Requirements and Process Applying for a Germany Family Reunion Visa. With its job and career development opportunities, Germany attracts people from around the world. Additionally, once they have settled in Germany, they may bring their families with them. The Immigration Authorities in Germany have established a visa for the purposes of family reunion, but not all are subject to this visa requirement.
Depending on where you are from and who you want to join in Germany, different requirements apply. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of obtaining a family reunion visa.
Who Can Get the Germany Family Reunion Visa?
The requirements for a family reunion visa vary depending on your nationality and the status of your relative in Germany.
You will need a valid passport or ID card in order to enter Germany if you are a member of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland. As a result, you will be able to enter Germany without a family reunion visa, but you will need to register within three months of arriving in Germany with the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
To join your relative, spouse, or partner in Germany, however, you must apply for a family reunion visa if you are from outside the EU/EEA. Upon your application, the Alien’s Authority in Germany will issue you a residence permit, which will be valid as long as you live in Germany with your family member, spouse, or partner.
Which Are the Requirements of the Family Reunion Visa to Germany?
Initially, your relative, spouse, or partner residing in Germany must have the following to qualify for a Germany family reunion visa:
- Permits to reside.
- Insurance for health care.
- Stability of finances.
- You will have enough space to stay.
An income sufficient for a family reunion visa must be calculated after adjusting for rent or loans, and it cannot be below the limit at which the family would be entitled to state benefits.
For each family member over the age of six, there should be at least 12 square meters of space. For children under the age of six, there should be at least 10 square meters.
In order to learn more about the legal requirements for a Family Reunion Visa to Germany, we recommend consulting with an immigration law expert such as Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte. Legal advice from immigration lawyers from the beginning ensures that your application is made in accordance with the stated requirements, which speeds up the application process.
Which Are the Spouse/Civil Partner Family Reunion Visa Requirements?
Initially, you must be over 18 and have a basic understanding of the German language if you are joining your spouse/partner living and working in Germany.
There are no age or language requirements if your spouse/civil partner falls into one of the following categories:
- Blue Card holder in the EU.
- Has a self-employed business.
- In Germany, he holds the status of researcher.
- Germany recognizes him as a highly qualified individual.
Your partner may have received a residence permit while you were married, and if you fulfill the requirements, you can also receive one. If your spouse was awarded the permit after you were married, you might have to wait two years before you can apply for it. Also, you should contact the German embassy for more specific information.
Moreover, polygamous marriages are not recognized by the Federal Republic of Germany. Therefore, if a resident has brought one partner to Germany, they will not be allowed to do so again.
Which Are the Children’s Family Reunion Visa Requirements?
Family reunion visas allow you to bring your children to Germany based on their age and status. Without completing any requirements, parents who have a Blue Card, a settlement permit, or a residence permit for humanitarian reasons can easily bring their children to Germany.
If both parents are residents of Germany, they may apply to bring their child over. If a single parent wants to bring their child to Germany, they must have custody of it. When both parents are entitled to care but only one is a German resident, the parent who is not a German resident must grant the German resident the right to custody in order to be able to apply for a family reunion visa.
Those under 16 can join their parents without completing any requirements. Those aged 16-18 must not be married and speak fluent German in order to receive a family reunion visa.
Which Are the Family Reunion Visa Requirements for Other Family Members?
During a family reunion visa, a parent can join their minor child in Germany if the parent has the right of care or custody of the child. This means the parent may join their children in Germany:
- In Germany, there are no parents with the right to care for their children.
- In the case of a residence permit for the child.
- A resettlement refugee child must have a settlement permit.
It means that other family members (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.) may only join their relatives in Germany when circumstances are particularly difficult. The family reunion visa is only available to family members living in Germany or those moving to Germany who are in need of family support available only in the Federal Republic of Germany.
How to Apply for the Germany Family Reunion Visa?
In order to obtain the Germany family reunion visa, you must arrange an appointment with the German embassy/consulate in your home country. If there is no German embassy/consulate in your home country, locate one in a neighbouring country.
A German visa application requires all the necessary documents as well as specific documents depending on who you will be joining in Germany.
In order to ensure that your application meets the requirements provided by the German immigration authorities, you may want to seek legal advice before beginning the application process. You can speed up the process and ensure that your application is expertly prepared by working with an experienced attorney in family reunification.
The specific documents required to apply for a spouse/family reunion visa to Germany are:
- Rather than one application, there are two.
- The spouse’s passport if they are an EU citizen.
- If the spouse is not an EU citizen, a copy of the spouse’s residency permit is required
- A copy of the marriage certificate in its original form.
- German language proficiency proof.
The specific documents required to apply for a family reunion visa for minors are:
- A copy of each parent’s passport.
- The birth certificate.
- Adoption proof (if applicable).
- Divorce decree determining custody.
- Certificate of death of a parent (if one of the parents has passed away).
- From the parents, a letter of consent.
Before you submit an application, please make sure you check with the German embassy/consulate in your country about the necessary documents, since they may require additional information.
How Much Does the Germany Family Reunion Visa Cost?
Germany family reunion visa fees are €75 for adults and €37,50 for children under the age of 18. If your circumstances warrant, you can check with the German embassy in your country to see if you qualify for lower fees or no fees at all.
You will not receive a refund if your Germany family reunion visa application is rejected or withdrawn.
Can I Work While on My Germany Family Reunion Visa?
In order to be eligible to work in Germany, the relative you are joining must meet the following requirements:
- EU Blue Card holder.
- Is authorized to work by their residence permit.
- Is a highly-skilled researcher or professional in Germany.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a Germany Family Reunion Visa involves understanding the specific requirements based on your relationship, nationality, and the status of your relative in Germany. For a smooth application, consult legal experts and ensure compliance with German immigration regulations.