Family Reunion Visa (Ehegattennachzug)

The family reunion visa (Familiennachzug or Visum zur Familienzusammenführung) is a national Type D long-stay visa that permits non-EU spouses and minor children to join family members legally residing in Germany. This pathway is constitutionally protected under Article 6 of the German Basic Law and governed by Sections 27–36 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz).

The visa is designed for people in a committed legal relationship with someone already in Germany—whether a German citizen, an EU citizen, or a third-country national with a valid residence permit. Once you arrive and register your address, you apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) that grants you the right to live, work, and access social services in Germany.

This pathway remains active and accepting applications as of March 2026. In 2025, Germany approved 101,756 family reunification visas, with approximately 44% for spouses and 37% for children.

Skilled Immigration Act Updates (1 March 2024)

Families of certain skilled workers with permits issued after 1 March 2024 are now exempt from proving sufficient living space and financial self-sufficiency. This applies to EU Blue Card holders and other skilled worker categories, significantly streamlining the application process for this group.

Subsidiary Protection Suspension (24 July 2025 – 23 July 2027)

Germany suspended family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection for two years. During this period:

• Maximum of 1,000 visas per month for subsidiary protection holders
• Narrow exceptions only for cases of exceptional hardship under §22 and §23 of the Residence Act
• This suspension does not affect German citizens, EU citizens, or third-country nationals with other residence permits

In January 2026, the Berlin Administrative Court ruled on the suspension, finding it does not violate EU law or the German Basic Law. However, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) has committed to challenging the suspension through German courts, and litigation is expected to continue.

Upon Visa Issuance

• Right to enter Germany and the Schengen area
• Right to apply for a residence permit upon arrival

Upon Residence Permit Issuance

Work rights:

• Immediate work rights upon residence permit issuance—no additional permits needed
• Full-time work without restrictions
• Children gain access to education and vocational training

Social benefits:

• Access to German healthcare system
• Eligibility for Kindergeld (child benefit of €255 per child per month) (if applicable)
• Access to integration courses and German language training (often BAMF-funded)

Residence permit validity:

• Residence permit is typically valid for the same duration as the sponsor's permit
• Permits are usually issued for 1–3 years initially and must be renewed before expiry
• Children automatically receive a permanent residence permit (settlement permit) at age 16 if they have held a residence permit for 5 years

Pathway to Permanent Status

Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis):

• Available after 5 years of continuous residence with a family reunion permit
• Requirements: 5 years uninterrupted residence, integration in German society, C1-level German language proficiency, sufficient resources, health insurance, adequate housing, and 60 months of social security contributions

German Citizenship:

• Available after 5 years of uninterrupted residence with a family reunion permit
• Requirements: integration in German society, C1-level German language proficiency, and renunciation of previous nationality (with limited exceptions)