How to get a Family Reunion Visa to Germany: Requirements, documents & timeline #
If you live in Germany and want your family to join you, the family reunification visa (also called the family reunion visa) makes it possible.
This visa allows spouses, children, and sometimes parents to join their relatives already living in Germany. While the process can seem complicated, it’s completely doable with the right preparation. You’ll need to meet income and housing requirements, provide the right documents, and have health insurance.
This guide explains everything from who’s eligible and how to apply to what happens after arrival. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, Blue Card holder, or refugee, it will help you bring your family to Germany.
Who are eligible for a family reunification visa in Germany? #
The family reunification visa (Familiennachzug) lets non-EU citizens join a family member living in Germany. The family member called the sponsor must be a German citizen or hold a valid residence permit (like the EU Blue Card).
Who can apply:
- Spouses or registered partners: You must be legally married or in a recognized partnership.
- Children under 18: Usually, both parents must live in Germany or plan to reunite there. A single parent with full custody can also apply.
- Parents of minor children: In special cases (e.g., unaccompanied refugee minors), parents can join their child in Germany.
Family reunion isn’t automatic approval depends on the sponsor’s residence status and meeting all visa requirements.
How long does a Family Reunion Visa for Germany take? #
Family reunion visa processing usually takes 8–12 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the embassy, application volume, and document checks. During this period, the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in the sponsor’s city may review the sponsor’s housing and income documents. Delays often happen if paperwork is missing, unclear, or needs translation or legalisation.
Once approved, you’ll receive a 90-day entry visa to travel to Germany. After arrival, you must register your address and apply for a residence permit within that period.
After Arriving in Germany: Next Steps for Family Reunion Visa Holders #
Once your family member arrives in Germany, they must complete a few important steps to stay legally:
1. Register the Address (Anmeldung) #
Within 14 days of moving in, they must register their address at the local Bürgeramt (registration office). They’ll need:
- The rental contract (can be under the sponsor’s name)
- A Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — a confirmation form from the landlord listing the applicant’s name
Tip: The registration won’t be accepted if the applicant’s name isn’t on the confirmation form.
2. Apply for a Residence Permit #
After registering, they must apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).
Bring:
- The original visa and passport
- Anmeldung confirmation (proof of address registration)
- Health insurance proof
This step converts the entry visa into a long-term residence permit, allowing your family member to live in Germany legally.
A fresh start together #
The family reunion visa process in Germany may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and preparation, it’s entirely within reach. Each step you take from gathering documents to settling in brings you closer to reuniting with your loved ones. Planning ahead helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth transition for your whole family. And with the right health insurance and support, you can focus on what truly matters building your new life together in Germany.
Your journey to reunite and start fresh begins today.
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.
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