Bringing a non-EU spouse or partner to Germany is one of the most important immigration steps many expats face. This spouse/partner immigration guide explains how Familienzusammenführung (family reunification) works, which rules apply to Ehegattennachzug, and what you must prepare to bring your partner to Germany legally and smoothly.[2][3][4]
Understanding Familienzusammenführung and Ehegattennachzug
Familienzusammenführung is the legal framework that allows close family members to join a relative who already lives in Germany with a residence status. It covers spouses, registered partners, minor children, and in some cases parents.[1][2][4] When you bring your husband, wife, or registered partner to Germany, this is called Ehegattennachzug (spouse immigration or spouse reunification).[2][3]
For most non-EU citizens, spouse/partner immigration requires a national long-stay visa (category D) for family reunion, issued by the German embassy or consulate abroad.[3][5][6] After entering Germany with this visa, your partner then applies for a residence permit for family reasons at the local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ office).[1][2] The right to Familienzusammenführung depends on your residence status, proof of a genuine relationship, sufficient living space, and secure livelihood, plus language requirements for many spouses.[2][3][4]
The exact conditions differ if you are a German citizen, an EU citizen, or a non-EU professional on a residence permit such as an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit.[2][3][4] Therefore, it is essential to identify your own status first and then follow the specific spouse/partner immigration rules that apply to your case.[2][3]
Who can qualify for spouse/partner immigration to Germany?
Spouse/partner immigration to Germany is only granted to clearly defined types of relationships. The core group includes legally married spouses and registered life partners, including same-sex registered partners where the partnership is legally recognized.[1][2][4] German law treats registered same-sex partnerships now essentially like marriages for family reunification purposes.[4]
Unmarried partners only qualify in limited constellations, mainly under EU freedom of movement rules when joining an EU citizen, or in rare hardship or long-term relationship cases. These are much harder to prove and are not an automatic right.[2][3] In most situations involving a non-EU partner, the safest path is a legally recognized marriage or registered civil partnership that can be documented with official certificates.[1][3]
The relationship must be genuine and not a sham marriage arranged only to obtain residence rights.[3] Embassies and Ausländerbehörde can ask for additional evidence such as photos, communication records, or shared leases if they suspect a marriage of convenience. Both spouses or partners must usually intend to live together in Germany in a shared household.[1][2]
Are marriage or registered partnership required, and what about age limits?
For classic Ehegattennachzug under German law, the couple must be legally married or in a recognized registered partnership. The marriage or partnership must be valid under the law of the country where it was concluded and must be recognized by Germany.[1][2][3] Religious-only marriages without civil registration normally do not qualify for spouse/partner immigration to Germany.[3]
There is also a clear minimum age rule. For the spouse/partner immigration of third-country nationals, both spouses must generally be at least 18 years old.[2][3] This requirement aims to protect against forced marriages and ensure that both partners can make independent decisions.
Couples who are engaged but not yet married usually cannot use Familienzusammenführung and must consider another visa route, such as a national visa for another purpose and then marry in Germany later. However, that route can be complicated and may not be accepted in all cases. Therefore, it is usually simpler to marry first and then apply for Ehegattennachzug using this spouse/partner immigration guide as your roadmap.[3]
German language requirement (A1): when is it needed and when not?
One of the most common questions in spouse/partner immigration is the German language requirement. In many cases, the joining spouse must prove basic German skills at A1 level before getting the visa.[2][3][4] This is usually done with a certificate from a recognized provider such as Goethe-Institut.
According to official guidance, spouses must generally be able to communicate in German in everyday situations at a simple level.[2][4] However, there are important exceptions. For example, the A1 requirement does not apply if the spouse is joining an EU Blue Card holder, certain highly qualified workers, or in some cases when joining a German citizen or a refugee with protection status.[2][3][4] There may also be exemptions where language learning is permanently impossible due to illness or disability.[1][4]
Additionally, in some family reunification scenarios for skilled workers, it is accepted that the spouse learns German after arrival in Germany instead of before.[2] You should always check the specific requirements of your responsible German mission abroad and, if needed, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) pages on family reunification.[2][4] If your case might qualify for an exemption, mention that clearly in your application and attach supporting documents.
Income, housing, and health insurance: what you must prove
A key part of spouse/partner immigration is showing that you can support your family without relying on German social welfare. In most cases, the sponsor in Germany must prove a secured livelihood (gesicherter Lebensunterhalt).[1][2][3] This usually means income from employment, self-employment, or other legal sources that cover rent, living costs, and health insurance.
For employed sponsors, authorities typically ask for an employment contract, confirmation from the employer, and salary slips from the last several months.[1][3] Self-employed sponsors may need tax assessments, an audit report, and business registration documents.[1][3] Exact income thresholds are not fixed nationwide but must at least cover standard living expenses for all household members without claiming Bürgergeld or similar benefits.
Additionally, you must show adequate living space, usually proven by a rental contract and a confirmation of move-in from the landlord.[1][2][3] Health insurance coverage for the spouse is mandatory. If the sponsor is in the public system, the spouse may be covered under family insurance without extra premiums, provided certain conditions are met.[1] With private insurance, you must demonstrate suitable coverage for the arriving partner, which can increase monthly costs.
Step-by-step: how the spouse/partner immigration process works
The spouse/partner immigration process usually starts outside Germany. Your non-EU spouse or partner applies for a national visa for family reunion at the responsible German embassy or consulate in their country of residence.[3][5][6] Many missions now use an online portal where you book an appointment and fill the application form.[5][6]
Typical required documents include the visa application form, a valid passport, biometric photos, marriage or partnership certificate, proof of relationship, and evidence of your residence status in Germany.[3][5][6][7] You also submit proof of income, adequate housing, health insurance and, if applicable, the A1 language certificate.[3] Visa fee levels are usually around the standard long-term visa fee, but you should confirm the exact amount with the embassy.
After the application, the embassy often consults the local Ausländerbehörde in your German city. That office may ask you directly for documents about your income, rental contract, and status.[1][2] Once both authorities agree, the visa is issued and usually valid for a few months, allowing single or multiple entries. After arrival, your spouse registers their address, obtains a Meldebescheinigung, and applies for a residence permit for family reunification at the Ausländerbehörde.[1][2]
How long does approval take and what are the main timelines?
Processing times for spouse/partner immigration vary widely between countries and even embassies. In practice, many expats experience waiting times of several weeks to several months from visa application to decision. The embassy must coordinate with the Ausländerbehörde, which adds to the timeline.[2][3][9]
Simple cases with complete documentation and clear income, housing, and language proof tend to be quicker. More complex cases, such as unclear marriage recognition, incomplete documents, or security checks, can lead to delays. Some families report three to six months before the spouse visa is issued, especially in high-demand regions.[3][9]
After arrival, the local residence permit for family reasons is usually granted for the same duration as the sponsor’s permit or up to a typical initial term such as one to three years.[1][2] It is important to book an Ausländerbehörde appointment early, since local waiting times can be several weeks. Plan your spouse/partner immigration with these timelines in mind to avoid long periods apart.
Work rights: can your spouse or partner work immediately?
Many professionals ask whether their partner can work in Germany straight away. For most family reunion residence permits, the law allows the spouse broad access to the labour market once the residence permit is issued.[2][3] In many cases, the residence sticker or card will state that employment is permitted.
Depending on the visa wording, some spouses may be allowed to start work immediately upon arrival if the visa already includes work authorization. In other situations, employment is permitted only after the residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde is issued, which can take some weeks after registration.[3][9] It is therefore wise to read the visa label and residence document carefully.
Spouses of EU Blue Card holders and many skilled workers usually receive unrestricted access to employment, including self-employment, under family reunification rules.[2][3] This broad work permission is one of the key advantages of spouse/partner immigration compared with many other visa categories and makes Germany attractive for dual-career couples.[2][3]
Common mistakes and edge cases in spouse/partner immigration
Spouse/partner immigration applications often fail for avoidable reasons. One of the biggest mistakes is submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents. Missing pages in passports, unclear marriage certificates, or unproved income can lead to rejection or long delays.[3][9] Always follow the document checklist of your specific embassy and double-check translations and legalizations.
Another pitfall is assuming that an informal or religious marriage will be accepted when it is not recognized under civil law. In such cases, the authorities may ask for a civil marriage certificate or refuse the application.[3] Couples with significant age differences, short relationship histories, or no shared language sometimes face increased scrutiny for suspected sham marriage.
Edge cases include sponsors on student visas, job-seeker visas, or other temporary permits. Students can in principle bring spouses, but must still prove sufficient income and health insurance, which can be difficult on limited budgets.[8] Refugees, people with humanitarian protection, or German citizens may benefit from slightly different, sometimes more favourable rules regarding language and income, so these groups should check BAMF and Federal Foreign Office guidance carefully.[2][4][9]
Where to find official information and when to seek help
Because spouse/partner immigration rules can change, always verify details with official sources. Key websites include the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) for family reunification rules, the Federal Government Commissioner for Integration for language and exception rules, and the Federal Foreign Office for visa procedures and embassy contacts.[2][4][9] These sites provide authoritative information, application forms, and FAQs.
You can also check your local German mission’s website for specific country procedures and appointment booking.[5][6] After arrival, the Ausländerbehörde in your city becomes your main contact for residence permits. For complex cases, such as unusual partnerships, prior visa refusals, or unclear income, consider consulting a specialized immigration lawyer or a certified migration advisory service before applying.[1][3]
If you are planning other immigration steps, spouse/partner immigration may interact with topics like Permanent Residence Guide, German Citizenship Pathways, or EU Blue Card in Germany. Align your long-term plan with your partner’s status so that both of you can move toward secure residence and, if desired, citizenship in Germany.
