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Family Reunification -
Bring relatives to you
Family reunification enables family members to move to their relatives living in Germany. We support you in applying for the necessary visas and residence permits so that your family can be reunited. From the initial consultation to the application, we accompany you through the entire process and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
Spouses
Several requirements generally apply for spousal reunification. First, both spouses must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, the spouse joining must be able to communicate in German on a basic level in everyday situations. In many cases, such as family reunification with skilled workers, it is possible to acquire the necessary language skills after entering Germany. Furthermore, sufficient living space must be available, and the family’s livelihood must be secured. The spouse joining the family also has the right to work. It’s important to note that family reunification applies equally to same-sex partnerships.
Children under 16 years of age
In principle, unmarried minor children are eligible to join their parents (or the parent with custody) in Germany. For children under 16, there are generally no additional requirements.
Children over 16 years of age
From the age of 16, children can enter Germany without further conditions if it is done in conjunction with their parents' arrival. Typically, this means the reunification must occur within six months, although exceptions (such as completing a school year) can allow for a later date. If entry happens at a later time, children can still move to Germany after turning 16 if they either prove German language proficiency at level C1 or if easy integration into German life is expected. This could be the case if they attended a German-speaking school abroad or grew up in an EU or EEA country, a privileged third country (Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the USA), or in a German-speaking household.
Parents
Parents and parents-in-law of a skilled worker employed in Germany may have the opportunity to join them under certain conditions. For other family members, they may only move to Germany in exceptional hardship cases. Such cases may exist if the separation from the person living in Germany would cause an unreasonable burden, such as due to serious health or social circumstances. In such situations, it is crucial to provide extensive evidence to demonstrate the urgency and necessity of family reunification.
Interesting facts
The most important documents usually include a valid passport, proof of legal residence of the person living in Germany, marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children. Depending on the individual case, it may also be necessary to provide proof of language skills, health insurance and proof of income. The exact requirements may vary depending on the authority and type of immigration, which is why it is advisable to seek individual advice.
Spouses who wish to move to Germany must prove that the marriage actually exists and that they have basic language skills (usually A1 level) of the German language. Exceptions can be made if they are spouses of highly qualified professionals, self-employed persons or holders of an EU Blue Card. In addition, the partner living in Germany must have sufficient financial means to secure the livelihood of the spouse who is moving to Germany without having to rely on social welfare benefits.
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