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Family Reunion Visa to Germany Step-by-Step Guide #

The Family Reunion Visa allows close family members such as spouses, and children to join a relative residing in Germany. This visa is essential for stays exceeding 90 days and is categorized under the national visa (Category D).

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility #

You may apply for a Family Reunion Visa if you are:

  • The spouse, child, or parent of someone legally residing in Germany.
  • Joining a person who is:
    • A German citizen
    • An EU citizen
    • A recognized refugee or asylum seeker
    • A permanent resident or holds a residence permit

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Step 2: Submit a Timely Notification (If Joining a Recognized Refugee) #

If your family member in Germany is a recognized refugee, it’s crucial to submit a timely notification (Fristwahrende Anzeige) within 3 months of their asylum approval to benefit from a simplified visa process. This can be done via:

  • www.fap.diplo.de
  • The competent Aliens’ Authority in Germany
  • Sending a letter or email to the relevant German mission abroad, including:
    • Full names, dates of birth, and passport numbers of the applicants
    • Purpose of your trip
    • Full name, date of birth, and residence permit of your family member in Germany
Step 3: Register for an Appointment #

Due to high demand, appointment waiting times can be 18 months or more. Register as early as possible at the appropriate mission:

Tip: Use this waiting time to study German. If you require a German language certificate for your visa but do not have it available at the time of your application, you must submit it within two months.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents #

Ensure all documents are:

  • In DIN A4 size
  • Complete and legible
  • Not stapled

Provide both originals and copies for each applicant, arranged in the following order:

Application Form: #
  • Complete and sign the VIDEX application form for each applicant
  • For minors under 18, the parent or legal guardian must sign the application.
  • Both partners must be at least 18 years old to apply for a spouse visa.
Photographs: #
  • One biometric passport photo per applicant and one of the reference persons in Germany.
  • Photos must be no older than 3 months, with a white background.
Certificate of Residency in Germany (Meldebescheinigung): #
  • No older than 6 months.
Copy of Spouse’s/Family Member’s Residence Permit: #
  • E.g., Aufenthaltserlaubnis or Niederlassungserlaubnis.
Applicant’s Current Passport and CNIC: #
  • Copies of pages 0-3 and all pages with stamps and visas.
Copies of Previous Passports: #
  • Same as above.
Copies of Spouse’s/Family Member’s Valid and Previous Passports: #
  • Including all residence permits.
Original NADRA Computerized Birth Certificates: #
  • For all applicants and the family member in Germany.
Original Nikah Nama: #
  • Original Nikah Nama in Urdu
  • Official English translation of Nikah Nama
  • German translation – required by most German embassies/consulates, especially in Pakistan.
  • Original NADRA Computerized Marriage Registration Certificate.
Proof of Previous Marriages for Both Spouses (if applicable): #
  • Original NADRA or German divorce/death certificates.
Court Order Regarding Legal Guardianship (if applicable): #
  • Including permission to take the child abroad, in Urdu with English translation.
BAMF Deed (if applicable): #
  • Positive notice regarding the award of refugee status issued by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, BAMF).
Travel Insurance Policy: #
  • Valid for one year starting from the date of application.
A1 Language Certificate: #
  • Not required for:
    • Spouses of recognized asylum seekers or refugees under the Geneva Refugee Convention if married before the partner left Pakistan.
    • Spouses of holders of an EU Blue Card, ICT Card, Mobile ICT Card, or certain residence titles.
    • Spouses of non-German EU nationals.
    • Parents of minor German children.
  • In Pakistan, a valid certificate can only be issued by the Goethe-Institut (GI). The certificate must be no older than one year when applying for the visa.
C1 Language Certificate: #
  • Required for applicants aged 16 or 17 at the time of applying for a visa, unless exempted under specific conditions.
Additional Proof of Relationship: #
  • Copies of vaccination and school certificates.
  • Wedding and family pictures in A4 format.
  • Excerpts from chat/call history with visible dates.
  • Proof of remittance payments.
Appointment Confirmation Email: #
  • Must contain the booking reference number (e.g., isla_15882087).
Applicant’s Declaration. #
Information Regarding Legal Representation. #
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee #
  • Adults: €75
  • Children under 18: €37.50
  • Spouses/children of EU citizens: Exempt from visa fees

Fees are payable in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) at the current exchange rate and must be paid in cash at the visa counter.

Step 6: Submit Your Application #
  • Present original documents during the visa application process. The passport intended for travel will remain with the mission during processing.
  • The embassy may request additional documents or a document verification fee of PKR 75,000.
Step 7: Await Processing #

Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 12 months after the application has been submitted and all required documents are provided.

Additional Tips #
  • Document Order: Arrange documents in the order outlined above.
  • Language Preparation: Use the waiting period to improve your German language skills.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on the official German Missions in Pakistan website: Visa: family reunion.
Need Help? #

If you need assistance with specific aspects of the application process or have further questions, feel free to ask! You can also visit our Service section and find an expert who can guide you step-by-step through the process.

Updated on May 28, 2025

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