Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You can bring your family members to Germany under EU freedom of movement law, which is significantly more favorable than standard German family reunification rules. The process differs depending on whether your family member is an EU/EEA citizen or a third-country national.
For EU/EEA Family Members
If your family member is a citizen of an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, they do not need a visa or residence permit. They can move to Germany immediately and live with you.
Step 1: Register Your Residence in Germany
Before your family member arrives, ensure you are registered at your local residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). You'll need:
- Your passport or ID card
- Proof of your address in Germany (rental agreement or landlord confirmation)
Step 2: Your Family Member Arrives and Registers
Your family member can enter Germany freely with their valid passport. Within 14 days of arrival, they must register their address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt. They'll need:
- Their valid passport
- Proof of their address (the same as yours, typically)
That's it. EU/EEA family members have the same right to work, study, and reside in Germany as you do.
For Third-Country National Family Members (Visa Required)
If your family member is not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, they must obtain a visa before traveling to Germany, unless they are a citizen of one of these visa-exempt countries: Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect the following documents:
For you (the EU citizen sponsor):
- Copy of your passport or ID card
- Proof of residence in Germany (a Meldebescheinigung, or residence registration certificate, obtained from your local Einwohnermeldeamt)
- If you are not working: proof of health insurance valid in Germany and proof of adequate means of subsistence (bank statements, pension documents, or a letter from a sponsor)
- If you are working: a copy of your employment contract or proof of self-employment
For your family member:
- Valid passport (with at least 2 empty pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay)
- Completed visa application form (available from the German embassy or consulate website)
- Two biometric passport photos (35mm × 45mm, not older than 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, registered partnership certificate, or adoption papers)
- Proof of health insurance coverage valid in Germany
- If applicable: proof of financial resources to avoid becoming a burden on public funds (bank statements, employment letter, or sponsor declaration)
Document Authentication: Documents issued outside Germany typically require an apostille (international certification) and may need to be translated into German. Contact your local German embassy or consulate to confirm requirements for your specific country.
Step 2: Apply for a Visa at the German Embassy or Consulate
Submit your application at the German embassy or consulate in your family member's country of origin or permanent residence. You can apply online via the Consular Services Portal or submit documents in person.
What to expect:
- Appointment availability can take weeks to months, especially in countries with high application volumes
- Processing typically takes 1–3 months officially, but practical experience shows 3–6 months is more realistic
- Applications requiring additional background checks or document verification may take 2–3 months longer
Step 3: Receive the Visa
Once approved, your family member will receive a family reunification visa in their passport. This visa is valid for entry into Germany and allows them to apply for a residence permit after arrival.
Step 4: Register Residence in Germany
After arriving in Germany with the visa, your family member must:
- Register their address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days
- Apply in person for a residence permit at the local foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) within 90 days of arrival
Documents needed for the residence permit application:
- Valid passport with the family reunification visa
- Proof of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- Proof of health insurance
- Your proof of residence and employment/means of subsistence
The residence permit is typically issued within 4–6 weeks.
For Visa-Exempt Third-Country Nationals
If your family member is a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, or the United States, they can enter Germany without a visa.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Gather the same documents listed above for visa-required applicants, except the visa application form.
Step 2: Your Family Member Enters Germany
They can enter Germany with their valid passport (no visa needed) and stay for up to 90 days without a residence permit.
Step 3: Apply for a Residence Permit
Within 90 days of arrival, your family member must apply in person at the local Ausländerbehörde for a residence permit. Bring:
- Valid passport
- Proof of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of relationship to you
- Your proof of residence and employment/means of subsistence
The residence permit is typically issued within 4–6 weeks.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Family reunification visa | Free |
| Residence permit (family members of EU/EEA citizens) | €10–28 (varies by state and age) |
| Residence registration (Einwohnermeldeamt) | Free |
| Residence registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) | €0–10 (varies by municipality) |
| Document apostille | €5–25 per document (varies by country) |
| Document translation | €50–200+ (varies by length and language) |
Total estimate: €0–300, depending on whether documents require apostille and translation.
Does not include: Travel costs, health insurance premiums, accommodation, or any costs related to obtaining documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) in your family member's home country.
Processing Time
Visa Processing (Third-Country Nationals)
- Standard processing: 1–3 months officially; 3–6 months in practice
- With additional background checks: 2–3 months longer (common for applicants from India, China, Middle East, and Africa)
- Appointment scheduling: Can take weeks to months, particularly in countries with high application volumes
Key factors affecting speed:
- Completeness of your application (missing documents cause delays)
- Your family member's country of origin (some embassies have higher backlogs)
- Background check requirements
- Embassy staffing levels
Residence Permit Processing (After Arrival)
- Standard processing: 4–6 weeks after application at the Ausländerbehörde
Total Timeline
For EU/EEA family members: 2–4 weeks (registration only)
For third-country nationals (visa required): 4–9 months total
- 3–6 months for visa processing
- 2–4 weeks for residence registration
- 4–6 weeks for residence permit issuance
For visa-exempt third-country nationals: 2–3 months total
- Up to 90 days to apply for residence permit after arrival
- 4–6 weeks for residence permit issuance
Document Validity
- Passports: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- Residence permits: Valid for 5 years (or the planned duration of stay if shorter)
- Permanent residence card: Issued after 5 years of lawful residence; valid indefinitely