Family Reunion Visa

Waiting is so difficult; we understand how
it feels to be away from your loved ones.

Germany is attracting individuals from all over the world for its quality education and incredible job and career prospects. Often, individuals who relocate to Germany for education or work, plan to settle in here and thus, are entitled to join their family.

The Immigration Authorities in Germany have standardised visas for a family reunion, with certain exceptions. People belonging from different places and categories have to resort to different application processes.

Who can get a Family Reunion Visa?

There are specific criteria that one needs to follow to qualify for a family reunion visa. In addition to it, the standards and requirements may differ based on the status of the applicant's relative in Germany.

Age Bar

• Germany has an age bar when it comes to the requirement of the children's family reunion visa. Children below the age of 16 can join their parents in Germany without any special visa requirements. Those aged between 16-18 years must not be married and have knowledge of German Language to be granted a family reunion visa. However, if both the parents of the children are residents of Germany, there is no need to apply for the family reunion visa. In case a single parent wants to bring the children to Germany, he/she will have to provide custodial proof. If both the parents have the right to care, the other parent must grant the German resident the right for him/her to further apply for a family reunion visa.

German Language Requirement

• Applicants for Family Reunion Visa for Spouses must demonstrate the basic knowledge of German Language before they enter the country. The requirement, essential for spouse visa or dependent visa is to ensure that one is capable of holding basic communication in Germany from the start. For this, the applicants are expected to have an A1 certificate not older than 12 months.

Please Note: The German Language certificates issued by language institutes satisfying ALTE-Standard, i.e., Goethe Institute (Max Mueller Bhavan) or Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), are the only ones accepted by German Missions.

Any Exceptions?

Yes, one need not have to prove any knowledge of German Language, as a rule, if any of the following applies.

• Spouses of EU citizens (who do not have German Citizenship), spouses of Blue Card holders and other highly skilled workers can do away with this requirement.
• Apart from you or your spouse being a citizen of the European Union, you may exercise the right to free movement as a German.
• Incapable of demonstrating the basic knowledge of German Language due to physical or mental illness or if a handicap.
• If the parent is a Bluecard Holder, has a settlement permit, or has resident access for humanitarian reasons, they can have their children accompany them in Germany without having to fulfil any requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions