Family reunification is not an independent route to Germany – it depends entirely on the residence status of the person in Germany living person. Housing, livelihood and often Knowledge of German must be proven. Anyone who applies for immigration before their own status secured, you lose time, money and nerves.
What I see
It doesn't happen when applying for a visa. It happens months before – given the order.
Depending on your own status
The possibilities and requirements for family reunification depend directly depends on which residence permit the person living in Germany has. Three common constellations at a glance.
Settlement permit or EU Blue Card
Most stable starting point. If you have a settlement permit, it is easiest to get one.
Residence permit for gainful employment
Standard for skilled workers: Spousal reunification is possible, parental reunification is hardly possible.
Residence permit for studying · § 16b
It is possible to join your studies, but the financial hurdle is high: proof of total support for everyone must be provided.
The correct order
Family reunification depends entirely on your own status. Anyone who doesn't have a stable one yet If you have a residence permit, you cannot apply for reunification – or your application will be rejected. Only when the residence permit, livelihood and living space are secured, the reunification process begins. No shortening this phase.
For spouses from non-EU countries (exceptions apply for certain nationalities and university graduates) an A1 language certificate is required before entry. Goethe-Institut A1, telc A1 or ÖSD A1 are accepted. Start the course in your home country while maintaining your own status in Germany is stabilized – in parallel, not afterwards.
Language courses & certificates Exceptions to the A1 proof: Citizens from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, Israel. Always check.Two mandatory proofs for almost every move: sufficiently large living space (Rule of thumb: 12 square meters per person) and proof of income showing that the The livelihood of all family members is secured without social benefits. What is considered “appropriate” depends on the family structure and region.
If necessary, increase living space before submitting the application. Living space that is too small is a reason for rejection - and cannot be changed ad hoc.The spouse or child who follows him submits the visa application at the German embassy in your home country - not the person living in Germany. Book embassy appointments early – Waiting times are 4-20 weeks depending on country. Submit all documents in full.
Spouse reunificationAfter entry: Register your residence at the residents’ registration office within 14 days. Then apply for a residence permit at the immigration office. The visa is usually limited to 3-6 months - the residence permit must be applied for beforehand. Book an appointment at the immigration office early – Wait times can be 6-12 weeks.
Spouses from third countries who have followed suit are generally entitled to the state-funded integration course (A1–B1, 700 hours). It is mandatory for certain residence permits. Clarify health insurance immediately - either through the person working in Germany Partner (family insured in GKV) or self-employed.
Integration courseAll topics
Spouse reunification →
When spouses are allowed to join, what the A1 certificate means, which exceptions apply, which documents the embassy requires and what distinguishes the entry visa from the residence permit. For most skilled workers, this is the most important case for reunification.
A1 proof: take it in your home country before booking the embassy appointment. Not after that.
Let children follow suit →
Children under 16 can usually follow suit without proof of German, if both parents or the parent with custody live in Germany. Stricter requirements apply from the age of 16. Custody arrangements and consent forms from the other parent can play a role.
The younger the child is at the time of reunification, the less complicated the process is. Waiting costs a lot here.
Let parents follow suit →
Bringing parents to Germany is much more difficult than that Spouse or child reunification. It assumes that they are in Germany living person is of legal age and the parents have no other place of residence. In practice, this is almost only possible if you have a settlement permit and fully documented livelihood.
Parental reunification is not a rule, but an exception. The requirements are high – find out early on whether it is even possible.
Numbers you need to know
A1
Language certificate spouse Required before entry for spouses from most non-EU countries. Exceptions apply – always check.
12 sqm
living space per person Rule of thumb from the immigration authorities. Living space that is too small is a reason for rejection. Check before applying.
75 €
Visa fee per person Due at the embassy. Children under 6 years are exempt. Spouse visa and child visa separately.
16 years
Age limit for child reunification Under 16: no proof of German required. From 16: knowledge of German or special integration prognosis required.
You know when and how family reunification works.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.