Child immigration is comparative for children under 16 years of age uncomplicated – no proof of German, no separate visa interview. Stricter conditions apply from the age of 16. The younger the child is at the time of reunification, the easier the process is. If you wait until your child turns 16, you are making things more difficult for yourself.
The decisive limit
The age of the child at the time of application - not entry - is crucial. Anyone who submits the application shortly before their 16th birthday can still enter under the easier conditions.
Children under 16 years of age – simplified reunification
Fastest and easiest way. Age at the time of application is decisive - not at entry.
Children aged 16 and over – stricter requirements
No more automatism. Each case is evaluated individually. Get legal advice early.
Custody
Custody status is often an underestimated stumbling block in child reunification. Anyone who cannot prove sole custody needs it Consent from the other parent. Without this declaration: no visa for the child.
Three constellations – three different requirements
The simplest case. Both parents move together or at the same time to Germany, or are both already there. Joint custody allows children to join in without additional declarations of consent. Children can attend at the same time as a parent or briefly enter afterwards.
Here's one notarized declaration of consent of the parent remaining in the home country is required. The statement must confirm that the other parent is moving of the child to Germany. As a rule, it must have an apostille and be in German be translated.
Whoever has sole custody – by court ruling, death of the other parent or withdrawal of custody – no declaration of consent is required. However, the relevant document must be provided: Custody decision with apostille and sworn translation.
If one parent dies, sole custody automatically applies. The embassy requests the death certificate of the other parent – with apostille and sworn translation into German.
documents
The documents for child reunification are more extensive than for spouse reunification, because both parenthood and custody must be proven. Submit all documents in full – additional requests significantly delay the process.
Full document list for children under 16
| document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| German language skills A2 or B1 | Language certificate Goethe, telc or ÖSD – proves the ability to integrate |
| School certificate/education certificate | Proves previous level of education and integration into the school system |
| School place confirmation in Germany | Some authorities require proof of planned school enrollment |
| Justification of the integration forecast | Why can successful integration of the child in Germany be expected? |
After entry
When the child enters the country, a series of administrative steps begins. Many of them have deadlines that must be consistently met.
First steps after the child arrives
Children must be registered within 14 days of moving in – just like adults. Required: child's passport, Birth certificate and confirmation of accommodation from the landlord. After registration, the child also receives a tax ID – which is important for child benefit.
The child visa is an entry visa – the actual residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority. Book an appointment early, as waiting times can be 6-12 weeks. Apply for a residence permit before the child visa expires.
In Germany, school attendance is compulsory from the age of 6 for all children have their place of residence in Germany – regardless of nationality or residence status. The child must be taken as soon as possible be registered. The responsible school authority or school On-site advice about class and admission. Beginner programs and welcome classes for newly arrived children are widespread in Germany.
Children can go through the parent who works in Germany Family insurance can be insured free of charge in the GKV – if the parent is a GKV member and the child has no income of their own. Register immediately after registering with the parent's health insurance company.
Children who come afterwards are entitled to child benefit from the first month after entry. Application to the family fund of the Federal Agency for put work. What is required: tax IDs of both parents and the child, Birth certificate, residence permit. Child benefit is not granted retroactively - apply as early as possible.
Typical mistakes
Waited too long – child is already 16 when applying
If you wait until the child is a little older or keep postponing the application, you run the risk that the child will already be 16 years old when the application is made. The age at the time of application to the embassy is decisive - not the age at entry. Shortly before your 16th birthday you can still apply under easier conditions.
Consent from the other parent was not obtained
In the case of joint custody, the other parent must agree to the move - notarized, with an apostille and translation. Without this explanation, the embassy will refuse the visa. If the other parent refuses to give consent, there is no quick way - court proceedings may be necessary.
Birth certificate without apostille or translation
The birth certificate is the central document for child immigration. A simple copy is not enough – an apostille and sworn translation are mandatory. In some countries, the apostille application takes several weeks. Start on time.
Child benefit application submitted too late
Child benefit is not paid retroactively for previous months - only from the month in which the application is submitted. Anyone who submits the application 6 months after the child enters the country will lose 6 × child benefit (currently €250/month). Submit the application immediately after registering the child.
Compulsory schooling ignored or postponed
In Germany, school attendance is compulsory from the age of 6 - even for children who have recently arrived. Anyone who does not register the child quickly enough risks a fine and misses important welcome classes. Contact the responsible school authority as soon as the child is registered.
Next steps
You know how child 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.