When is Family Reunion Permitted?
Foreign nationals residing in Germany with a residence permit can bring foreign spouses and minor unmarried children to join them. Family reunification is not allowed for asylum seekers who have not yet been recognized as refugees or persons entitled to asylum. In individual cases, further restrictions on family reunification may apply.
What Should Be Considered for a Spouse’s Entry?
Generally, the following requirements must be met for a spouse’s reunification:
- Both spouses must be at least 18 years old.
- The spouse coming to Germany must have basic knowledge of German. Information about exceptions and options to acquire this knowledge abroad is provided by the German diplomatic mission.
- The spouse residing in Germany typically must have held a valid residence permit for at least two years.
- The spouse coming to Germany must hold a valid national passport.
- There should be no grounds for expulsion against the spouse coming to Germany. If the spouse has previously been deported or expelled, they must first apply for the expiration of the re-entry ban.
- Adequate housing must be available, which is defined as housing that would be sufficient for someone seeking public social housing.
- Financial support must be secured. This means that the foreign national should be able to support themselves and their family, including having sufficient health insurance, without relying on public assistance. To calculate secure financial support, proof of net income must be provided.
- Employed individuals can prove this by submitting a copy of their current employment contract, a letter from the employer confirming that the employment relationship is ongoing, and the last three salary slips (or six, if they previously received benefits under SGB II – ALG II – or SGB XII).
- Self-employed individuals should prove their income for the last three years, or at least the last six months, via an audit report prepared by a tax advisor, auditor, or certified accountant.
- Proof of a legally binding marriage must be provided to the foreign nationals’ authority or the German diplomatic mission. The marriage must also be legally valid in Germany. Marriages according to tribal law or other non-government-recognized marriages are not acknowledged and do not allow for reunification.
- Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Upon receipt of the visa application, the foreign nationals’ authority will invite the spouse residing in Germany in writing, informing them of any additional documents needed for the appointment. Based on the documents provided, a statement will be submitted to the diplomatic mission.
What Should Be Considered for the Entry of Children of Foreign Nationals?
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
- Both parents or the sole custodial parent must hold a valid residence permit.
- The child must be a minor and unmarried.
- Adequate housing must be available.
- Financial support must be secured. This means the foreign national should be able to support themselves and their family, including sufficient health insurance, without relying on public assistance.
When applying, the following documents should be submitted to the German diplomatic mission:
- A valid national passport of the child
- One passport photo that meets German passport photo standards
- The child’s birth certificate
- Rental agreement for housing
- Proof of net income for calculating secure financial support
- Employed individuals can prove this by submitting a copy of the current employment contract, a letter from the employer confirming that the employment relationship is ongoing, and the last three salary slips (or six, if they previously received benefits under SGB II – ALG II – or SGB XII).
- Self-employed individuals should prove their income for the last three years, or at least the last six months, via an audit report prepared by a tax advisor, auditor, or certified accountant.
- Proof of sole custody if only one parent is bringing the child to Germany.
Upon receipt of the visa application, the foreign nationals’ authority will invite the parents residing in Germany in writing, informing them of any additional documents needed for the appointment. Based on the documents provided, a statement will be submitted to the diplomatic mission.
Visa for Family Members of Refugees After an Asylum Process
Special rules for family reunification apply to refugees, especially from Iraq and Syria. Further information is available.
(For asylum seekers who have not yet been recognized as eligible for asylum or refugee status or who have not been granted subsidiary protection, family reunification is not permitted.)