Family reunification visa (Familienzusammenführung) allows the family members of people living legally in Germany to join them. The rules differ depending on who is already in Germany (EU citizen, German citizen, or non-EU national with a residence permit), and which family members are joining. Here is the complete overview.
Joining a German Citizen or EU Citizen
Spouse/civil partner joining a German citizen: the most straightforward family reunification route. Requirements: the German citizen must be registered (Anmeldebestätigung) in Germany and have sufficient income to support the family (roughly: net income above the welfare threshold for a household of two — approximately €1,500–2,000/month net depending on circumstances); adequate housing (Wohnraum) — enough space for the additional family member; the applying spouse must pass a German language test at A1 level before applying at the German consulate in their home country (the “language requirement for family reunification” — Sprachkenntnisse). The A1 requirement exceptions: if you are applying from countries with which Germany has bilateral agreements; if your spouse is a German national who lived abroad for more than 5 years and you are integrating as a family unit; if your spouse has a specific disability; if learning German in your home country is unreasonably difficult (demonstrated to the consulate). The process: apply at the German embassy/consulate in your home country; submit proof of relationship (marriage certificate, officially translated); proof of German partner’s registration and income; the German partner may need to appear in person or submit a declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung — a formal declaration of financial responsibility). Processing time: 3–12 months depending on the consulate (some countries have significant backlogs). On arrival: you receive a visa allowing entry; within 90 days, apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the Ausländerbehörde.
Joining a Non-EU Resident
If your spouse or parent in Germany has a non-German, non-EU residence permit (for work, study, or other purposes), family reunification is possible but subject to additional requirements. The requirements broadly mirror those for joining a German citizen (income, housing, A1 language) but with an additional requirement: the person already in Germany must have a residence permit of a qualifying type. Holders of the following permits may apply for family reunification: Blue Card (EU Blue Card, Blaue Karte EU) — family reunification is explicitly facilitated; typically faster processing; no A1 German language requirement for spouses. Work/employment permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Erwerbstätigkeit) — family reunification allowed after 12 months of residence. Study permit — family reunification is limited: your study income may not meet the income threshold. Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence) or Blaue Karte after 33/21 months — full family reunification rights. Important: if the person in Germany changes their residence permit type (e.g., from student to employee), this can affect the family member’s permit as well. Children: a child under 16 can join either parent without a German language requirement; a child 16+ is subject to the A1 language requirement and/or must demonstrate they can integrate (language knowledge).
Timeline and Documents Checklist
Typical documents needed (varies by consulate): completed visa application form; valid passport (6+ months validity); biometric photo; marriage/birth certificates (officially translated and, in some countries, apostilled); proof of relationship (photos, correspondence, joint accounts); proof of accommodation in Germany (Wohnraum — a Mietvertrag rental contract or Eigentumsnachweis ownership proof); proof of income of the person in Germany (pay slips, employment contract, tax return); health insurance confirmation for the applicant; A1 language certificate (if required); visa application fee (€75). The two biggest delays: 1) delays at the consulate (especially in India, China, Iran, and other high-volume countries — appointments can be 6–18 months away; the official appointment systems are notoriously overloaded); 2) translation and apostille requirements for documents — in some countries this takes months. Planning timeline: start the document preparation and consulate appointment process at least 12–18 months before the target reunification date in countries with known backlogs.
