Family Reunification in Germany
2 documented routes of this kind in Germany, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Family Reunification — Spouse (§§28/30 AufenthG)
Residence permit for the spouse or registered partner of a German citizen or a foreign resident holding a qualifying title.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; appointment waiting lists can be long.
- Validity
- Aligned to the sponsor's title; renewable.
- Language requirement
- Generally A1 German, but waived when joining a skilled worker, EU Blue Card holder, researcher, or self-employed person with a valid title.
- Permanent residence
- Settlement permit generally after 3 years (spouse of a German citizen) or 5 years (general), subject to integration conditions.
- Citizenship
- Spouse of a German citizen may naturalise after 3 years of legal residence and 2 years of marriage; otherwise standard 5 years.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Marriage / registered-partnership certificate (often apostilled and translated)
- Sponsor's residence title or German citizenship
- Proof of secured livelihood
- Proof of adequate living space
- Health insurance
- Spouse aged at least 18
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Marriage/registered-partnership certificate (apostilled/translated) required
- Sponsor's residence title required
- Proof of secured livelihood required
- Proof of adequate living space (rental contract) required
- Proof of health insurance required
- A1 German certificate (unless exempt)
Official fees
- National D visa (spouses of German citizens may be fee-exempt) 75 EUR
- Residence permit 100 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Sponsor establishes residence
The sponsor holds a qualifying residence title or German citizenship.
-
2
Apply via Consular Portal
The spouse applies online and books a mission appointment.
-
3
Embassy appointment
Attend with originals.
-
4
Register and apply for permit
On arrival, register at the Bürgeramt and apply for the residence permit before the visa expires.
Official Sources
- Spouses joining — Make it in Germany Official
Family Reunification — Children and Other Relatives (§§32/36 AufenthG)
Residence permit for minor children joining resident parents (§32) and, in cases of exceptional hardship, parents and other family members (§36).
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; appointment waiting lists can be long.
- Validity
- Aligned to the sponsor's title; renewable.
- Language requirement
- No language requirement for minor children; §36 cases assessed individually.
- Permanent residence
- Settlement permit generally after 5 years; minors who grow up in Germany have facilitated routes.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years (children of skilled workers benefit from facilitated rules).
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate or proof of relationship (apostilled/translated)
- Sponsor's residence title
- Proof of secured livelihood
- Proof of adequate living space
- Health insurance
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Birth certificate / proof of relationship required
- Sponsor's residence title required
- Proof of secured livelihood and living space required
- Proof of health insurance required
Process Steps
-
1
Sponsor holds title
The resident parent holds a qualifying residence title.
-
2
Apply via Consular Portal
Apply online and book the mission appointment.
-
3
Embassy appointment
Attend with originals and proof of relationship.
-
4
Register and apply for permit
On arrival, register and apply for the residence permit.