandatory in Germany and can be through private health insurance or family coverage under the sponsor's insurance plan.
• Accommodation: Proof of accommodation is required. The sponsor must show that they have suitable accommodation to house their spouse. This may involve providing a rental contract or proof of property ownership.
• Basic German Language Skills: The spouse applying for the visa needs to demonstrate basic knowledge of German, usually at the A1 level.

Note: To be eligible for a family reunion, you or your spouse must be of legal age, i.e., at least 18 years old.

Spouse Visa checklist: Required documents

To apply for a visa for the purpose of family reunification, it is essential to gather all the required documents to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here is a comprehensive checklist:

• Completed application form (can be found on the website of the relevant German embassy/consulate)
• Completed declaration form (confirming that the information provided is correct)
• Valid passport
• Current biometric passport photos (size: 35(W) x 45(H) mm)
• Residence permit
• Marriage certificate (and previous marriages documentation)
• Birth certificate
• Invitation letter
• Proof of funds
• Registration of the address (Meldebescheinigung)
• Health insurance
• Additional documents (if requested): For example, a letter of motivation or other supporting documents

How long is the processing time of the German visa?

The processing time for a German Family Reunion Visa typically takes around 3 months. However, this timeframe can vary significantly depending on the country where you apply and the specific circumstances of your case. In some countries, the processing time may be shorter. For example, in China, it might take around 8 weeks. In other countries, it might take longer. For instance, in India, the processing time can be a minimum of 3 months. The workload and efficiency of the local German Mission, Consulate or federal foreign office can also affect processing times.

To minimize delays, it's important to:

• Submit complete documentation to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly and in full.
• Apply early and submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date to accommodate any potential delays.
• Check local requirements to verify the specific processing times and requirements at your local German Embassy or Consulate to get the most accurate information.

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Family Reunion Visa Germany: Frequently asked questions

In this section, we address frequently asked questions to help you better understand the visa process and ensure a smooth application experience for reuniting with your family in Germany.

Who is allowed to come to Germany with a Family Visa?

Here are the primary family members who are eligible to come to Germany with a Family Visa:

• Your spouse (husband or wife)
• Your dependent minor children (This typically includes children under the age of 18)
• Parents of non-EU nationals residing in Germany, particularly if the resident is a minor or needs their parents' support due to special circumstances

How long is a Family Reunification Visa valid for?

For international students or workers, the Visa is typically valid for at least three months or the same duration as the sponsor's residence permit. For example, if you are a student enrolled in a two-year Master's program, your spouse's visa will generally be valid for the same two-year period.

Note: The visa can be extended along with the sponsor's residence permit. If the sponsor's permit is extended due to continued studies or employment, the family member's residence permit can also be extended.

Does getting a German Spouse Visa cost money?

Yes, you will need to pay a fee for your visa application to be processed. A long-term family reunion visa (category D) typically costs €75 for adults and €37.50 for children under 18. This fee is non-refundable, even if you withdraw your application or if your visa is denied. If you decide to reapply, you will need to pay the fee again.

Is the Family Reunion Visa like a residence permit?

While the Family Reunion Visa and a Residence Permit are related, they serve different purposes in the process of family reunification in Germany.

Family Reunion Visa

• Is an entry visa issued by the German embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.
• It allows the visa holder to travel to Germany for the purpose of family reunification.
• Typically a long-stay visa (category D) and is valid for at least 90 days.
• Once in Germany, the holder must apply for a residence permit.

Residence Permit

• After arriving in Germany on a Family Reunion Visa, the visa holder must register with the local immigration authorities in Germany and apply for a residence permit.
• This allows the family member to live in Germany for an extended period.
• Its validity is generally aligned with the sponsor’s residence status.
• The residence permit can be extended as long as the sponsor maintains their legal status in Germany, such as through continued studies or employment.

In essence, the Family Reunion Visa is the initial step that allows expats to bring their family members to Germany. At the same time, a residence permit is required for staying and living in Germany for a longer duration.

Can my spouse work on a Dependent Visa in Germany?

Your partner is allowed to work in Germany on a dependent visa, provided certain conditions are met. Typically, after arriving in Germany and obtaining the residence permit, your spouse will have authorization to work in both full-time and part-time employment without needing a separate work permit.

Your spouse can work in any field or industry, provided they meet the necessary qualifications for the job. Employers in Germany will need to verify the work authorization status by checking the residence permit.