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The **family reunion visa** allows expats in Germany to bring spouses and children to join them. This guide covers all requirements, from documents to timelines, helping professionals reunite with family quickly.
Who Qualifies for Germany’s Family Reunion Visa?
Eligibility for the **family reunion visa** depends on your relationship to the sponsor in Germany. Spouses, registered partners, and minor children under 18 typically qualify. Parents can join if their child in Germany is a minor.[2][4]
Sponsors must be German citizens, EU citizens, or third-country nationals with a valid residence permit like an EU Blue Card or settlement permit. They need to prove financial stability, adequate housing, and health insurance.[1][3]
For example, if you hold an EU Blue Card as a highly skilled professional, your spouse may skip the language test. In contrast, standard cases require A1 German for spouses. Children under 16 usually do not need language proof.[1][2]
Edge cases include dependent children over 16, who must show integration potential or basic German. Hardship situations, like disability, can waive requirements.[3]
Check official rules at the BAMF website for updates.[8]
What is Ehegattennachzug vs Kindernachzug?
**Ehegattennachzug** refers to spousal family reunion for spouses or registered partners. It requires proof of marriage and often A1 German skills.[1][4]
**Kindernachzug** covers children joining parents. Minor, unmarried kids under 18 qualify easily if both parents live in Germany or with custody proof.[2][3]
For Ehegattennachzug, authorities verify the marriage is genuine to prevent sham unions. Kindernachzug needs birth certificates and, if one parent is absent, consent or custody documents.[2]
In practice, expats with jobs in Germany use Ehegattennachzug to bring partners first. Then, they apply for Kindernachzug for kids. This sequence avoids delays.[1]
Compare: Spouses face language hurdles; children focus on custody. Both need sponsor’s residence proof.[4]
Required Documents for Family Reunion Visa Applications
Gather these core documents for a **family reunion visa** application. Start with a valid passport issued within 10 years, valid for 3+ months post-stay.[1][2]
Include two biometric photos (35x45mm, recent), completed VIDEX form, and proof of relationship: marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children. All need German/English translation if in another language.[3][4]
Sponsor provides residence permit copy, employment contract, last 3 payslips, rental agreement showing space (at least 12m² per adult, 10m² per child), and Meldebescheinigung.[1][2]
Health insurance and financial proof are mandatory. Visa fee is €75, paid at the embassy.[4]
Common mistake: untranslated documents. Always use embassy-approved translators. Visit Diplo visa portal for forms.[6]
Does Your Spouse Need A1 German Language Skills?
Yes, spouses applying for **family reunion visa** usually need A1 German certification from approved tests like Goethe-Institut.[1][3]
Exemptions apply for EU Blue Card holders, researchers, self-employed, or highly qualified spouses. Also waived for those with university degrees taught in German or hardship cases like illness.[3][7]
Children 16+ may need basic German or integration proof via education. Under 16, no language test required.[2][3]
Prepare early: Courses take 4-8 weeks. Certificates cost €100-200. Failing means reapplication delays.[1]
For expats, this rule pushes partners to learn basics before arrival, aiding integration. See [INTERNAL: German Language Courses Guide] for options.
How Much Minimum Income is Required for Sponsors?
Sponsors must prove sufficient income without public funds reliance for **family reunion visa**. No fixed minimum, but guidelines suggest €1,500-2,000 net monthly for a couple, plus €300-500 per child.[1][3]
Show via employment contract, payslips (last 3-6 months), or bank statements. Self-employed need tax returns.[2]
For EU Blue Card holders, lower thresholds apply due to high-skill status. Housing must fit: 12m²/adult, 10m²/child.[1]
Example: A software engineer earning €4,000 gross (≈€2,500 net) easily qualifies for spouse and one child. Unemployment blocks approval.[4]
Mistake: Using projected income. Submit current proofs only. Link to [INTERNAL: Cost of Living in Germany] for budgeting.
Step-by-Step Process: Can You Apply Before Arrival?
You cannot apply for the **family reunion visa** from inside Germany; do it at the German embassy/consulate in your home country before arrival.[1][5]
Step 1: Sponsor gathers documents in Germany. Step 2: Book appointment online via embassy site (wait 1-6 months).[6]
Step 3: Submit application, attend interview. Pay €75. Processing takes 3-6 months.[4]
Step 4: If approved, get D-visa (3-12 months valid). Enter Germany, then apply for residence permit at Ausländerbehörde within 90 days.[3]
Pro tip: Start 6-9 months early. Use VFS Global for some countries. Official site: Germany Visa.org.[4]
Appointment Wait Times and Processing Timelines
Embassy appointments for **family reunion visa** take 1-6 months, varying by country. High-demand areas like India or China hit 4-6 months.[1][2]
Visa processing post-submission: 8-12 weeks average, up to 3-6 months if documents need verification.[4]
After arrival, residence permit at local office: 4-8 weeks. Total from application to full permit: 4-9 months.[3]
Delays from incomplete docs or interviews add 1-2 months. Track via embassy portal. COVID-era backlogs have eased by 2025.[1]
Scenario: Apply in January, arrive May, settled by July. Plan job stability accordingly.
Health Insurance and Living Space Requirements Explained
**Family reunion visa** demands travel health insurance for entry (covering €30,000 minimum).[1][3]
Post-arrival, full German health insurance is required for residence permit. Spouses can join sponsor’s public insurance if eligible (family insurance free).[3][9]
Living space: Proof via rental contract. Minimum 12m² per adult, 10m² per child, no overcrowding.[1]
Costs: Public insurance €200-400/month per adult initially. Private options for expats via providers like Feather.Feather Insurance.[9]
Mistake: Forgetting statutory insurance proof leads to rejection. See [INTERNAL: Healthcare & Insurance Guide].
Can Your Spouse Work After Family Reunion Visa Approval?
Yes, spouses on **family reunion visa** can work immediately upon residence permit issuance. No restrictions for most.[4]
They access job market like Germans: full-time, part-time, self-employment. Language helps but not mandatory for permit.[1]
After 3 years, if integrated (B1 German, no benefits), qualify for settlement permit. Leads to citizenship after 5 years total.[4]
Example: Spouse starts as freelancer while improving German. Benefits include Schengen travel (90/180 days).[4]
Tip: Enroll in integration course for faster path. Avoid public funds to prevent permit issues.
Common Mistakes, Edge Cases, and Costs to Avoid Pitfalls
Avoid delays in **family reunion visa** by double-checking translations and apostilles. Sham marriage suspicions trigger extra scrutiny.[2]
Edge cases: Single parents need custody proof; over-18 dependents rare, need hardship justification.[3]
Costs: Visa €75, translations €50-200/doc, A1 course €100-300, insurance €100-500 initial. Total €500-1,500.[1][4]
Consequences of errors: Refusal, 6-month reapply wait, appeal costs €200+. Use checklists from BAMF.
For professionals, time job offers with family plans. This guide arms you for success.
