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Parental visa, Section 36 Residence Act
All information from a lawyer on applying for a visa for parents in Germany (long-term and short-term parental visa).
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How to apply for parental reunification as an EU Blue Card holder
When you can apply for a Schengen visa for your parents
when you can get a permanent D visa for your parents
which documents and requirements are necessary for parents to join them
Table of Contents
1. Tourist visa for parents
2. Long-term visa for parents (National Visa/D Visa for parents)
2.1 Parental reunification for skilled workers (especially EU Blue Card)
2.2 Parental reunification in other cases (so-called "extraordinary hardship")
3. Processing time for a visa for the reunification of parents
4. Application process D-visa parents
5. Can the parents stay in Germany permanently?
6. FAQ Parental Visa Germany
7. Conclusion
1. Tourist visa for parents
The most common type of visa for parents to join their parents is the short-term tourist visa (Schengen visa, Section 6 of the Residence Act ). According to European law, the Schengen visa usually allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, embassies may also issue a visa for a shorter period. The requirements for issuing a Schengen visa for parents to join their parents are generally the same as for any other Schengen visa (see, among other things, our VISAGUARD article on the Schengen visa ).
In practice, however, the so-called "willingness to return" or "readiness to return" of the parents is regularly problematic ( see also BeckOK MigR/Zimmerer, 19th Ed. 1.7.2024, Residence Act § 36 paras. 1-33 on this topic) . Many Schengen visas (especially for parents joining their parents) are regularly rejected because the embassies simply do not believe that the applicant will leave Germany again after the visa expires. Legally, this option is actually open to the embassies, as the issuance of tourist visas for parents is at the embassies' discretion (so-called "may" provision, § 40 VwVfG). Since overstaying or even permanent residence in Germany constitutes a violation of German residence law, the embassies assume that the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany are jeopardized if there is no willingness to return. The threat of a violation of rights in the form of a lack of willingness to return therefore constitutes a reason for refusing to grant Schengen visas to parents (see, for example, the Berlin Administrative Court’s judgment of 26 October 2012, 22 K 30.12 V ).
The assessment of willingness to return and the requirements for readiness to return vary from country to country. For example, when entering from Western countries, it is often sufficient to present a return ticket. The embassies then rely on the fact that the parents of the person in question in Germany will leave Germany by plane after the parental visa expires. In many countries, however, the embassies are much more detailed in assessing willingness to return (especially Pakistan, Turkey, India, and African countries). The embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, in particular, stands out with extremely stringent requirements that are very difficult for applicants to fulfill. In addition to the already extensive documents that must be submitted to the embassy in Islamabad for parental reunification , the Islamabad embassy often requires proof of the parents' "economic roots" in Pakistan (e.g., employment, property ownership, or strong social integration). This is intended to ensure that the parents will actually return to Pakistan (prediction decision). Whether the corresponding economic connection actually exists is often the subject of court and remonstration proceedings before the Berlin Administrative Court (all lawsuits against all German embassies worldwide are heard before the Berlin Administrative Court (see Section 52 No. 2 of the Administrative Court Code). Accordingly, whether or not there is a willingness to return cannot be answered in general terms, but only on a case-by-case basis (see, for example, BeckOK MigR/Zimmerer, 19th Ed. 1.7.2024, Residence Act Section 36 paras. 1-33). A lawyer specializing in visa law can advise you accordingly.
2. Long-term visa for parents (National Visa/D Visa for parents)
For many people, it is unclear whether it is possible to bring their parents to Germany permanently, or whether it is possible to apply for a visa for the parents' long-term residence, and whether the parents can remain in Germany permanently. In this case, a distinction must first be made between skilled workers and foreign nationals who have not completed a qualified education. For skilled workers, parental reunification will be easier starting March 1, 2024 (Section 36 (3) of the Residence Act). However, for all other foreign nationals, parental reunification remains difficult.
2.1 Parental reunification for skilled workers (especially EU Blue Card)
With the new reform of immigration law in 2023/2024, the legislature has now, for the first time, created a right to parental and in-law reunification for skilled workers (especially for holders of an EU Blue Card) in Section 36 (3) of the Residence Act. To benefit from this right, however, the foreigner living in Germany must hold one of the following residence permits:
EU Blue Card,
ICT card or mobile ICT card,
Residence permits for executives, senior managers, company specialists,
academic professional or professional with vocational training,
Scientist,
Self-employed.
There are other options for parents (including in-laws) to join skilled workers, but some of these are very specific to individual cases. If in doubt, a specialist immigration lawyer can advise you on this .
However, it should be noted that for a visa for parents to come to Germany , a secure livelihood must be guaranteed (Section 5 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act). Specifically, this means that there must be enough money to support the entire family. In practice, this means not only sufficient money for the parents' rent, but above all, that the parents need health insurance. Health insurance in Germany can be very expensive for older people (especially if both parents want to come to Germany). The embassy cannot deviate from this requirement when applying for a visa. Therefore, for parents joining skilled workers, securing a livelihood, including health insurance, is mandatory (unlike other cases of parental reunification). Finally, it is imperative that the skilled worker residence permit was issued after March 1, 2024 (see Section 36 (3) Sentence 1 of the Residence Act). All "old cases" are therefore excluded.
2.2 Elternnachzug in anderen Fällen
Grundsätzlich ist es möglich, jeden Familienangehörigen nach Deutschland zu bringen. Eine Blaue Karte EU oder ein Visum für Fachkräfte ist also nicht zwingend notwendig. Ein D-Visum für seine Eltern zu beantragen, kann dementsprechend unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen also eine Option sein, wenn die Eltern nach Deutschland nachziehen wollen.
Voraussetzungen, um die Eltern nach Deutschland zu bringen
Im Vergleich zu anderen Visa gibt es für den Familiennachzug der Eltern allerdings erhöhte Voraussetzungen, wenn der Antragsteller keine Fachkraft ist. Der Regelfall des Nachzugs ist nämlich der Ehegattennachzug und der Kindernachzug. Nach dem Willen des Gesetzgebers bilden der Ehegatte und die Kinder insofern die “Kernfamilie”, welche nach der Verfassung besonders zu schützen sind (Art. 6 GG). Der verfassungsmäßige Schutz der Familie (der auch für Ausländer gilt) gilt zwar auch für alle anderen Familienmitglieder (also auch für Eltern und beispielsweise Geschwister), allerdings im Vergleich zum Ehegatten- und Kindernachzug nur deutlich schwächer.
Für die Beantragung eines langfristigen Visums für die Eltern ist es also erforderlich, die strengen Voraussetzungen des Gesetzes zu erfüllen. Dabei muss zunächst unterschieden werden, ob der Ausländer noch minderjährig ist oder nicht. Wenn der in Deutschland lebende Ausländer noch jünger als 18 Jahre ist, dann können die Eltern unter vereinfachten Voraussetzungen ein Visum zum Elternnachzug beantragen (siehe etwa § 36 Abs. 1 S. 1 AufenthG). Für den Fall, dass der in Deutschland lebende Ausländer nicht mehr minderjährig ist, gelten die folgenden geschilderten Voraussetzungen.
2.3 Vorliegen einer “außergewöhnlichen Härte”
Nach der Konzeption des Gesetzes ist für den Nachzug von “sonstigen Familienangehörigen” (also Eltern, Großeltern, Schwäger/innen, Onkel/Tante, Neffe/Nichte) notwendig, dass der Elternnachzug “zur Vermeidung einer außergewöhnlichen Härte erforderlich ist” (§ 36 Abs. 2 AufenthG). Die “außergewöhnliche Härte” ist ein Rechtsbegriff, der sehr offen für Interpretationen ist (siehe ausführliche Behandlung dieser Thematik in BeckOK MigR/Zimmerer, 19 Ed. 1.7.2024, AufenthG § 36 Rn. 1 - 33). Was eine außergewöhnliche Härte ist und was nicht, hängt insofern immer von den Umständen des Einzelfalls ab und kann nicht allgemein beantwortet werden. Klar ist allerdings, dass die außergewöhnliche Härte für viele Antragsteller eine große Hürde ist, da die Situation besonders sein muss. In Betracht kommt beispielsweise eine Pflegebedürftigkeit der Eltern oder wenn eine sonstige Unterstützung der Eltern notwendig ist. Ob allerdings die Eltern so unterstützungsbedürftig sind, dass die Voraussetzung der “außergewöhnlichen Härte” erfüllt sind, kann nur von Fall zu Fall beantwortet werden. Hier kommt es mitunter auf kleinste Sachverhaltsdetails an, weshalb in der Praxis rund um den Elternnachzug viele Gerichtsverfahren geführt werden. Ob in Ihrem Fall die notwendigen Voraussetzungen vorliegen für einen Elternnachzug, sollten Sie dementsprechend einen Fachanwalt für Migrationsrecht fragen. Ein auf Migrationsrecht spezialisierter Rechtsanwalt kann insofern nach Kenntnis der relevanten Informationen bewerten, ob in Ihrem Fall eine “außergewöhnliche Härte” vorliegt und es dementsprechend möglich ist, die Eltern dauerhaft nach Deutschland zu bringen. Hierfür können Sie etwa bei VISAGUARD eine Erstberatung mit einen Rechtsanwalt für Migrationsrecht aus Berlin buchen.
2.4 Lebensunterhaltssicherung
Wenn Ihre Eltern für die Beantragung eines Visums für den langfristigen Aufenthalt (D-Visum/nationales Visum) in Betracht kommen, dann muss weiterhin der Lebensunterhalt gesichert sein (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 AufenthG; siehe auch BeckOK AuslR/Maor, 42. Ed. 1.7.2024, AufenthG § 5 Rn. 1 - 48). Dies bedeutet, dass Ihre Eltern in der Lage sein müssen, den Lebensunterhalt zu bestreiten. Die einfachste Möglichkeit diese Voraussetzung zu erfüllen ist, wenn Ihre Eltern eine Arbeitsstelle in Deutschland finden. Sollte dies keine Option sein, ist es für den in Deutschland lebenden Ausländer auch möglich, eine sogenannte “Verpflichtungserklärung” i.S.d. § 68 AufenthG zu unterzeichnen.
Bei der Lebensunterhaltssicherung für die Eltern ist allerdings in der Praxis immer wieder problematisch, ob die Eltern eine finanzierbare Krankenversicherung erhalten können, da Krankenversicherungen für alte Menschen teilweise sehr teuer sind. Allerdings haben die Botschaften bei der Beantragung eines Visums zum Elternnachzug auch die Möglichkeit, von dem Erfordernis der Lebensunterhaltssicherung abzusehen. Hierbei handelt es sich allerdings um Ausnahmefälle. Im Zweifel kann ein Rechtsanwalt für Migrationsrecht Sie dazu beraten, wann ein solcher Ausnahmefall vorliegt.
3. Processing time for a visa for the reunification of parents
When applying for a visa for parents' long-term stay in Germany, it's often problematic that visa applications can take a very long time to process (unless it's an urgent case). Therefore, embassies primarily process visas for the immigration of skilled workers and medical and humanitarian emergencies. Only then are visas for family reunification processed.
In 2023, for example, the German Embassy in Islamabad experienced extremely long processing times for visas for family reunification . There are currently almost 1,500 people on the waiting list, meaning that applying for an appointment can take several years . This is especially true because the embassy does not simply process the list, but rather repeatedly gives priority to other people (e.g., emergencies). Because the German Embassy in Islamabad is extremely overloaded , it may happen that an application is never processed. The only solution to this problem is to hire an immigration lawyer to enforce the right to family reunification. If certain conditions are met, a lawyer has the option of suing the embassy to obtain the desired visa (a so-called "action for failure to act," Section 75 of the Administrative Court Code).
If you are looking for an experienced and specialized immigration lawyer to file a claim for failure to act, please feel free to contact one of our independent VISAGUARD lawyers .
4. Application process D-visa parents
The possibility for parents of skilled workers to apply for a visa for Germany is a very new regulation. This change was only introduced with the last reform of the Residence Act and has been in effect since March 1, 2024. This innovation now also allows parents of skilled workers living in Germany to obtain a residence permit and move to Germany to be with their children.
However, since this regulation is still very new, many German embassies and immigration authorities do not yet offer established processes for applying for the so-called parental visa. In practice, this means that there are often no specific appointment categories, information sheets on the required documents, or specific application forms. This lack of infrastructure means that applying for a visa for parents is currently fraught with uncertainty and challenges.
Despite these difficulties, applying for a parental visa is by no means impossible . Since March 1, 2024, parents of skilled workers have a legally enshrined right to this visa (see Section 36, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act). If you encounter any problems during the application process, you can seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer . An experienced lawyer can help you enforce your rights and expedite the process so your parents can join you in Germany.
In summary: While the regulations regarding parental visas for skilled workers are new and still challenging in practice, with the right legal support, you can successfully overcome these hurdles.
5. Can the parents stay in Germany permanently?
If the parents' visa application is successful, they can enter Germany. After registering their residence (see Section 17 of the Federal Residence Act), they can then convert the visa into a residence permit at the immigration office, which allows for longer-term residence. The residence permit can then, under certain conditions, be converted into a settlement permit (Section 9 of the Residence Act), which can then be used to apply for naturalization (Section 10 of the Nationality Act).
Further information can be found on the website of your responsible immigration authority (see the " BAMF Authority Finder ").
6. FAQ (parental reunification)
Who can apply for a parental visa in Germany?
Parents of skilled workers working in Germany have been able to apply for a visa since the Residence Act reform on March 1, 2024 (Section 36, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act). The prerequisite is that the child is recognized as a skilled worker in Germany and has a corresponding residence permit.
What documents are required for the parent visa?
Since the parental visa is a new regulation, many embassies and immigration authorities don't yet have established procedures or information sheets. However, documents such as proof of family ties, the child's residence permit, proof of health insurance, and financial security are generally required. It is recommended to inquire with the relevant authority about the exact requirements. You can find out which embassy is responsible for your case using the Federal Foreign Office's "Consulate Finder."
Why is applying for a parental visa currently difficult?
Because the parental visa option is very new, many authorities have not yet developed clear application procedures. Specific appointment categories, application forms, and detailed information are often missing, making the process complicated. Nevertheless, according to Section 36, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act, there is a legal right to a visa, and with legal support, the application can be enforced. You are welcome to engage one of our independent lawyers for this purpose .
How long does it take to obtain a parent visa?
The duration of the application process can vary greatly, as many authorities do not yet have standardized procedures for parental visas. It can take several months until all documents are reviewed and appointments are scheduled. Embassies are legally obligated to process applications for parental visas within three months (so-called " action for failure to act" according to Section 75 of the Administrative Court Code ).
What can I do if the authorities reject my application for a parental visa?
If your application for a parent visa is rejected or if problems arise during the application process, you have the option of taking legal action. An immigration lawyer can help you assert your rights and file an appeal against the decision, or remonstrate against the rejection notice and file a lawsuit. Our independent VISAGUARD lawyers are happy to assist you with this .
7. Conclusion
Parents from third countries can join their children living in Germany under simplified conditions if the children have a skilled worker title (e.g. EU Blue Card ) and this residence permit was first issued to the children after March 1, 2024 (Section 36 (3) of the Residence Act). This requires a valid residence permit for the child (e.g. EU Blue Card) and full financial security for the parents, including health insurance. Alternatively, a parental visa can also be applied for in cases of exceptional hardship (Section 36 (2) of the Residence Act). However, embassies interpret the requirement of “extraordinary hardship” very restrictively and often reject such applications if no concrete evidence is presented that proves a danger to the parent abroad.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] BeckOK MigR/Zimmerer, 19th Ed. 1.7.2024, Residence Act § 36 Rn. 1 - 33
[2] NK-AUslR/Oberhäuser, 3rd edition 2023, Residence Act § 36
[3] For the justification of exceptional hardship for parents in need of care, see VG Berlin, judgment of 07.03.2021, Ref. VG 23 K 202.11 V
[4] Regarding the reunification of parents in cases of legal rather than biological parenthood, see VG Magdeburg, judgment of 29 August 2018, 2 A 24/16