Family Reunification Visa in Germany (Familienzusammenführung): Complete Guide

If you live in Germany as a worker, student, or permanent resident, your immediate family members (spouse, registered partner, and minor children) have the legal right to join you under the Family Reunification Visa (Familienzusammenführung).

This guide outlines eligibility criteria, language requirements, financial thresholds, and document requirements to ensure a smooth application.

Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsoring Resident

To sponsor a family member to live with you in Germany, the sponsor living in Germany must fulfill key conditions:

  • Valid Residence Permit: Hold an EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa, Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), or German/EU citizenship.
  • Sufficient Housing Space (Wohnraum): You must prove that your home is large enough. The general rule is at least 12 square meters per adult and 10 square meters per child under 6.
  • Sufficient Income & Healthcare: Proof that your salary can cover living costs for your entire family without relying on state welfare (Bürgergeld), plus comprehensive health insurance cover.

Spouse Reunification Requirements

German Language Requirement (A1 Level)

Generally, trailing spouses must provide proof of basic German skills (A1 level certificate from Goethe Institute, TELC, or ÖSD).

Exemptions from the A1 Language Requirement:

You are exempt from proving A1 German skills if:

  • The sponsor holds an EU Blue Card, ICT Card, or Skilled Worker Visa.
  • The spouse holds a university degree.
  • The spouse is a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, or the USA.
  • Exceptional hardship prevents language acquisition.

Minimum Age

Both spouses must be at least 18 years old at the time of visa application.

Child Reunification Requirements

Minor, unmarried children under the age of 18 can join their parents in Germany.

  • Children under 16: Granted family reunification automatically if both parents hold residence permits (or the single parent holding sole custody moves).
  • Children aged 16–17: Must either move simultaneously with parents, speak fluent German (C1 level), or demonstrate smooth integration potential.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Book Appointment: The joining family member books a visa appointment at the German Embassy or VFS Global center in their home country.
  2. Gather Required Documents:
    • Completed national visa application forms (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung).
    • Valid passports and passport photos.
    • Marriage certificate / Birth certificate (officially translated into German and apostilled).
    • Copy of sponsor’s German residence permit and passport.
    • Proof of housing (lease contract / Mietvertrag showing square footage).
    • Sponsor’s last 3 payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen) and employment contract.
    • Proof of health insurance coverage upon entry.
  3. Visa Processing & Arrival: Processing takes between 4 weeks to 3 months. Once approved, the family member receives a D-Visa to enter Germany.
  4. Post-Arrival Steps:

Need to register your family’s new home address? Check out our step-by-step guide to Anmeldung and German Visas!