Blue Card for Parental Reunification
How to bring your parents to Germany with the EU Blue Card.
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Here you learn ...
how parental reunification works with the Blue Card
Requirements for parental reunification Blue Card
everything about the Blue Card deadline regulation for parental reunification
which health insurance parents need
Table of contents
1. Blue Card for Parental Reunification
2. Blue Card Parents Cut-off Date Regulation
3. Blue Card Parents Health Insurance
4. Apply for a Blue Card for Parental Reunification
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
1. Blue Card Parental Reunification Requirements
More and more international skilled workers are living and working permanently in Germany – often far away from their families. Since March 1, 2024, German residence law offers a new option: Parents and parents-in-law of holders of certain residence permits – including the EU Blue Card – can now join them permanently with a national D visa under simplified conditions. This new regulation even allows for permanent settlement for parents and is intended to increase the attractiveness of skilled immigration and strengthen family care arrangements.
The basis for this possibility is Section 36 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act , which was introduced as part of the Act on the Further Development of Skilled Immigration. Parents and parents-in-law can therefore obtain a residence permit if the primary beneficiary has received a corresponding residence permit – such as the EU Blue Card – for the first time since March 1, 2024 .
2. Blue Card Parents Cut-off Date Regulation
A key criterion for parental reunification with the Blue Card is the so-called cut-off date rule . The new reunification rule applies exclusively to parents and parents-in-law of skilled workers who were first granted a residence permit as a skilled worker on or after March 1, 2024. The decisive factor is the date of initial granting—not the date of entry or the start of employment. Skilled workers with residence permits issued before March 1, 2024, are limited to the usual methods of parental reunification (e.g., in cases of exceptional hardship ).
The provision for parental reunification for Blue Card holders is also time-limited : It expires on December 31, 2028. Before then, a comprehensive evaluation of the impact will be conducted by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the Federal Foreign Office. Until then, anyone wishing to bring their parents to Germany should act early. In cases where the EU Blue Card was issued before March 1, 2024, it should be checked whether parental reunification via their spouse is possible, as Section 36 (3) of the Residence Act also allows for the reunification of parents-in-law.
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Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
3. Blue Card Parents Health Insurance
A core element of the new regulation is the secure livelihood, including adequate health insurance coverage, for the parents joining them. In Section 36, Paragraph 3, Sentence 2, the legislature explicitly states that no deviation from this requirement is possible – livelihood must be fully and permanently secured in all cases. Foreign nationals interested in permanent parental reunification should therefore find out early on about the conditions under which appropriate health insurance can be obtained.
In concrete terms, this means that parents wishing to join their children must have either private or statutory health insurance that meets at least the same level of coverage as statutory health insurance providers. In addition, accommodation and financial security must be guaranteed – usually through a declaration of commitment or sufficient income from the professional.
4. Apply for a Blue Card for Parental Reunification
The application for parental reunification must generally be submitted to the responsible German diplomatic mission in the country of origin. The parents require a national visa for the purpose of family reunification. All proof of livelihood and health insurance coverage must be submitted when applying for the visa. Regarding the visa for parental reunification with the EU Blue Card, please note that not all embassies have the appropriate forms yet. Therefore, at some embassies, parental reunification must still be booked under the normal family reunification category. If in doubt, consult the embassy or a lawyer to avoid the risk of rejection due to formal errors.
After entering Germany, a residence permit must be applied for at the local immigration office. The period of validity depends on the skilled worker's residence permit and ends at the latest when the permit of the primary resident expires. An extension is possible, provided the requirements continue to be met. Parents of EU Blue Card holders may also apply for a settlement permit and even naturalization at a later date, provided the respective requirements are met.
Contact us
Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ EU Blue Card Parental Reunification
Who is covered by the new regulation on parental reunification with an EU Blue Card?
The regulation applies to parents and parents-in-law of skilled workers who received an EU Blue Card or a comparable title for the first time from 1 March 2024.
What health insurance is required for parents of EU Blue Card holders?
Adequate health insurance coverage equivalent to the scope of statutory health insurance is required. If statutory health insurance is not possible, private health insurance must be chosen.
Is parental reunification a right?
No, the residence permit is granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities. There is no legal entitlement to it. Nevertheless, a parental visa with the EU Blue Card is generally granted if there are no opposing reasons.
6. Conclusion Parental reunification Blue Card Germany
Parental reunification with the EU Blue Card is a significant step toward strengthening family-friendliness in immigration law. This regulation allows skilled workers to bring their parents or parents-in-law to Germany under certain conditions – but only for a limited period of time and with secure financing and health insurance. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should plan ahead and gather comprehensive information – ideally with legal support. VISAGUARD is here to help.
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