How to Bring Your Parents to Germany Permanently #

Reuniting with your parents in Germany is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make but it’s also one of the most complicated under German immigration law.

Unlike spouse or child reunification, bringing parents to Germany is not an automatic right. It falls under a special legal category that requires you to prove “exceptional hardship.” This is a strict standard and approvals are rare — but with careful planning, strong documentation, and the right strategy, it’s possible.

This step by step guide covers everything you need to know about the parent reunification visa in Germany:

• Who can apply and who qualifies
• The six legal requirements you must meet
• What “exceptional hardship” really means
• Why documentation and legal support are crucial
• What to expect during the application and appeals process
• And alternative options if your application is refused

Is it possible to move your parents to Germany? #

Yes but the process is far from simple.

While Germany strongly supports family reunification for spouses and minor children, parents of adult children fall into a separate category called “other family members.” This is covered under Section 36 of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) and only applies in exceptional hardship cases.

In simple terms, the immigration office will only approve a parent reunification visa if:

• Your parent cannot live independently or receive necessary care in their home country.
• Bringing them to Germany is the only realistic solution.
• You, the sponsor, have a secure, long-term residence permit and can fully support them.

How rare are parent reunification visas? #

There are no official statistics for parent reunification specifically. However, we know that of the 93,960 residence permits issued for family reasons in 2022, only 4.3% (~4,040 permits) were granted to extended family members (like parents, siblings, or grandparents). This shows just how selective and competitive these applications are.

What are the requirements for bringing your parents to Germany? #

To bring your parents to Germany, you and they must meet six strict conditions:

1. Secure residence status in Germany #

You must hold a stable, long-term residence permit before applying. Eligible statuses include:

• Permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• EU Blue Card – held for at least 33 months (or 21 months if you have B1 German)

Temporary visas like student permits, job-seeker visas, or short-term work contracts are not eligible.

2. Sufficient income to support your parents #

You must prove that you can cover all their expenses including rent, healthcare, food, and daily needs  without relying on public benefits.

Your income must be:

• Stable – from permanent employment, freelance work, or regular income sources
• Documented – with payslips, tax returns, or contracts
• Sufficient – immigration offices often expect €1,500–€2,000 net per parent per month, but it varies by location and rent

Accepted proof includes salary slips, freelance invoices, pension payments, or rental income statements.

3. Verpflichtungserklärung (Financial obligation letter) #

A Verpflichtungserklärung is a legally binding declaration stating that you will cover all costs for your parents and that they will not claim social benefits.

• It’s signed at your local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office).
• The commitment lasts up to 5 years or until they leave Germany.
• You’ll need proof of income, rental agreement, ID, and insurance when submitting it.

4. Health insurance for your parents #

Your parents must have comprehensive health insurance from the day they arrive.

Because most parents over 55 can’t join the public system, they’ll usually need private health insurance (PKV) that meets German legal requirements.

• Feather
• Barmer

Providers like Feather offer expat insurance designed specifically for reunification cases and can provide official documentation to help with visa approval.

5. Suitable housing #

You must show that you have adequate living space for your parents according to local housing regulations. Your rental contract or property ownership documents will be required.

6. Proof of exceptional hardship #

This is the most important and most difficult part of the application. You must demonstrate that your parents face significant hardship if they remain abroad, such as:

• Serious illness requiring care only available in Germany
• No one else in their home country who can care for them
• Dangerous or unstable conditions in their country of residence

The documentation must be thorough including medical certificates, care assessments, and statements explaining why reunification is the only solution.

Timeline and what to expect #

Parent reunification applications often take 6–12 months or longer. The process can include interviews, requests for additional documents, and sometimes rejections. If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal, but success rates remain low without professional legal help.

Alternatives if reunification isn’t possible #

If a permanent visa is not approved, your parents may still be able to:

• Apply for a long-term visitor visa (multiple-entry)
• Visit regularly under a Schengen short-stay visa
• Use medical treatment visas if health care is the main reason

Final thoughts: Preparation is everything #

Bringing your parents to Germany permanently is challenging, but not impossible. The key to success is planning ahead, preparing strong evidence, and seeking legal advice if needed.

Make sure you:

• Secure your own residence status first
• Build a strong financial profile
• Collect comprehensive medical or care-related documentation
• Get expert help for drafting and submitting the application

With the right strategy and patience, you can improve your chances of being reunited with your parents in Germany and give them the support and care they deserve.

Suggested read: How to get a Family Reunion Visa to Germany