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Family Reunification in Germany
All information about VISAGUARD services for family reunification in Germany.
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About this Page
Family reunification is of enormous practical importance for foreign nationals. Therefore, bringing their families to Germany is a top priority for many immigrants. Unfortunately, this priority does not apply to public authorities, which is why family reunification cases often take a long time and can be very laborious. However, with sufficient knowledge of the procedures and specific features of family reunification, the process can sometimes be expedited .
Family reunification is regulated in Sections 27 et seq. of the Residence Act (i.e., Section 6 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)) and encompasses a broad area of law. Within family reunification, a distinction must be made between family reunification with German nationals and family reunification with foreign nationals. Furthermore, the requirements and procedures must be differentiated according to the type of family relationship (e.g., spouse , child , or parents ). On this page, you will find all the relevant instructions for the various types of family reunification.
Table of Contents
1. Proof of a family relationship (family reunification)
2. Secured livelihood (family reunification)
3. Correct visa (family reunification)
4. Language skills (family reunification)
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
7. VISAGUARD Guides on Family Reunification
1. Proof of a family relationship
To qualify for family reunification in Germany, not only the specific residence requirements but also the general requirements for family reunification visas must be met. These are regulated in Sections 27 and 28 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) , whereby a fundamental distinction must be made between family reunification with German nationals and family reunification with foreign nationals.
To apply for a family reunification visa, a verifiable family relationship must exist. The family connection must be proven differently depending on the visa type and the authority. Family ties are usually documented with the following documents:
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Spouse reunification : presentation of marriage certificate or register extract
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Reunification of children : birth certificate or register extract
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Parental reunification : birth certificate or register extract
Other documents are also generally acceptable as proof. However, which documents are accepted depends on the caseworker. If you are missing documents for family reunification or cannot obtain them, one of our lawyers will be happy to assist you.
2. Secure livelihood
According to Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), family members must be able to support themselves for family reunification. This means that the family must have sufficient income to cover rent , living expenses , and health insurance – without relying on state benefits. An employment contract is the most common form of proof of this. Secured livelihood is usually verified by the immigration authorities in family reunification. In visa cases, the embassy forwards the visa documents to the immigration authorities at the foreigner's (future) place of residence. The authorities then verify the family's means of support before issuing the visa (so-called internal administrative approval procedure, Section 31 of the Residence Ordinance ).
Specialist Articles on the Topic
3. Correct visa
An application for a residence permit for family reunification requires that a family reunification visa was already in place prior to entry (so-called visa requirement , Section 5, Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act). Entry with a tourist visa and subsequent application for a residence permit is generally not possible – however, there are numerous exceptions to this rule. The details are relatively complicated, which is why legal assistance is generally recommended if entering Germany with an incorrect visa before submitting the application to the immigration authorities.
4. Language skills
Generally, proof of German language skills at A1 level is a prerequisite for family reunification (Section 30, Paragraph 1, Sentence 1, No. 2 of the Residence Act). However, this requirement does not apply to skilled immigration . Therefore, skilled workers can join their families even without language skills. There are numerous other exceptions to the language skills requirement for family reunification. We would be happy to advise you on this.
5. FAQ Family reunification
What does “family reunification” mean?
A dependent visa is any derivation of a right of residence based on family ties. Family reunification is therefore not only "reunification" in the sense of a visa procedure, but also the application for residency rights in Germany. Even the birth of a child in Germany is considered family "reunification" in the legal sense.
What types of family reunification are there?
The Residence Act distinguishes between the following constellations of family reunification:
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Reunification with Germans
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Reunification with third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU citizens)
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Reunification with European citizens
Is there a difference between family reunification with Germans and family reunification with foreigners?
Yes, there are various simplified procedures for family reunification with German citizens. This applies not only to the legal requirements, but also, and especially, to the actual administrative procedures. As a result, family reunification with German citizens is generally much faster than family reunification with foreign citizens.
Who can family reunification take place with?
Within these categories, a distinction can be made between:
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Spouse reunification (§§ 28, 30, 31 Residence Act)
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Child reunification (§§ 32 - 35 Residence Act)
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Parental reunification (Section 36 of the Residence Act)
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Reunification with other family members (e.g. siblings and grandparents)
6. Conclusion Family reunification
Family reunification is a central component of residency law in Germany, allowing families to reunite. The application process is highly regulated and depends on factors such as the nature of the family relationship, the residence status of the family member living in Germany, and financial security . While joining Germans is generally more straightforward and faster, joining foreigners is subject to stricter requirements and longer processing times . Legal advice can help ensure that documents are submitted correctly, that exceptions are taken, and that the process is streamlined.
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Further Information
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Oberhäuser in Hofmann, Aliens Law | Residence Act § 28 | 3rd edition 2023
[2] Dienelt in Bergmann/Dienelt | Residence Act § 36a | 15th edition 2025
[4] Eichhorn in Huber/Mantel Residence Act | Residence Act § 29 | 4th edition 2025
[5] Schmahl in Schmahl, Convention on the Rights of the Child | CRC Art. 10 | 2nd edition 2017