Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a German citizen or in a recognized registered partnership with one?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live with your family
You can live in Germany with your German family member while your permit is valid.
Study and learn German
You can study or train in Germany if you meet the school or training provider’s admission rules.
If you are expected to stay permanently, you normally have a one-time right to an integration course, which generally expires one year after your permit is issued.
It does not apply if you speak sufficient German, clearly need little integration support, or are in school.
Work in Germany
Holders can generally work without restrictions, but their residence document states whether work is allowed and any limits.
Visit Schengen countries
With a valid passport and German residence permit, you can visit other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if you meet their entry rules.
Permanent residence after three years
You can normally qualify for permanent residence after three years.
Your family life with your German family member must continue, you must speak sufficient German, and there must be no reason to expel you.
Other settlement conditions also apply.
Use public healthcare
Employees are normally covered by public health insurance through their work.
If you have no other coverage, a permit valid for more than 12 months may allow you to join, if you meet the insurance rules.
Get financial support
You may qualify for financial support if you are at least 15, able to work, in need and usually live in Germany. Your household’s income and other rules also matter.
How to apply
From outside GermanyFrom outside Germany
Find your consulate
Find the German embassy or consulate responsible for the place where you normally live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which German embassy or consulate handles family reunification visas for people living in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsFill in your application
Create an account on the Consular Services Portal, fill in your family reunification visa application and upload the requested scans.
Fill in your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in a Germany family reunification visa application on the Consular Services Portal?”
Submit your application
Submit your online application to the consulate responsible for where you live. If it does not offer this application online, you can apply on paper through its appointment system or an authorised visa service provider.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Germany family reunification visa application on the Consular Services Portal?”
Book an appointment
After the initial check of your online application, book an appointment through the portal. For a paper application, book through your consulate's appointment system or its authorised visa service provider.
Book an appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Germany family reunification visa appointment on the Consular Services Portal?”
Go to your appointment
Bring the requested original documents and copies to your appointment, give your fingerprints and photograph, and answer any questions. Pay the visa fee there; ask your consulate which payment methods it accepts.
Prepare for your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at a Germany family reunification visa appointment?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate's decision and respond if it asks for more information or documents. You can check your portal account for updates and next steps.
Check your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check my Germany family reunification visa application on the Consular Services Portal?”
Travel to Germany
After your visa is approved, enter Germany while it is valid and move in with your German spouse or partner.
Plan your arrivalSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Germany with a family reunification visa for a German spouse?”
Once in GermanyOnce in Germany
Register your address
After moving in, register your address at the local residents' registration office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I register my address for family reunification in Germany in your city?”
Find your local office
Find the foreigners office responsible for your address in Germany.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which foreigners office handles family reunification residence permits in your city, Germany?”
Apply for your permit
Before your visa expires, apply in person at your local foreigners office for a residence permit. Bring your passport and the original or additional documents the office asks for; the permit lets you stay in Germany with your spouse or partner.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for a family reunification residence permit for a German spouse at the foreigners office in your city, Germany?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate
Get your marriage certificate or the certificate of your registered civil partnership. Bring the original and any copies your office asks for.
Spouse's citizenship records
Provide your German spouse or partner's German passport or a certified copy. Your office can tell you how it wants the copy prepared.
Proof of relationship *
Provide the evidence your office asks for to show that your relationship is continuing. Your office can tell you what to submit.
* Only if your office asks for evidence of your continuing relationship.
Spouse's residence record *
Provide evidence of your German spouse or partner's residence in Germany. Ask your office which record it accepts.
* Only if your office asks for proof of your spouse or partner's residence.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit and course duties
Keep a valid passport and renew your permit before it expires.
If the authorities require an integration course, you must attend; some education situations and permanent impossibility or unreasonableness are exempt.
Failing to attend can affect official decisions.
Residence permit can end
Your permit can end or be taken away when it expires, if it is withdrawn or revoked, or if you are expelled.
It can also end if you leave Germany permanently or normally if you stay abroad for six months, unless the authorities allow longer.
Special protections apply to some long-term residents and spouses of German citizens.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Job seeker Visa/Blue card/Dependent visa/ Work Permit - Germany
English Facebook group for people living in Germany interested in German visas
Join on FacebookFamily reunion visa for germany
English Facebook group for people living in Germany interested in German visas
Request to joinFAMILY REUNION VISA FOR GERMANY- only authentic information
English Facebook group for people living in Germany interested in German visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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