Family Reunion Visa (Ehegattennachzug)

The German family reunion visa (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung) is a national Type D visa that allows foreign spouses and minor children to join family members legally residing in Germany. This pathway is governed by Section 27 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and is designed to protect marriage and family unity under Article 6 of the German Basic Law. The visa applies to non-EU nationals joining German citizens, EU citizens, or third-country nationals with valid residence permits in Germany.

This pathway remains active and accepting applications as of March 2026 with no expiration date. However, a critical suspension took effect on July 31, 2025: Germany suspended family reunification for most beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status. Between July 31 and December 31, 2025, only 2 hardship visas were granted out of 2,586 applications. This suspension does not affect spouses and children of German citizens, EU citizens, refugees with recognized asylum status, or third-country nationals with standard residence permits (such as skilled workers or Blue Card holders).

Skilled Immigration Act (March 1, 2024)

The Skilled Immigration Act introduced expanded family reunification rights. Spouses and children of skilled workers who received their residence permit after March 1, 2024, are exempt from proving sufficient living space and financial self-sufficiency requirements, though other requirements still apply. This significantly eases the pathway for highly skilled workers and their families.

Family Reunification Suspension for Subsidiary Protection (July 31, 2025)

Germany suspended family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status (Duldung or subsidiary protection under §4 AsylG). This suspension does not affect:

• Spouses and children of German citizens
• Spouses and children of EU citizens
• Spouses and children of refugees with recognized asylum status
• Spouses and children of third-country nationals with standard residence permits

Between July 31 and December 31, 2025, only 2 hardship visas were granted out of 2,586 applications. Hardship criteria are extremely strict, and critics argue the suspension amounts to a de-facto ban for this population.

EU Blue Card Salary Threshold Increase (January 1, 2026)

The EU Blue Card salary threshold rose to €45,934.20 for shortage occupations (IT, healthcare, etc.) and €50,700 for other occupations, affecting eligibility for fast-track family reunification for Blue Card holders.

• Right to enter and reside in Germany for the visa validity period (90 days to 12 months)
• Right to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days for tourism purposes
• Unrestricted work authorization (for spouses) upon residence permit issuance; no separate work permit required
• Access to education for children; teenagers may work part-time under youth employment rules (280 days part-time or 140 days full-time per year)
• Access to healthcare through mandatory health insurance
• Access to social benefits including child benefits, parental allowances, and family support (subject to income limits)
• Freedom of movement within the Schengen area with residence permit
• Pathway to permanent residency — after 5 years of continuous residence with a residence permit, eligible to apply for settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), granting indefinite residence
• Pathway to German citizenship — after 5 years of continuous residence (or 3 years for spouses of German citizens), eligible to apply for naturalization if German language (B1 level) and integration requirements are met
• Residence permit validity tied to sponsor's permit; typically valid for 1–3 years and renewable as long as sponsor maintains valid residence status and requirements continue to be met
• Children born in Germany to parents with valid residence permits automatically receive residence permits under Section 33 of the Residence Act