GERMAN FAMILY REUNION VISA

The German government allows immigrants from non-EU countries who are working in the country to bring their family members to the country on a temporary or permanent basis.

The German government supports the re-unification of families and allows immigrant workers to bring their family members on a temporary or permanent basis. They have a special visa for this known as the German Family Reunion Visa.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VISA:

Immigrant workers wishing to bring their family members to Germany must meet the following conditions:

• Have enough income to support them and their family
• Have enough funds to provide housing for the family
• Family members must have basic understanding of the German language
• Children must be below 18 years
• Have a temporary or permanent residence permit or an EU Blue Card
• Have enough health insurance for them and family members

EXCEPTIONS:

• Your spouse or partner will not require a visa or knowledge of German to come to the country under the following conditions:
• You have an EU Blue Card
• You are working in Germany as a research scientist or are a highly qualified worker
• Your partner has a university degree

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Proof of accommodation – demonstrating that the German citizen has enough room in their home for the applicant.

Proof of the applicant’s German language skills at least at level A1.

REQUIREMENTS TO SPONSOR A SPOUSE / REGISTERED PARTNER

• A foreign officer’s attestation of a registry or marriage certificate, translated into German and legalized by the German embassy
• A copy of the German spouse’s passport and identification card must be sent if the spouse is of German nationality.
• If the spouse is a non-German living in Germany, they must have proof of legal residency as well as their passport.

REQUIREMENTS TO SPONSOR CHILDREN

• Certificate of birth
• Proof of the child’s nationality
• Evidence of the parent who is living in Germany who has the right to care and custody

BRINGING DEPENDENT CHILDREN TO GERMANY

Depending on the age of the children, the conditions for bringing them to Germany may change.

MINOR CHILDREN

Both parents must reside in Germany in order for their child to be transported over. A single parent with sole custody and care of their minor child, on the other hand, is permitted to bring the child to Germany.

ADULT CHILDREN

The child must not be married to be eligible for a Family Reunion Visa. However, she or he is still eligible to apply for a different sort of visa, such as a German visiting or tourist visa, a student visa to study in Germany, or an employment visa to work in Germany.

WORKING ON A FAMILY VISA:

Any adult who comes to Germany on a family reunion visa will be allowed to work according to German law. However, there are a few conditions that the relative they are joining must comply with:

• Must have a residence permit which authorizes employment
• Must have an EU Blue Card
• Must be a highly skilled person or be employed as a researcher

PROCESSING TIME FOR THE VISA:

The processing time for the family reunion visas can take a few weeks to a few months. This depends on when the appointment for the interview at the German embassy is scheduled once the application is submitted.

HOW Y-AXIS CAN HELP YOU

• Advise you on the documentation that will be required for the visa
• Advise you on how the funds needed for the visa need to be shown
• Help you complete the application process
• Review your documents needed for the visa application