Family Reunion Visa for Germany: Who Can Apply, Requirements & Process

What is a Family Reunion Visa for Germany?

The Family Reunion Visa is a German visa that allows close family members of internationals already living in Germany to join them. It’s designed to support family unity and make it possible for families to live together legally in Germany.

Purpose and Who It's For

The main purpose of the Family Reunion Visa is to enable family members to join with their spouse, parent, or child who is living in Germany, either with a valid residence permit or German citizenship. This type of visa is suitable for:

• Spouses and registered civil partners
• Children under the age of 18
• Parents or parents-in-law of a skilled worker living in Germany (under special circumstances)

Legal Basis and Typical Scenarios

The legal foundation for the Family Reunion Visa comes from Section 27 of the Germany’s Residence Act, “Subsequent immigration of dependants”. Common situations where it’s used include:

• A spouse joining their partner who is working in Germany
• Children moving to live with a parent who is working in Germany

Who Can Apply for a Family Reunion Visa?

The Family Reunion Visa allows family members of legal residents in Germany to join them. However, not every relative qualifies for this visa as eligibility depends on your relationship and the residence status of the family member in Germany.

Spouses and Registered Partners

If you are legally married or in a registered civil partnership, you can usually apply to join your partner in Germany. The marriage or partnership must be recognised under German law, which means that if it took place abroad, you may need to provide official translations and legalisation.

Unmarried partners typically do not qualify unless you can prove exceptional circumstances, such as having a child together and living in a long-term committed relationship. Additionally, both spouses must be at least 18 years old, and the financial stability of the family must be ensured.

Depending on the residence status of spouse living in Germany, the spouse joining must provide proof of German language skills at A1 level. This would not be the case if the spouse in Germany is a holder of the EU Blue Card.

Children and Minors

Children under 18 years of age are eligible to join their parent(s) with custodial rights in Germany. If only one parent is in Germany, you may need written consent from the other parent for the child to relocate. In situations where both parents are already in Germany, the application process for the child is often simpler, but you will still need to provide proof of legal guardianship.

The rules are more straightforward for younger children, while children over the age of 16 need to fulfil extra requirements. These include having German language skills at level C1. However, if the child moves to Germany within 6 months of their parent moving, they are exempt from this. This is also the case, if the parent has an EU Blue Card.

Parents and Other Family Members

Parents and parents-in-law can also apply for a Family Reunion Visa to join their child in Germany if the child has a residence permit as a skilled worker, for example an EU Blue Card. This residence permit must have been issued after 1 March 2024.

To be eligible for this type of visa, you also need to provide proof of financial stability, for example through the child living in Germany, as well as sufficient health insurance coverage.

Additionally, parents of an underage child living in Germany are also eligible to apply for the Family Reunion Visa, if the child has not reached the age of 18 at the time of the visa application. If the child is unborn, there is a special condition in place: the child must receive German citizenship at birth.

Financial Proof: Blocked Account for Special Cases

While many Family Reunion Visas rely on the Germany-based family member’s income, there are situations where a Blocked Account may be required.

When Is a Blocked Account Required?

A Blocked Account is a special bank account where you deposit a fixed sum of money during your visa application process to demonstrate proof of financial resources to cover your living costs. For Family Reunion Visas, it’s not the standard requirement, but it can be requested in specific cases, such as:

• When the family member in Germany doesn’t meet the official income threshold
• When you are applying under exceptional circumstances without regular income proof
• When the authorities want additional assurance that you can support yourself

Fintiba’s Digital Blocked Account – Fully Accepted Solution

Fintiba offers a fully digital solution that is recognised by German embassies and consulates worldwide. With Fintiba, you benefit from:

• Fast and easy account opening process
• Quick access to your blocking confirmation document after money transfer
• Peace of mind as the Blocked Account is accepted by German embassies worldwide
• Full online management of your account anytime, anywhere

Reunite with your loved ones in Germany without unnecessary hurdles – open your Fintiba Blocked Account today and take the next step towards your visa approval.

Requirements for the Family Reunion Visa

When applying for the Family Reunion Visa, meeting the requirements is key to a successful process. They vary slightly depending on the family relationship, the sponsor’s status and the individual embassy’s criteria.

Residence Status of the Family Member in Germany

The family member you’re joining in Germany must hold one of the following statuses for you to be able to apply for this type of visa:

• German citizenship
• A permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• A valid temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for purposes such as work or humanitarian reasons

A1 Language Certificate (For Spouses)

To encourage integration, spouses generally need to prove basic German skills at the A1 level before arriving. This means being able to introduce yourself, ask simple questions, and understand everyday phrases. The certificate must come from a recognised institution, such as the Goethe-Institut. You are exempted from this requirement, if your spouse is a highly skilled worker and has a Blue Card.

Accommodation Requirements

You will need to show that there is enough space for everyone in the household. Authorities often calculate this by square metres per person, and you may need to provide:

• A rental contract
• A confirmation from the landlord
• The city registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)

Financial Requirements and Income Proof

The family member in Germany must demonstrate that they can support you without relying on public funds. This typically involves providing:

• Recent payslips (usually from the last three months)
• Employment contract or proof of self-employment
• Bank statements showing regular income

If their income falls short, you might be asked to provide additional proof, such as a Blocked Account.

Documents Needed for a Family Reunion Visa

To successfully apply for your German Family Reunion Visa, you’ll need to provide several documents to prove eligibility. These documents may vary depending on individual situations or embassy requirements, but we are able to provide you with a standard overview. The required paperwork comes from both the applicant abroad and the family member in Germany.

From the Applicant (Abroad)

• Valid passport with at least 2 empty pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent biometric passport photographs
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (depending on the relationship)
• A1 level German language certificate (for spouses, if applicable)
• C1 level German language certificate (for children, if applicable)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Confirmation of visa fee payment

From the Family Member in Germany

• Copy of their residence permit, German passport or certification of naturalisation
• Proof of employment (e.g., job contract)
• Proof of income (e.g., payslips, tax assessments)
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental contract, landlord confirmation)

Translations and Legalisation Requirements

Any documents issued in a language other than German or English will need a certified translation. Depending on the country where they were issued, documents may also need legalisation or an apostille to confirm their authenticity. This step can take time, so we advise to begin early.

Family Reunion Visa Processing Time and Validity

Applying for a family reunion visa can be an emotional process, and waiting for a decision is often the hardest part. While there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, knowing what to expect can help you plan your move with confidence.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary depending on your personal situation and where you apply, but most applications take between 8 weeks and 3 months. Factors that can influence this include:

• The workload at the German embassy or consulate in your country
• Whether your application requires additional approval from local authorities in Germany
• Incomplete application documents
• How quickly you can respond if the embassy requests extra documents

Tip: Start gathering your documents as early as possible, make sure you translate all relevant documents to German or English beforehand and submit a complete application to avoid unnecessary delays.

How Long Is the Visa Valid?

The entry visa you receive is typically valid for at least 90 days, giving you time to enter Germany and register with your local Foreigners’ Office. Once there, you’ll apply for your residence permit, which is usually granted for the same length of time as your family member’s residence permit.

Can It Be Extended in Germany?

Yes, you can extend your Family Reunion Visa in Germany. After arriving in Germany, you will first need to apply for a residence permit, which will be valid for the duration of your family member’s permit. When this expires, you will be able to renew it if all requirements are still met.

Over time, many internationals who arrived in Germany on a Family Reunion Visa become eligible for permanent residence, giving them the freedom to stay in Germany without further visa applications.

Working in Germany with a Family Reunion Visa

One of the most reassuring aspects of the Family Reunion Visa is that it often comes with work rights.

Work Rights for Spouses

Spouses of German citizens or most residence permit holders can work without restriction once their residence permit is issued in Germany. You would not need to apply for a special work permit.

What About Accompanying Children?

Children can attend school and take part in educational programmes. Teenagers may be able to work part-time under youth employment laws, usually in jobs that do not interfere with their education.