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Migration & Integration

Residence Permit for Family Reunification

Residence permit for family members of persons living in Germany pursuant to Sections 27 et seq. of the Residence Act (AufenthG) – generally requires a national visa prior to entry.

Processing: approx. 4 months
Success rate: 65.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Apply for a national visa in your home country

    Family visa (Category D) at the German diplomatic mission abroad.

  2. 2

    Entry and Registration of Residence

    Register your residence within 14 days of arrival.

  3. 3

    Apply for a residence permit at the Office of Immigration and Naturalization

    During the period of validity of the visa, at the relevant immigration office.

Required documents

  • PassportMandatory
  • Marriage certificate or birth certificateMandatory
  • Proof of income for the primary beneficiaryMandatoryOften forgotten

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 4 months

Official: max. approx. 3 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Forgot to apply for a visa in my home country
  • • Application submitted too late after entry

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Livelihood not secured
  • • A1 language proficiency not demonstrated (spousal reunification for third-country nationals)

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Spouses, minor children, and parents of German citizens or foreign nationals with a residence permit.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 4 months

Success rate

approx. 65.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Forgot to apply for a visa in my home country
  • •Application submitted too late after entry

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Livelihood not secured
  • •A1 language proficiency not demonstrated (spousal reunification for third-country nationals)

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Questions & Answers

Do I need to provide proof of my German language skills?▼

For spousal reunification for third-country nationals: basic knowledge of German (A1) prior to entry.

Read more