Spouse reunification with non-EU citizens
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Family reunification for non-EU/EEA citizens: Required criteria and entry requirements

Individuals who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can accompany their family members to Germany. The specific requirements for family reunification vary depending on the nationality of the accompanying family members. Here you can learn more about the required criteria and the applicable guidelines for entering Germany.

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Spouse reunification from third countries: requirements and advice

Is your partner from a non-EU, EEA, or Swiss country? No problem! Here you can find out how you can live together in Germany. The following conditions apply to spouses joining skilled workers from third countries:

German language skillsKnowledge of German is not mandatory for spouses to join a skilled worker with a valid residence permit in Germany. However, it is advisable for your family members to learn German to make life in Germany easier for them.

Residence permit: As a skilled worker, you need a residence or settlement permit or an EU Blue Card for Germany.

Health insurance and financial resources: You must have adequate health insurance coverage and financial resources to support your family.

EU Blue Card from another EU country: If you are moving to Germany from another EU country with an EU Blue Card and intend to live here long-term, proof of health insurance coverage is sufficient.

Partner’s age of majority: Your spouse must be of legal age (at least 18 years old).

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Family reunification in the case of a registered civil partnership: requirements and recommendations

Unmarried partners can also benefit from family reunification in Germany, provided they meet the requirements for spouse reunification. It is important that the civil partnership entered into abroad corresponds to the registered civil partnerships permitted in Germany until 2018. This includes:

  • Registration of the partnership: The civil partnership must be officially registered in the respective state.
  • Legal effect: The civil partnership must establish legal obligations and rights for the partners.

These regulations apply equally to same-sex civil partnerships or partnerships in which at least one person is not assigned to the female or male gender.

As immigration lawyers, we support you in the family reunification of unmarried partners. We will assess your individual requirements and help you submit all the necessary documents correctly. Trust our expertise in immigration and asylum law.

How does family reunification work?

If your partner needs to apply for a visa to enter Germany, this is usually done at the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Applying for a visa for family reunification usually requires a passport and proof of marriage or civil partnership.

Please check with your local German embassy about any additional documents required. Since processing can take time, it's advisable to submit your application early and familiarize yourself with the required documents in advance.

After arriving in Germany

After your family arrives in Germany, it is important that you register your family members with the residents' registration office. Before your visa expires, you must apply for a residence permit from the relevant immigration office. It is advisable to book your appointment early and prepare the following documents: passports, birth and marriage certificates, salary or tax certificates, proof of rent, and other documents relevant to your family situation. Once the residence permit is granted, your partner will receive the unrestricted right to work in Germany.

Parental reunification from 2024: Your chance to bring parents or parents-in-law to Germany

If you have received a visa or residence permit for employment purposes from March 1, 2024, you have the option of bringing your parents or parents-in-law to Germany. Further information on the exact regulations for parental reunification can be obtained from the responsible German embassy or local immigration office. In addition to parental reunification, your family members can also travel to Germany for temporary family visits. All relevant information on the family visit visa can be found on the websites of the German embassies.

Parental reunification in Germany: Advice and support from our experienced lawyers

Would you like to bring your parents or in-laws to Germany? Our experienced immigration and asylum law attorneys offer comprehensive advice on all legal aspects of parental reunification. We not only support you with the application process, but also guide you through the entire process – from visa application to the issuance of a residence permit. Rely on our expertise to effectively fulfill the legal requirements and welcome your family here soon.

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