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Glossary: Family reunification
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as long-term visa or long-term residence permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1, no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a binding template of a residence permit for family reunification in the form of a so-called " electronic residence permit (eAT) " as defined in Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (applicable when issued domestically by the immigration authorities). The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the residence permit for family reunification can also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") by the immigration authorities and affixed to the passport , in accordance with Section 78a of the German Residence Act. The corresponding pattern of the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the Residence Act ).
If family reunification is granted not as an electronic residence permit issued by the immigration authorities in Germany, but as a visa issued by German diplomatic missions abroad, the template for the residence permit for family reunification is governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform format for visas . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform format for visas has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) . The visa stamp is shown in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), the type of family reunification must be entered (e.g., reunification of spouse , child , or parent). Also under “Remarks” must be the extent to which employment is permitted or prohibited ( § 4a para. 3 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act). Furthermore, the substantive validity period of the family reunification visa must be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“issue valid until…”)). In some cases, additional supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker.
Table of contents
1. What does a residence permit for family reunification look like (image)?
2. Definition of family reunification
3. Who needs a residence permit for family reunification?
4. Example: Family reunification
5. Important information on family reunification
5.1 Duration of residence permit for family reunification
5.2 Extension of residence permit for family reunification
5.3 Costs of residence permits for family reunification
5.4 Processing time for residence permits for family reunification
5.5 Competent authority for family reunification
6. Rights and options regarding family reunification
6.1 Work permit with residence permit for family reunification
6.2 Study, school, language course with residence permit for family reunification
6.3 Family reunification with a residence permit for family reunification
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a residence permit for family reunification
6.5 Eligible group of persons for family reunification
7. Requirements for family reunification
8. Required documents for family reunification
9. Apply for family reunification online
10. Advantages of a residence permit for family reunification
11. Consolidation of residence through family reunification
11.1 Path from family reunification to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from family reunification to naturalization
11.3 Next steps: Residence permit for family reunification
12. Legal basis for residence permits for family reunification
13. Important laws on family reunification
14. Important rulings on family reunification
15. Frequently Asked Questions about Family Reunification
16. Further information
16.1 Residence permit for family reunification in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts on family reunification
16.4 Glossary entries on family reunification
16.5 Sources and references on family reunification
Definition of family reunification
Family reunification pursuant to Sections 27 et seq. of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (also: family reunification; legally correct: residence permit for the purpose of family reunification; English: Family Reunion/Family Reunion Visa/Dependent Visa) is a general term for several residence permits pursuant to Sections 27 et seq. of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), which entitle the holder to enter and reside in Germany if a family member (reference person/parent) is already present in Germany (purpose of family reunification pursuant to Section 6 of the German Residence Act). The term refers to both the "visa" for family reunification (application at German embassies and consulates abroad) and the residence permit for family reunification (application at the immigration office in Germany). In the case of family reunification, a distinction is made based on the type of family relationship between the applicant and the reference person living in Germany (see family reunification with a spouse , family reunification with a child , or family reunification with parents/family members).
Who needs family reunification?
A family reunification visa is required whenever a foreign family member, who does not have their own purpose of residence (e.g., work or study ), wishes to stay with their sponsor/voting member in Germany. The standard case of family reunification is the reunification of spouses and children (nuclear family), as well as, to a limited extent, the reunification of parents . Family members of EU citizens do not need a family reunification visa in the sense of a residence permit, but only an EU freedom of movement card for family members (see, however, entry formalities for family members of EU citizens in Section 2a Paragraph 2 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU). Family reunification with German citizens is governed by the Residence Act and not by the Freedom of Movement Act , even though German citizens are also EU citizens . Therefore, family reunification with German citizens has stricter requirements than family reunification with other EU citizens in Germany (so-called discrimination against domestic residents).
Example: An Indian citizen who holds an EU Blue Card wishes to bring his family from India to Germany after residing in Germany for more than six months and successfully completing his probationary period. The family therefore applies for a family reunification visa at a German embassy or consulate in India.
Important information about family reunification
Duration of family reunification
The processing time for a family reunification visa is based on the processing time of the reference person ( spousal reunification ) or the primary beneficiary ( child and parent reunification ) in Germany, or depends on their visa validity period ( § 27 para. 4 of the German Residence Act ). As long as the marriage remains valid, the spousal visa can be repeatedly extended for family reunification purposes . The child visa can only be extended for family reunification purposes until the child reaches the age of majority.
Extension of family reunification
The residence permit for family reunification can be extended indefinitely (as a residence permit ) as long as the family relationship continues. However, for children, this is only possible until they reach the age of 18.
Costs of family reunification
The fee for issuing a national visa for family reunification (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa for family reunification (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the German Residence Ordinance). If family reunification is applied for at the immigration office in Germany (family reunification as a residence permit ), the fee is €100 (§ 45 no. 1 of the German Residence Ordinance). Translation fees, as well as legal and court fees that may apply depending on the specific case, are not included here.
Processing time for family reunification
The processing time for family reunification visas is the longest of all non-humanitarian visas, as the migration authorities do not prioritize family reunification. Furthermore, family reunification procedures abroad are prolonged by the fact that the immigration office at the place of residence of the German reference person often has to approve the family reunification ( § 31 AufenthV ). The processing time for family reunification can therefore be 9-12 months, especially abroad, or even up to two years at some embassies (e.g., Tehran (Iran) or Islamabad (Pakistan)). In contrast, applying for and receiving family reunification at the immigration office within Germany is usually possible within a few weeks. However, this depends significantly on the workload and efficiency of the immigration office, as well as appointment availability.
Competent authority for family reunification
For the issuance of a D visa for the purpose of family reunification, the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible, in accordance with Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). If family reunification is to be applied for within Germany ( residence permit for family reunification), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG).
Rights and options regarding family reunification
Work permit, family reunification
Family reunification grants unlimited rights to any type of employment ( § 4a para. 1 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act). Therefore, according to § 30 of the German Residence Act, a family reunification visa allows for both employment and self-employment . However, the restrictions of youth employment protection laws naturally apply to minor children.
Studies , school , language course , family reunification
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including family reunification. No separate permit is required.
Family reunification for family reunification
Family reunification with the holder of another family reunification visa is generally possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 AufenthG ). However, the specifics naturally depend on the particular type of family reunification.
Travel and stays abroad Family reunification
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a family reunification visa, as long as the visa is valid . However, traveling with an expired residence permit for family reunification purposes requires a different approach. A certificate of fictitious residence is required. Stays abroad are possible for up to 6 months with family reunification ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ). For family members of holders of an EU Blue Card, a period of 12 months applies (§ 51 para. 10 of the German Residence Act).
Eligible group of persons: Family reunification
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who have a family member habitually resident in Germany are eligible for family reunification . However, not every connection of any kind qualifies for family reunification; rather, the Residence Act (apart from certain hardship cases ( § 36 para. 2 AufenthG )) only recognizes reunification of spouses , children , and parents . In the case of family reunification with EU citizens in Germany, other family members (besides spouses , children , and parents ) can also join them, as the Freedom of Movement Act permits the reunification of "close relatives" (§ 3a FreizügG/EU). Family reunification for EU citizens is completely unrestricted due to the European freedom of movement (§ 2 FreizügG/EU).
Requirements for family reunification
Family reunification requires a distinction between general ( § 27 of the German Residence Act ) and special requirements ( §§ 30 et seq. of the German Residence Act ). The special requirements for family reunification depend primarily on the type of family reunification being applied for ( reunification of spouses , reunification of children , reunification of parents ) and with whom the family is being reunified (reunification with German citizens, reunification with third-country nationals, reunification with EU citizens ). Furthermore, the special requirements differ depending on whether the application is submitted from abroad at the embassy ( visa for family reunification) or within Germany at the immigration office (residence permit for family reunification).
The general requirements for family reunification are the same in all cases of joining German or foreign (non-European) family members. Only in the case of family reunification with EU citizens do the provisions of the Freedom of Movement Act apply. According to Section 27 of the Residence Act, the general requirements for family reunification are as follows:
The family member to whom the family reunification is to take place has their habitual residence in Germany.
Actual and lived family community and not just formal family ties (in particular no sham marriages allowed; § 27 para. 1, para. 1a AufenthG )
No evidence that the family connection was established through coercion (§ 27 para. 1a no. 2 AufenthG)
A family member living in Germany does not receive social benefits (§ 27 para. 3 AufenthG; exceptions possible)
A family member living in Germany does not endanger the security of the Federal Republic of Germany, is not part of a banned association and does not incite public violence for political or religious reasons (§ 27 para. 3a AufenthG)
Approval of the immigration authority (§ 31 para. 1 no. 1 AufenthV)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
For initial applications for a residence permit within Germany: Legal first entry with a visa in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (unless a national of a "Best Friends" country , Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance )
This list of requirements is not exhaustive. In addition to these general requirements, the specific requirements for family reunification (spouse , children , or parents) as well as the general requirements for granting a residence permit pursuant to Section 5 of the Residence Act (AufenthG ) apply in all cases. A residence permit for family reunification cannot be granted abstractly for any family connection. Rather, the Residence Act only recognizes family reunification (spouse, children, and parents) (exceptions: exceptional hardship ( Section 36 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act ) or family reunification with EU citizens (Section 3a of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU)).
Required documents for family reunification
The necessary documents for family reunification depend primarily on the type of family reunification being applied for (spouse reunification, child reunification , parent reunification ). Furthermore, a distinction must be made between whether the application is submitted domestically to the immigration office ( residence permit for family reunification ) or abroad to a German embassy or consulate ( visa for family reunification). The required documents for applying for family reunification also vary considerably depending on the issuing authority, i.e., which immigration office or embassy or consulate is involved.
A general overview of the required documents for family reunification is therefore not possible; the document requirements for family reunification should be taken from the respective glossary entries:
Apply for family reunification online
Family reunification can often be applied for online if the relevant authority has set up a corresponding online application system. Information on family reunification is available on the German Federal Foreign Office 's international portal and can be applied for online in Germany as follows:
→ Apply online for a visa for family reunification (§ 30)
→ Apply online for a visa for family reunification (§ 32)
→ Apply online for a visa for family reunification (§ 36)
→ Apply for family reunification online in Berlin
Advantages of family reunification
The family can be brought to Germany.
A family member who receives permission for family reunification can work without restrictions.
Family reunification can, under certain circumstances, be converted into a permanent residence permit and naturalization .
Family reunification visas may entitle the holder to certain social assistance benefits (see Section 2 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ).
The path from family reunification to a permanent residence permit
Residence permits for family reunification can be converted into permanent residence permits in various ways. This depends primarily on the type of family reunification:
Settlement permit for spouses of skilled workers after 3 years ( § 9 para. 3a AufenthG )
Settlement permit for family members of Germans after 3 years ( § 28 para. 2 AufenthG )
Settlement permit for dependent foreigners after a divorce from foreigners with a settlement permit ( § 31 para. 3 AufenthG )
Settlement permit upon reaching the age of majority of children whose parents have a settlement permit ( § 34 para. 2 AufenthG )
To transition from family reunification to a permanent residence permit, the requirements of the respective settlement regulation that establishes eligibility must be met. This must be examined on a case-by-case basis.
The path from family reunification to naturalization
If the residence permit for family reunification is valid, naturalization is straightforward, as residence permits for family reunification are not excluded under Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) . If the residence permit for family reunification is a D visa , it should first be converted into a residence permit.
Next steps: Family reunification
If you wish to apply for family reunification from abroad, you should first check whether the livelihood of the entire family is sufficiently secured. This is a key focus when assessing the requirements for family reunification, as evidenced by the fact that the immigration office even checks this separately during the visa application process , although they are not actually involved in the visa procedure (see Section 31 of the German Residence Ordinance ). If you are applying for family reunification from within Germany, you simply need to submit the application via your immigration office's online portal (if your immigration office offers this service) or book an appointment. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for family reunification
The legal basis for family reunification under national law is generally Section 27 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) . According to Section 27 of the Residence Act, a residence permit for foreign family members (family reunification) is granted and extended for the purpose of establishing and maintaining family life in Germany, in accordance with Article 6 of the Basic Law (Constitution). The specific type of family reunification must be added to this legal basis (for example, Section 30 of the Residence Act in the case of spousal reunification and Section 32 of the Residence Act in the case of child reunification ). The European legal basis for family reunification is also Council Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification and Article 21 TFEU . The constitutional and international legal bases for family reunification are Article 6 of the Basic Law and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) .
Important laws regarding family reunification
Important rulings on family reunification
The protection of the family pursuant to Article 6 of the Basic Law also applies to foreigners ( BVerfGE 76,1 ff, judgment of 12.05.1987 ).
Each family member can invoke Article 6 of the Basic Law , even if they are not themselves the addressee of the official measure ( Federal Constitutional Court decision of 18 July 1979, 1 BvR 650/77 ).
The granting of a residence permit for family reasons requires the family to live together in Germany ( Administrative Court of Munich, decision of 17.10.2022, M 9 S 21.2766 ).
An extension of the residence permit for family reunification is not possible if the spouses no longer live in marital cohabitation ( VG Munich, decision of 12.04.2021, M 10 S 21.252 ).
Frequently asked questions about family reunification
Who is entitled to family reunification?
The right to family reunification is essentially (but not exclusively) granted to members of the "nuclear family" protected by the Basic Law. This includes the spouse (§ 30 of the Residence Act) or registered civil partner, as well as minor, unmarried children (§ 32 of the Residence Act). Under certain conditions, parents can also join their minor children (parental reunification pursuant to § 36 of the Residence Act). There is no standard procedure for family reunification for adult children. According to § 36 para. 2 of the Residence Act, all "other" family members (e.g., siblings) can also join the family, but this only applies in exceptional hardship cases.
What checks does the immigration office perform in cases of family reunification?
As part of the internal approval process (§ 31 of the Residence Ordinance), the immigration authority conducts a comprehensive review to ensure that the family unit can genuinely be maintained in Germany without placing a burden on the social welfare system (sufficiency of livelihood as defined in § 5 para. 1 no. 1 of the Residence Act). The focus is on the authenticity of the family ties (excluding sham marriages), the securing of livelihood, and the availability of sufficient living space.
How much do I need to earn to be eligible for family reunification?
The income limit for family reunification is not a fixed amount, but is calculated individually based on family size. As a general rule, in 2026, net income must cover the hypothetical entitlement to basic income support (approximately €600 per person) plus rent and insurance. If there are children, this amount increases by about €300 to €400 per child. The crucial factor is that, after deducting rent and any applicable allowances, enough money remains for the daily needs of all family members so that no state support needs to be claimed. This requirement can be waived in cases of family reunification with German citizens (see Section 28 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act).
What documents are required for family reunification?
The application requires the usual documents (passport, application form, photo, etc.). For family reunification, additional documents proving a family relationship are required (e.g., marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates for children). In some cases, an A1 language certificate is also necessary for spousal reunification.
The person living in Germany must also submit payslips for the last three to six months, a current confirmation from their employer, the rental agreement, and proof of health insurance coverage (co-insurance through the family health insurance fund). Often, a current registration certificate and a copy of the reference person's residence permit are also required.
How large does the apartment need to be for a family reunification?
Legal regulations require "sufficient living space" as part of securing one's livelihood and as a general prerequisite for family reunification (§ 29 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 of the German Residence Act). According to case law, this means that at least 12 square meters of living space must be available for each family member over the age of six (see Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg, judgment of July 31, 2015 - 7 B 39.14); 10 square meters are sufficient for children under six. A shortfall of up to 10% is still accepted by most authorities and the courts (see Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg, March 25, 2010, OVG 3 B 9.08). It is important that the living space is actually usable and that this is proven by a rental agreement or a land register extract (in the case of ownership). The rent for the living space must be in line with local market rates. Otherwise, a gratuitous tenancy is presumed, which can lead to the rejection of the application.
Family reunification in other glossaries
The term “family reunification” can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references on family reunification
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Family Reunification, Version: 06/2024
[4] Bergmann/Dienelt/Dienelt, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 27
[5] NK-AuslR/Müller, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 27
[6] Huber/Mantel/Eichhorn, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 27
[7] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act | 2nd edition 2025, VIII. Residence for family reasons (§§ 27 to 36 AufenthG)
[8] Maor in Kluth/Hornung/Koch Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) para. 1275 | 4th edition 2025, 3. Family Reunification with Foreigners
[9] BeckOK AuslR/Tewacht, 46th ed. 1.4.2025, AufenthG § 27 Rn. 1-62
[10] BeckOK MigR/Zimmerer, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 27 Rn. 1-49
[11] Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbook of Police Law, 8th ed. 2026, Chapter 8, paragraphs 63-67
[12] ZAR 2018, 18, Brinkmann: Family reunification for persons covered by Directive 2016/801, article by Brinkmann
[13] “Denmark marriages”, Union law and discrimination against nationals, article by Thomas Oberhäuser, NVwZ 2012, 25
[14] Jobs: Standard of proof and burden of proof in family reunification, article by Jobs, ZAR 2008, 295
Last updated: February 20, 2026
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