Family Reunion Visa (EU Citizen)

The family reunion visa for EU citizens in Germany allows you to bring eligible family members to live with you if you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen exercising freedom of movement rights in Germany. This pathway operates under EU law (the Freedom of Movement Act/EU), not German national immigration law, which means the requirements are significantly more favorable than family reunification for third-country nationals or German citizens. You do not need to prove language skills, and financial documentation is minimal if you are employed. Family members do not pay visa fees. EU and EEA family members can move to Germany immediately without applying for a visa or residence permit; third-country national family members must obtain a residence permit, though some nationalities can enter visa-free.

This pathway is distinct from family reunification under German national law (the Residence Act), which applies to German citizens and third-country nationals and carries stricter requirements including language proficiency and higher income thresholds.

If Your Family Member Is an EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen

No visa or residence permit is required. Your family member can move to Germany and live with you freely, with the same rights to work and reside as any other EU citizen. They simply register their residence at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) after arrival.

If Your Family Member Is a Third-Country National

Your family member must obtain a residence permit. However, the process depends on their nationality:

Visa-exempt nationals (Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States): These citizens may enter Germany without a visa and apply for the residence permit directly at the local foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) after arrival.

Visa-required nationals (all other third-country nationals): Your family member must apply for a family reunification visa at the German embassy or consulate in their country of origin or permanent residence before traveling to Germany.

No language skills are required for family members of EU citizens. This is a major advantage over family reunification for spouses of third-country nationals or German citizens, who must prove A1-level German language proficiency.

If you are employed or self-employed: No strict financial or accommodation documentation is required. Your employment or self-employment status is sufficient.

If you are not working (for example, you are a student or pensioner): You must demonstrate adequate health insurance coverage and adequate means of subsistence to support yourself and your family member. These resources do not necessarily need to come from you alone—they may be provided by the family member joining or from another source (such as savings, family support, or scholarships).

For EU/EEA/Swiss Family Members

• Right to work and self-employment without restrictions or work permits
• Right to reside in Germany indefinitely, subject to freedom of movement conditions
• Access to social benefits and services on equal terms with German citizens
• Right to move to other EU countries under the same freedom of movement rules

For Third-Country National Family Members

• Right to work and self-employment in Germany
• Right to reside in Germany for the duration of the residence card (typically 5 years)
• Access to social benefits and services on equal terms with you as the EU citizen sponsor
• Residence card as a travel document: The residence card, together with the travel document specified in it, is sufficient for crossing borders in all Schengen countries; no separate visa is needed for travel within the Schengen area

Permanent Residence

After living lawfully with you in Germany for an uninterrupted five-year period, your family member has an indefinite (permanent) right of residence. A permanent residence card is issued within six months of application. This right is automatic and requires no additional conditions beyond the residence card application.

Residence Card Validity

The residence card is valid for 5 years (or the planned duration of stay if shorter). Entry to Germany does not depend on which EU Member State issued the residence card.