Family Reunification in Germany [English 2024 guide]

Living abroad can be an enriching experience full of new opportunities, but it can also bring its own set of challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of living in a foreign country is often the distance that separates you from your family.

The good news is that Germany recognizes family’s essential role in your well-being and offers a legal pathway for bringing your loved ones to join you. This process is known as family reunification.

While it may seem like a daunting task filled with bureaucracy and paperwork, rest assured that the family reunification process is manageable. In this article, we’ll delve into how family reunification in Germany works, what you need to do to prepare, and how to ensure a smooth transition for your family members.

What is Family Reunification in Germany?

Family reunification in Germany refers to the legal process that allows foreign nationals residing in Germany to bring their close family members to live with them. It serves as a cornerstone of Germany’s immigration policy, recognizing the fundamental importance of family unity for the well-being of individuals and communities.

Who is Eligible?

The eligibility for family reunification varies depending on your own status in Germany. Generally, if you are a German citizen or a non-EU/EEA national with a valid residence permit in Germany, you can apply for family reunification for your:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Minor children
• In some special cases, parents or adult children

Scope of Reunification

It’s essential to understand that each category of relatives may have its own set of requirements. For instance, spouses may need to prove they can communicate in German at a basic level, while children under 16 may not have such language requirements. Moreover, the German government will consider factors such as living arrangements and financial stability when assessing applications.

Why Germany Allows Family Reunification

Germany has a long-standing commitment to family cohesion, and this is reflected in its immigration policies. The country understands that having your family with you can significantly improve your quality of life. It acknowledges that family members provide emotional support, share responsibilities, and contribute to a stable and fulfilling life—benefits that can make your time in Germany even more rewarding.

Social Benefits for Expats

From a social standpoint, integrating into a new society can be an easier experience when you have your family by your side. For expats, the emotional toll of adjusting to a new culture and environment can be overwhelming. The presence of family can offer a sense of continuity and security, mitigating feelings of isolation or homesickness.

Psychological Well-Being

Psychological well-being is another important consideration. Emotional support from family is invaluable, and the assurance that your loved ones are nearby can boost your morale and overall mental health. This can be particularly important for children who may find adapting to a new environment challenging. Their smooth transition is not only beneficial for them but also for parents who can find peace of mind in their children’s well-being.

Strengthening Communities

Additionally, family reunification isn’t just good for the individuals involved—it’s beneficial for the community. Family members who come to Germany often contribute to society in various ways, whether by working, volunteering, or being engaged, active participants in their local communities.

Initial Requirements for Application

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand who is eligible for family reunification in Germany. The basic eligibility criteria depend on your current status in the country. If you are:

• A German citizen
• A non-EU/EEA national with a valid residence permit
• An EU/EEA national exercising your right to free movement

You generally have the right to apply for family reunification for your immediate family members.

Important Documents to Prepare

Understanding the documents you’ll need in advance can save you time and stress later on. Here are some commonly required documents:

• Passport or Identification documents for both you and the family member(s)
• Marriage certificate for spouses or registered partners
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of relationship, if required
• Evidence of a suitable living space (e.g., rental agreement)

Prioritize These Steps

To set yourself up for a successful application process:

1. Verify Your Legal Status: Ensure that your residence permit or visa is valid and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
2. Financial Stability: Make sure you can prove you have the financial means to support your family members when they come to Germany.
3. Secure Housing: Ensure that you have adequate living space for your family. This might involve showing a rental contract that specifies the size of your accommodation.
4. Health Insurance: Having comprehensive health insurance coverage for yourself and your family members is essential.

The Application Process

The application process for family reunification in Germany may appear daunting at first glance, filled with official forms and legal terminology. Take a deep breath; you’re not alone. Many have successfully navigated this journey before you, and with this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to do the same.

Where to Begin: The Application Form

The first step in the process is completing the family reunification application form. This is typically done by the family member who wishes to come to Germany and must be submitted to the German embassy or consulate in their home country. Some essential information you’ll need includes:

• Personal details of the family member
• Details about the family relationship
• Information about your own residence status in Germany

Submitting the Application

Once the application form is filled out, it needs to be submitted along with the required supporting documents. Each German embassy or consulate has its own specific submission guidelines, including whether you need to make an appointment, so it’s important to check the details well in advance.

Application Fees

There is usually an application fee involved, which varies depending on the age and relationship of the family member. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply for document verification or other administrative procedures.

Interview and Additional Documentation

After the application is submitted, an interview at the embassy or consulate is often required. This is a standard part of the process where you might be asked to provide additional documentation or clarify certain aspects of your application. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the authenticity and sincerity of your request, so approach it with the same care and preparation as the rest of the application process.

Possible Need for Verification

In some cases, verification processes may extend the waiting time, especially when the documents provided are from certain countries. This is standard procedure designed to ensure that all provided information is accurate.

Waiting Period and Status Tracking

Once the application is submitted and the interview is completed comes the phase that many find the most nerve-wracking: the waiting period. While your application is being reviewed, it’s natural to feel anxious. However, it’s important to remember that each application undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure the criteria for family reunification are met. This takes time, but it is necessary to ensure a successful and secure relocation for your family.

Typical Timeframes

The duration of the waiting period can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as the embassy’s workload, the need for additional verification, and other bureaucratic procedures. However, generally speaking, it takes between three to six months for the application to be processed.

Tracking the Status of Your Application

Most German embassies and consulates offer a way to track the status of your application online. Usually, you’ll receive a tracking number or code after the application is submitted, which you can use to check the application’s progress on the embassy’s website.

Keeping Informed

Some embassies also offer SMS or email updates, so check to see if this option is available to you. If you find that the process is taking longer than expected, and you haven’t received any updates, it’s okay to contact the embassy for information. They are there to assist you, and a polite inquiry can sometimes provide much-needed peace of mind.

When Approval Comes Through

Once your application is approved, you’ll generally receive notification via the method you selected when you applied, whether that’s an email, SMS, or a phone call. At that point, you can start making concrete plans for your family’s move to Germany, like booking flights and arranging housing, if you haven’t done so already.

Health Insurance and Other Essentials

Once your application for family reunification has been approved, there’s a newfound joy in envisioning life together in Germany. However, while you’re caught up in the excitement, it’s also important to focus on some crucial practicalities that need to be sorted out before your family arrives. One of the most important among these is health insurance.

Health Insurance: Why It’s Crucial

Health insurance is not just a bureaucratic checkbox to tick; it’s essential for the well-being of your family. Germany has a high standard of healthcare, but without insurance, medical costs can be prohibitive. Moreover, having sufficient health insurance coverage is usually a requirement for visa and residence permit issuance.

Types of Health Insurance

Public Health Insurance: This is a good option if you’re employed in Germany, as your employer will typically handle most of the process. Your family can often be covered under your plan without additional costs.

Private Health Insurance: If you’re self-employed, a student, or for some other reason ineligible for public health insurance, private insurance is the alternative. Private plans are highly customizable but can be more expensive.

Other Essentials to Consider

While health insurance is at the top of the list, other key factors should not be overlooked:

If your family members are not fluent in German, consider enrolling them in a basic language course. Even a rudimentary understanding can make the transition smoother.

If you have children, researching educational options is essential. Germany offers a range of public, private, and international schools.

Ensure your living space is ready to accommodate your family comfortably. If needed, this might be the time for a move to a larger apartment or house.

Prepare a budget that considers the additional expenses of having your family with you. This might include food, transportation, schooling, and other daily living costs.

Language Requirements

Germany emphasizes language skills in its family reunification policies for non-EU/EEA nationals, primarily to promote easier integration into society. But this isn’t just a hurdle to overcome—it’s an opportunity for your family to get the most out of their new life in Germany.

Basic Language Proficiency

For spouses joining their partner in Germany, a basic level of German proficiency—usually equivalent to A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—is generally required. This basic knowledge equips them to handle everyday situations and lays the groundwork for further learning. Note that language requirements can differ based on your own residence status and the specific visa type.

Exceptions to the Rule

• Children under 16 usually do not have to prove language skills.
• Some humanitarian grounds or exceptional circumstances may exempt you from this requirement.
• Your family might not need to demonstrate language proficiency if you’re a highly skilled worker or researcher.

How to Meet Language Requirements

To prove proficiency, the family member planning to move to Germany usually needs to pass a language test administered by recognized institutes. These tests can be taken at various centers worldwide.

Preparing for the Language Test

There are numerous resources available to help prepare for these language tests:

• Online courses: These provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
• Language schools: For a more structured learning environment.
• Tandem partners: Pairing up with a native German speaker can improve conversational skills.

Learning Together

Preparing for the language requirements can be a family endeavor. It’s a chance to learn and grow together, creating shared experiences even before you’re reunited in Germany.

Financial Requirements

Meeting these financial conditions is a practical demonstration of your readiness to provide a comfortable life for your loved ones in your new home.

Proof of Financial Stability

In the eyes of the German authorities, financial stability is key to a successful family reunification process. To meet the criteria, you will generally need to prove that you can financially support each family member you’re seeking to bring to Germany. This often involves providing evidence such as:

• Recent payslips
• Employment contracts
• Bank statements

How Much Do You Need?

The exact financial requirements can vary, but as a rule of thumb, you should be able to cover all living expenses without relying on social welfare benefits. The costs include rent, utilities, health insurance, food, clothing, and other everyday expenses. The calculations might also consider the average cost of living in your specific German city.

Important Exceptions

In some cases, if you’re a student or in specific job categories, you might be subject to different financial requirements.

EU/EEA nationals exercising their right to free movement might not have to meet the same financial criteria as non-EU/EEA nationals.

Plan and Prepare

1. Budgeting: Start by laying out a comprehensive budget that accounts for your current expenses and estimated future expenses once your family joins you.
2. Additional Income: If you’re falling short, consider ways to increase your income or decrease your expenditures, even temporarily.
3. Financial Statements: Keep all your financial records organized and readily available. Some people find it helpful to keep a separate folder for this purpose, both physically and digitally.
4. Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure about how to meet the financial requirements, it might be beneficial to consult with a financial advisor experienced in immigration matters.

Related: Cost of Living in Germany in 2023

Residence Permit

After all the meticulous planning, the nerve-wracking waiting, and the focused preparation, receiving the residence permit is a monumental milestone. It’s more than a piece of paper; it symbolizes a new beginning and the tangible proof that your family can now officially call Germany home.

What is a Residence Permit?

A residence permit is a legal document that grants your family members the right to live in Germany for a specified period. Depending on the type of permit, it may also include the right to work or study. Your own status in Germany largely determines what kind of residence permit your family will receive, whether temporary or permanent.

How to Apply

The application for a residence permit is generally the final bureaucratic step in the family reunification process. The process may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, but here’s what you can generally expect:

1. Visit the Foreigners’ Office: Once your family has arrived in Germany, you will need to visit the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) to apply for the residence permit.
2. Submit Required Documents: Typical documents include a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and, sometimes, evidence of basic language skills.
3. Biometric Information: In most cases, biometric data such as fingerprints will be collected.
4. Pay the Fees: A fee is generally required for the issuance of the residence permit, though the amount may vary depending on various factors, such as age and the permit duration.

Types of Residence Permits

Type of Permit	Duration	Restrictions	Renewability
Temporary Residence Permit	Several months to a few years	Limited work conditions	Often Renewable
Permanent Residence Permit	Extended/Indefinite	Fewer restrictions	Not applicable

Renewals and Extensions

If you are granted a temporary residence permit, keep track of its expiration date. Extensions or renewals generally require another visit to the Foreigners’ Office and may involve presenting updated documents or proof of continuous income and health insurance.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Recognizing these potential hurdles ahead of time and knowing how to address them can make the journey less daunting.

	Challenge	How to Overcome
Language Barriers	One of the first stumbling blocks might be the language requirement. It can be difficult for your family members to learn German quickly, especially if they have no prior experience with the language.	The waiting period can be emotionally challenging. The uncertainty can create tension and anxiety for you and your family awaiting approval.
Documentation and Bureaucracy	The amount of paperwork can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to understand exactly what is required, particularly if German is not your first language.	Consult with immigration experts or legal advisors who specialize in family reunification. Don’t hesitate to ask for translations or explanations for terms and conditions you don’t understand. The more informed you are, the easier the process will be.
Financial Hurdles	Meeting the financial requirements can be a significant source of stress, especially if you’re in a job that doesn’t pay high wages.	Budgeting is key. Know where every Euro goes and find ways to cut unnecessary expenses. If additional income is needed, look for temporary work or consult a financial advisor for long-term strategies.
Emotional Strain	The waiting period can be emotionally challenging. The uncertainty can create tension and anxiety for both you and your family members awaiting approval.	Stay connected with your family through regular calls and video chats. Keep them updated about the process and let them know that these challenges are steps towards a better life together in Germany.
Cultural Differences	Sometimes the challenges aren’t bureaucratic but personal. Adapting to a new culture can be difficult for family members, especially if they come from significantly different backgrounds.	Encourage your family to participate in cultural orientation programs, which can provide valuable insights into German customs and societal norms. Shared experiences in embracing the new culture can be both fun and educational.

Related: New to Germany: A Newcomer’s Guide to Living in Germany

Key Support Resources

Navigating the complexities of family reunification can sometimes make you feel like you’re lost in a maze. But remember, you’re not alone. Numerous resources are designed specifically to guide you and your family through each step, ensuring that you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. Reaching out for support can make the process more manageable and less stressful for everyone involved.

FAQs