Family reunification - Can I bring my family to Germany?

Marriage and family are particularly protected in Germany - this is even stated in the Basic Law. Nevertheless, it is not so easy for people from non-EU countries ("third-country nationals") to bring their family to Germany. Whether this works depends above all on your Residence status and unfortunately also on a few other conditions.

Can I apply for family reunification at all?

This is only possible if you have at least one Residence permit have. But that alone is not enough - there are a few other requirements that you need to fulfill. We'll explain them to you in a moment.

Who can I bring to Germany?

You can only use your so-called Nuclear family catch up:

• Your Wife or your husband (same-sex partnerships are also permitted if they are registered)

• Your underage, unmarried children

• When you yourself are a minor and are alone in Germany: then you can use your Parents or other legal guardians Get

 Siblings, grandparents or other relatives can only be included in Exceptional cases catch up - for example at a special hardness (e.g. if a family member's life is in danger). However, this exception is very difficult to get through. If you suspect such a case of hardship, it is best to seek legal advice.

New since March 2024:

If you belong to a certain professional group (e.g. senior executives, scientistsin, technicianin a research team, etc.), you can also, under certain conditions your parents or parents-in-law catch up. For this you need, among other things EU Blue Card or a Residence permit for self-employed persons. In addition, the Livelihood secured for all including health insurance.

What do I have to do for family reunification to work?

1. You have to earn enough money.
   You may No money from the job center or social welfare office get it. It's not a question of whether you want it - it's enough if you were entitled to it. You must therefore be able to provide for your whole family with your income. Exactly how much this needs to be depends on how many people are to join you.

2. Your apartment must be big enough.
   As a guideline:

   • 12 m² per person from 6 years

   • 10 m² for children under 6 years

   • Babies under 2 years are usually not included

   There are exceptions - e.g. for skilled workers with certain residence permits (e.g. Blue Card, researchers, teachers, etc.). These must no proof of residence provide. This rule applies until the end of 2028.

3. You need health insurance for everyone.
   The best way to do this is via a Family insurance. You can find more information on this in the "Health insurance" chapter.

4. Youre Spousein must speak German - at least at A1 level.
   This requires an official language certificate. For children:

   • Under 16 years of age: No language certificate required

   • Over 16 years: German at C1 level or a school/training qualification

   There are Exceptions from the language requirement, e.g:

   • If you have a EU Blue Card have

   • If youre Partnerinto a academic degree has

   • If your family comes from certain countries (e.g. USA, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, etc.)

   • If there is no possibility to learn German or get a certificate in your country (Hardship regulation)

   • With Illness or disability (with certificate)

What if I am a German citizen?

Then it will be easier!
You must do not provethat you earn enough money or have a large apartment. But the German language skills of your family nevertheless remain a prerequisite.

Where and how is the application submitted?

Your family must submit the application at the German embassy or consulate in their home country (or where they currently live) personally. For this you need:

1. One Date at the embassy

2. A stack Documents (see below)

After the appointment, the embassy sends the application to the Immigration office in Germany. It checks everything, writes a statement - and the whole thing can be take a long timeoften several months, sometimes even over a year.

If everything fits, your family will receive a Visa and can enter the country legally.

What documents does my family need for the embassy appointment?

At least these:

• The appointment confirmation from the embassy

• Visa applications for all persons

• Birth certificates, marriage certificate

• Extract from the family register (if available)

• Passports

• 2 biometric passport photos per person

• Your residence permit (copy)

All foreign documents must translated into German and possibly legalized (notarized). Information on this can be found on the website of the respective embassy.

Important: The message can also be Request further documents - so it is best to visit the Website of the embassy to see what exactly is needed.

What to do if the application is rejected?

If the foreigners authority rejects the application, the embassy will inform you in writing - usually with a reason (e.g. suspicion of a fictitious marriage).

Then you have two options:

1. Lodge an objection (within 1 month) - directly at the embassy.
   Your family writes why they think the rejection is wrong. Then everything will be checked again.

2. File a complaint with the administrative court in Berlin (within 4 weeks).
   This is best done by ae lawyerin. If you want legal advice, get help beforehand.

What happens when my family arrives in Germany?

After your arrival, your family must

1. At the Residents' Registration Office register

2. With the Immigration office report - there they get their Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification

You can already check these dates before entering the country book online.

If you school-age children you also have to register for school. You can find more information on this in the "School" chapter.