How does family reunification work for residence in Germany?
Family reunification allows certain family members of a person legally resident in Germany to apply for their own residence permit to join them. Conditions vary depending on the status of the sponsoring person and the relationship of the family member applying.
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How it works
The family member generally applies for a national visa at a German mission before travel, providing proof of the relationship and evidence that conditions such as housing and income are met where required. Once in Germany, the family member applies for a residence permit tied to the reunification purpose.
Commonly mixed up with
Family reunification requirements are sometimes assumed to be identical across all visa categories. Conditions differ significantly depending on whether the sponsoring person holds, for example, an EU Blue Card or another type of residence permit.
How does family reunification work for residence in Germany?
| Knowledge, Berlin | Legal, visa and entry |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Family reunification allows certain family members of a person legally resident in Germany to apply for their own residence permit to join them. Conditions vary depending on the status of the sponsoring person and the relationship of the family member applying. |
| How it works | The family member generally applies for a national visa at a German mission before travel, providing proof of the relationship and evidence that conditions such as housing and income are met where required. Once in Germany, the family member applies for a residence permit tied to the reunification purpose. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Family reunification requirements are sometimes assumed to be identical across all visa categories. Conditions differ significantly depending on whether the sponsoring person holds, for example, an EU Blue Card or another type of residence permit. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Is a national visa needed before travel?
- Yes, a national visa is generally required before entering for reunification.
- Do requirements depend on the sponsor's status?
- Yes, conditions vary with the sponsoring person's residence category.
- Is proof of income required?
- This depends on the category and is not uniform across all cases.
- Can reunification apply to a spouse and children?
- Yes, subject to conditions set for each relationship.
- Where is guidance published?
- The Auswärtiges Amt publishes family reunification requirements.
Sources
More in this track
- How does Schengen entry work for a visit to Germany?
- What is the difference between a Schengen visa and a German national visa?
- What is the EU Blue Card and who can apply for it in Germany?
- What types of residence permit exist in Germany?
- How does work authorisation work for non-EU nationals in Germany?
- What is required for a student residence permit in Germany?
- Can a non-EU national get a residence permit for self-employment in Germany?
- Why does a residence permit application depend on address registration?
- Why is health insurance proof required for a German visa or residence permit?
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