Family Reunion Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- 3-6 months
- Fee
- €75
- Validity
- Initially 1-3 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For spouses, registered partners, and minor children to join family members residing in Germany. Applicants must be 18+. Spouses must prove basic German A1 language skills unless exempt. Sponsor must have adequate accommodation and financial means. Visa fees waived for family members of German citizens, EU nationals, or those with freedom of movement rights. Fee for minors: €37.50.
Eligibility
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Age
Applicant and sponsor must both be at least 18 years old.
Min age: 18
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Purpose of visit
For family reunification with spouse, registered partner, or parents of minor children.
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Financial
Sponsor must have stable income and adequate housing for family.
Minimum funds: Varies by family size
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, biometric
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany; Minimum coverage: €30,000 initially or health insurance
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa - Family Reunion; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/
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Birth certificate
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Marriage certificate
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
Accepted documents: Sponsor's rental contract or property ownership showing adequate space; Max age months: 3
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Sponsor financial
Minimum income: Sufficient to support family without public funds; Required documents: Sponsor's employment contract, salary slips, residence permit copy
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: German A1 for spouses (Goethe, telc, ÖSD); Minimum score: A1 German
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather marriage/birth certificates, relationship evidence, sponsor documents, language certificate.
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Online application
Complete family reunion visa application.
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Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at German embassy/consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee (waived for family of German/EU citizens).
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Document submission
Submit all family relationship and sponsor documents.
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Interview
Attend interview about relationship and family situation.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing and verification.
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Visa collection
Collect family reunion visa.