If you have been recognized as a refugee in Germany, you will probably want to bring your family to join you. There are different options and requirements depending on your residence status.
Who can apply for family reunification?
Whether you can bring your family to Germany depends on your residence status:
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Recognized refugees / persons entitled to asylum / resettlement refugees: You have a right to family reunification.
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Persons entitled to subsidiary protection: You can submit an application, but there are restrictions.
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Persons with a ban on deportation: An application is possible, but only under certain conditions.
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Which family members can follow?
As a rule, you can bring the following close family members with you:
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Spousein or registeredLife partner (both over 18 years old)
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Minors, unmarried children
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If you are a minor and single: your parents or other custodial adults
Other family members, such as siblings, can only join you in exceptional cases if there is exceptional hardship.
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What requirements must be met?
The requirements vary depending on your residence status:
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Recognized refugees / persons entitled to asylum / resettlement refugees: You do not have to provide proof of income or accommodation.
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Persons entitled to subsidiary protection: There is a monthly quota of 1,000 people. In addition, there must be humanitarian reasons, e.g. long separation, illness or particular vulnerability.
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Persons with a ban on deportation: The stay must be expected to last longer than one year and there must be humanitarian reasons.
How does the application process work?
Your family must apply for family reunification at the German mission abroad (embassy or consulate) in their home country. Processing can take some time, so it is important to submit the application as early as possible.Federal Office of Administration
