Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when you're separated from your loved ones. Fortunately, with a German reunification visa, you can bring your family to join you in Germany. Whether you're relocating for work or to start a new life, this visa allows you to reunite with your spouse and children in one of the most beautiful and prosperous countries in Europe.
The process for bringing your spouse or partner or children to Germany depends on whether they are European Union citizens or not.
EU Citizens
If the person you want to bring to Germany is a European Union citizen, they do not need a visa or a residence permit. EU citizens are allowed to live and work in Germany or any EU member states without a visa or residence permit using their Freedom of Movement rights.
Other Nationals
Bringing other nationals requires a little bit of effort and sometimes it's a lengthy process.
To start with the process, you need to make sure that you have the necessary rights to bring your family members to Germany. You need to have either a permanent residency, a permanent settlement permit, or an EU blue Card.
Where should I apply for a German visa for my spouse or partner
In general your spouse or partner can apply for a family reunification visa in any German mission where they reside. However, the German mission in some countries have outsourced the visa processing to third party visa centers.
As per the visa policy of Germany you should not apply for a visa six months prior to your planned trip. The latest time you can apply is two weeks ahead of your trip.
The recommended time to file your visa application would be four to six weeks before your planned date of travel.
Documents required to apply for a family reunification visa for Germany
Fully filled and duly signed Visa Application Form.
Valid Passport.
Travel health insurance
Proof of German knowledge (optional)
Flight tickets
Documents to prove your financial stability (salary slips, employment contract and bank statements)
Proof of accommodation in Germany (rental agreement, hotel booking, etc.).
Copy of your passport.
Copy of your residence permit (if applicable)
Proof of relationship
Marriage certificate.
Registered partnership certificate
Processing time of a German family reunification visa
The visa processing time varies depending on the location you apply for the visa, your personal situation or even where the visa is processed. For example, the places where the visa processing is outsourced may send the application to the nearest German mission to process it.
In general, it could take from days to a couple of weeks.
Bringing your children to Germany
You can bring your children who are under the age of 18 years to Germany on a family reunification visa provided you have the custody of the child.
If your partner is not moving to Germany and you both have joint custody of the child, the partner who’s not moving must give their consent before applying for the visa.
You can also bring your matured children to Germany if they are differently abled and need support. However, you may need to undergo a different process and might need to submit additional supporting documents.
Additional documents required for children :
School certificates mentioning parentage and date of birth
Proof of marriage of parents
Birth certificate (optional)
Bringing your family to Germany offers many benefits. Not only the financial benefits offered by the federal government, but from small towns to big cities, Germany is a very safe country to raise a family and a great place to live.
Some FAQ about How can I bring my family to Germany?
Who is eligible for a German family reunification visa?
Eligibility for a family reunification visa in Germany varies depending on the type of visa and the relationship of the family member. Generally, spouses and minor children of German citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a family reunification visa. Unmarried partners and adult children may also be eligible under certain circumstances.
