Family reunification is one of the most common reasons for immigrating to Germany. Its legal basis is set out in German residence law: the right to reunification belongs to the spouse and minor children of a person legally residing in Germany, and, in certain situations, also to the parents of minors.
Who Is Entitled to Reunification
- spouses of German citizens or of foreigners holding a valid residence permit;
- minor children;
- in certain cases — the parents of a minor child residing in Germany.
Language Requirements
Spouses are generally required to hold an A1-level German language certificate. Children under 16 are usually exempt from this requirement. Exceptions apply for spouses of EU citizens, highly qualified professionals (including EU Blue Card holders), and people with medical conditions that prevent them from learning the language.
Financial Requirements
The sponsoring person must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family without relying on social assistance. The specific amounts vary depending on family size and region of residence. When reuniting with a German citizen, the income requirements may be less strict.
Besides the sponsor's income, sufficient housing and health insurance must also be demonstrated — it's worth preparing these documents in advance so as not to delay the application.
Processing Time
From submitting the visa documents to moving to Germany, the procedure usually takes two to six months. In more complex cases — for example, where additional verification of marriage or kinship documents is needed — it can take longer.
Additional Requirements
A marriage recognized in Germany is a mandatory condition for spousal reunification. If the marriage was concluded abroad, additional legalization or apostille of the documents may be required.
Conclusion
The family reunification procedure requires careful document preparation and takes individual circumstances into account — from the sponsor's status to the country where the marriage was concluded. We can help determine the exact list of requirements for your situation and prepare the set of documents for the application.
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All rights reserved. Copying or republishing this article requires a link to the original source.
