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Glossary: Marriage visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as long-term national D visa according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1 alternative 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 standardized sample marriage visa issued by a German mission abroad (embassies and consulates general) according to the model of Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV ). The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
If the marriage visa is not issued abroad by a German embassy or consulate, but rather domestically by the immigration authorities as an " electronic residence permit (eAT) " pursuant to Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the template for the marriage visa is governed by 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 marriage visa can then also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") by the immigration authorities in accordance with Section 78a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), in the case of a marriage visa , “Section 7 Marriage Visa” or a similar entry must be made (e.g., stay for the purpose of marriage). Under “Remarks,” it must also be entered to what extent employment is permitted or not ( Section 4a Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 of the Residence Act; as a rule, employment is not permitted with a marriage visa ( Section 7 Paragraph 1 Sentence 4 of the Residence Act )). In some cases, further supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker (e.g., conditions precedent in the case of receiving social benefits).
Table of contents
1. What does a marriage visa/wedding visa look like (picture)?
2. Definition of marriage visa/wedding visa
3. Who needs a marriage visa?
4. Example: Marriage visa/wedding visa
5. Important information about the wedding visa
5.1 Duration of marriage visa/wedding visa
5.2 Extension of marriage visa
5.3 Cost of a wedding visa
5.4 Processing time for wedding visa
5.5 Competent authority for marriage visa/wedding visa
6. Rights and options regarding marriage visa/wedding visa
6.1 Work permit with marriage visa/wedding visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with marriage visa/wedding visa
6.3 Family reunification with a marriage visa/wedding visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a marriage visa/wedding visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a marriage visa
7. Requirements for a marriage visa/wedding visa
8. Required documents: Marriage visa/wedding visa
9. Apply for a marriage/wedding visa online
10. Advantages of a marriage visa/wedding visa
11. Permanent residence permit with marriage visa/wedding visa
11.1 Path from marriage visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from marriage visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps Marriage visa/Wedding visa
12. Legal basis for marriage visa/wedding visa
13. Important laws regarding marriage visas/wedding visas
14. Important rulings on marriage visas/wedding visas
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Marriage Visa/Wedding Visa
16. Further information
16.1 Wedding visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the marriage visa/wedding visa
16.4 Glossary entries for marriage visa/wedding visa
16.5 Sources and references for the marriage visa/wedding visa
Definition of a wedding visa
The marriage visa pursuant to Section 7 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (legally correct: residence permit for the purpose of marriage/wedding; also: wedding visa or engagement visa; English: marriage visa/wedding visa/fiancé visa) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of marriage in Germany. In a narrower sense, the term "wedding visa" only covers the visa for marriage ( Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 1 AufenthG ), but not the residence permit for marriage (Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 2 AufenthG). In a broader sense, the term marriage visa encompasses all residence permits for the purpose of marriage, i.e., both the "marriage visa " (application from abroad, Section 6 Paragraph 3 AufenthG ) and the "marriage residence permit " (application from within Germany, Section 7 AufenthG ).
The marriage visa is strictly distinct from the spousal visa ( § 30 of the German Residence Act ). While the marriage visa only covers the stay for the purpose of marriage, the spousal visa covers the subsequent marital stay after the wedding. The spousal visa is therefore a subsequent option after the marriage visa . Consequently, the marriage visa is of little practical relevance, as many foreigners arrive in Germany already married and then apply for the spousal visa according to § 30 of the German Residence Act. The so-called "Danish marriage" plays a particularly relevant role in cases of marriage after entry into Germany .
Who needs a marriage visa?
Every third-country national who wishes to stay in Germany specifically for the purpose of marriage requires a marriage visa . This does not apply to nationals who are otherwise permitted to enter Germany visa-free. Therefore, the marriage visa is only required for the stay for the purpose of marriage, not for the marriage ceremony itself. Foreign nationals who are permitted to stay in Germany for another reason do not need a separate marriage visa for the wedding.
Example : A German tourist has fallen in love in Thailand and wants to marry his Thai partner. The Thai woman applies for a marriage visa at the German embassy in Bangkok so that the marriage can take place in Germany.
Important information about the marriage visa
Duration of marriage visa
The duration of a marriage visa is at the discretion of the processing officer. It is usually issued for a period of 3 to 6 months. The duration depends primarily on how far along the wedding preparations are (especially the appointment at the registry office) and when the wedding will take place.
Marriage visa extension
An extension of the marriage visa is only possible if the wedding has not yet taken place. Otherwise, the marriage visa must be converted into a residence permit for spouses ( § 30 AufenthG ).
Cost of marriage visa
The fee for issuing a national visa for the purpose of marriage (category "D") is €75. If the marriage visa is applied for domestically at the immigration office (marriage visa as a residence permit ), the fee is €100 (§ 45 No. 1 AufenthV). The fee for converting the marriage visa into a residence permit for spouses ( § 30 AufenthG ) is also €100. Additional fees apply for the marriage ceremony itself at the registry office and other registration authorities. Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication fees may also apply, depending on the specific circumstances.
Processing time for marriage visa
Marriage visas are generally not processed with priority by embassies, which is why the application process can take 2-6 months. In cases of particular urgency (e.g., excessively long processing times despite completed wedding preparations), an action for failure to act pursuant to Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO ) or even an application for preliminary injunction pursuant to Section 123 VwGO can be filed with the Berlin Administrative Court . If the marriage visa is applied for domestically (marriage visa as a residence permit from the immigration office), the application is sometimes not processed at all, as the immigration office may simply wait for the wedding and then issue a spousal residence permit ( Section 30 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG )), thus saving itself a step. Therefore, the marriage visa as a residence permit has little practical relevance.
Competent authority for marriage visas
For the issuance of a marriage visa abroad, the German missions abroad (embassies and consulates) authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible, according to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act. If the marriage visa is to be applied for within Germany ( residence permit for marriage/wedding), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act). The registry offices are responsible for the marriage ceremony ( Section 11 Paragraph 1 of the Personal Status Act ).
Rights and options regarding marriage visas
Work permit, marriage visa
A marriage visa generally does not authorize employment or self-employment , as it is based on Section 7 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) . A residence permit under Section 7 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) does not authorize gainful employment ; however, it may be permitted under Section 4a Paragraph 1.
Studies , school , language course , marriage visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including a marriage visa . No separate permit is required.
Family reunification marriage visa
Family reunification with the holder of a marriage visa is generally possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). The same applies to the reunification of minor children with the holder of a marriage visa (see § 32 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). The law does not provide for parental reunification with the holder of a marriage visa .
Travel and stays abroad: Marriage visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a marriage visa, as long as the visa is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired marriage visa . Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with a marriage visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ).
Eligible group of people for a marriage visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who wish to marry a German citizen are eligible to obtain a marriage visa . Individuals with freedom of movement rights (especially EU citizens ) do not require a marriage visa to marry in Germany. The same applies to third-country nationals who are already permitted to reside in Germany for another reason (e.g., work or study ).
From a purely legal standpoint, there are no differences in nationality for marriage visas . In practice, however, a significant distinction is made based on the nationality of the third-country national. Consequently, some countries in Africa and Central Asia are classified by the German Federal Foreign Office and its embassies and consulates as having "high migration pressure." Because the marriage visa is highly susceptible to abuse due to its lack of prerequisites (so-called sham marriages), the authorities scrutinize the plausibility of each application for a marriage visa very carefully.
Requirements for a marriage visa
The marriage visa has no strict requirements, other than the imminent marriage to a German citizen. In theory, a marriage visa could also be issued for marriage to a foreigner in Germany; however, most foreigners in this situation will marry abroad. Therefore, this scenario is practically irrelevant.
The requirements for a marriage visa are as follows:
Upcoming legal marriage to a German citizen in Germany
A credible and verifiable story of how the couple met ( plausibility check )
The immigration authority approves the issuance of the visa (§ 31 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 1 AufenthV)
Secure livelihood in accordance with Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the Residence Act (sufficient financial resources, living space for both partners, health insurance of the third-country national)
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
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 )
In practice, a key focus when assessing eligibility will regularly be the applicant's ability to generate sufficient financial resources for a life together. In the classic scenario of a marriage visa, the German citizen should be able to earn enough to support the couple's life together.
Required documents for marriage visa
The requirements for a marriage visa are proven with the appropriate documents. The documents required for a marriage visa vary from country to country. In some countries in Africa and Central Asia, excessively stringent requirements are placed on the plausibility of certain documents to prevent the misuse of work visas in sham marriages. This so-called " plausibility check " is frequently the subject of legal proceedings .
In most cases, a marriage visa requires at least the following documents:
Proof of personal data and application: Marriage visa application form (printed VIDEX form to be presented at the appointment)
Proof of impending marriage: Appointment registration at a registry office in Germany; if necessary, photographic evidence of how the couple met, should the plausibility of the intention to marry be doubted.
Proof of the legality of the impending marriage: Certificate of no impediment to marriage for the German citizen
Proof of identity of both spouses: passport ; in some countries, additional documents such as birth certificates, registration certificates or ID cards of the third-country national are required.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence according to § 5 para. 1 no. 1 of the Residence Act (financial resources): Proof of income of the German citizen and usually also a declaration of commitment.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence according to § 5 para. 1 no. 1 of the Residence Act (housing): rental agreement and, if applicable, proof that rent has been paid in the last 3 months (transfer receipts)
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( health insurance in Germany): Health insurance certificate for third-country nationals
Proof of the authority's jurisdiction: Proof of residence (registration certificate when applying domestically for a residence permit or other proof when applying abroad for a visa )
Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change
The required documents for a marriage visa are usually not available on the website of the respective embassy, as the marriage visa (unlike other visa types such as work or student visas) is not a legally defined purpose of stay. However, the German Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, offers particularly comprehensive information on marriage visas .
Apply for a marriage visa online
Since a marriage visa (apart from the specific circumstances in Thailand) is a relatively uncommon purpose of stay, the authorities generally do not offer an online application for a marriage visa. The marriage visa is also not available as an application option on the German Federal Foreign Office's international travel portal .
Advantages of a marriage visa
Enables marriage in Germany without having to go through the home country.
Marriage directly recognized in Germany; no complicated notarization/apostille/legalization of the marriage certificate is necessary.
Spousal reunification can be applied for directly in Germany, which saves a long and complicated visa process.
It brings the nuclear family together. Partners often receive direct, unrestricted access to the job market .
The path from marriage visa/wedding visa to permanent residence permit
A marriage visa cannot be converted into a permanent residence permit. The marriage visa must first be converted into a residence permit for spouses/spouse visa ( § 30 AufenthG ). Afterwards, the application for a permanent residence permit is governed by the rules for the indefinite residence of spouses .
Path from marriage visa/wedding visa to naturalization
Converting a marriage visa/wedding visa to a naturalization visa is practically irrelevant, as the marriage visa is only valid until the wedding. Afterwards, a residence permit for family reunification is usually granted ( § 30 AufenthG ). This residence permit for family reunification entitles the holder to naturalization , as it is not excluded under § 10 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 3 StAG .
Next steps for marriage visa
To apply for a marriage visa, you should first complete all necessary steps at the registry office (appointment registration and certificate of no impediment to marriage), as these documents are required for the visa application. At the same time, you should research with the embassy which additional documents are required for a marriage visa (see, for example, the German Embassy in Bangkok's guidelines on marriage visas ). Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you must book an appointment and submit them. Afterwards, you can enter Germany and get married. Following the wedding, you must apply for a spousal visa ( § 30 AufenthG ). 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 marriage visa
Unlike other visas, the marriage visa does not have its own specific legal basis , as residence for the purpose of marriage is not explicitly defined as a separate purpose of residence in the Residence Act. The issuance of a marriage visa is therefore governed by the catch-all provision of Section 7 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the Residence Act (“In justified cases, a residence permit may also be granted for a purpose of residence not provided for by this Act”). In some cases , Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act (legal basis for the D visa) in conjunction with Article 6 of the Basic Law (fundamental right to respect for family life) is also cited as a legal basis for the marriage visa. In a broader sense, the Civil Status Act (regulations on marriage) and the Introductory Act to the German Civil Code ( EGBGB) ( international regulations on international marriage) also serve as legal bases for the marriage visa.
Important laws regarding marriage visas
The most important laws regarding home country visas are the following:
Important rulings on marriage visas
There is little practically relevant case law regarding marriage visas.
Frequently asked questions about marriage visas
What do you need for a marriage visa?
The most important document for a marriage visa is the confirmation from the German registry office regarding the registration of the marriage (the so-called "registration for marriage"), which states that all documents have been checked and the wedding date is set. It is also important that a valid passport is held and that sufficient funds are available to cover living expenses (general requirements for issuance according to Section 5 of the German Residence Act).
How much does a marriage visa cost?
The application fee for a marriage visa at the German embassy or consulate is typically €75. However, it's important to note that this is only a small part of the total cost. Additional expenses include fees for the registry office in Germany, costs for legalized translations of birth and marriage certificates, and potential consulting fees from a lawyer or relocation agency (depending on the complexity of the case).
How long does a visa for marriage take?
The processing time for a marriage visa is relatively long, as several authorities are involved. After the application is submitted to the embassy, it is forwarded to the local immigration office in Germany for review (internal approval according to Section 31 of the Residence Ordinance). Generally, processing takes three to six months. Since registration at the registry office in Germany is often only valid for six months, precise coordination between the document review at the registry office and the visa application at the embassy is crucial.
When is a marriage visa rejected?
A visa for marriage will be refused if the formal requirements are not met, for example, if the applicant's livelihood is not secured. A frequent reason for refusal (especially in African and Asian countries) is also the suspicion of a so-called sham marriage; if the authorities suspect that the marriage is only being entered into to fraudulently obtain residency (e.g., in cases of very large age differences or contradictory statements made during questioning).
How do I get a marriage visa?
Paradoxically, the path to a marriage visa usually begins at the registry office in Germany. The partner living in Germany must first register the marriage there and submit all the required documents from both partners. Once the registry office confirms that the requirements for marriage are met (registration for marriage), the foreign partner makes an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. There, the application for a "national visa for the purpose of marriage" is submitted in person. After approval by the immigration authorities in Germany, the visa is issued, which allows entry into Germany and the marriage to take place within its validity period (usually 90 days). Subsequently, a spousal visa or a residence permit for spouses can be applied for (§ 30 AufenthG).
Marriage visa in other glossaries
The term “marriage visa” or “wedding visa” can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the marriage visa/wedding visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook, Marriage with subsequent permanent residence, 78th Supplement, as of 02/2024
[2] Zimmerer in BeckOK MigR | AufenthG § 30 Rn. 6-9 | 24th Edition | Status: 01.01.2026, 1. Entry for the purpose of marriage
[3] Hertel in BeckOGK | EuGüVO Art. 26 Rn. 18-23.3 | Status: 01.02.2025, c) First common habitual residence after marriage
[4] Tewocht in BeckOK AuslR | AufenthG § 30 Rn. 8-11 | 46th Edition | Status: 01.04.2025, 1. Entry for the purpose of marriage
[5] Rolf Stahmann in Oberhäuser, Migrationsrecht in der Beratungspraxis | A. § 9 Toleration and Deportation Rn. 1-162 | 1st edition 2019, (1) Toleration for Marriage
[6] ZEIT online, “At home the men felt emasculated”, 21.03.2025
Last updated: January 30, 2026
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