§§ 27-36 Residence Act
The family reunification visa allows entry to one person, who already has a secure residence status in Germany. The crucial question is not your own visa – but the residence permit of the person being moved to join them. Requirements, language requirements and deadlines depend on this.
Who can move in with whom
Spouses to Germans
§ 28 Residence ActGerman language skills A1 prove before entry. Exceptions if it is impossible to purchase the course.
Spouses to non-EU foreigners
§ 30 Residence ActCaregiver needs secure residence (at least 2 years). Knowledge of German A1 mandatory. Exceptions possible.
Minor children to German parents
§ 28 Residence ActNo proof of language skills required. Proof of custody required.
Minor children to non-EU parents
§ 32 Residence ActBoth parents or sole parent with custody in Germany. Age: under 16 years (16-18 with restrictions).
Parents to underage Germans
§ 28 Residence ActPersonal care necessary for the child. No proof of language skills, but livelihood secured.
Parents to adult children (EU Blue Card)
§ 36a Residence ActSpecial regulation for Blue Card holders. It is possible to bring parents and adult children together.
Other family members
§ 36 Residence ActOnly at exceptional hardness – strict discretionary procedure, no rule-making.
Caregiver in Germany
The requirements for family reunification depend directly on the residence permit of the person living in Germany. The more stable and secure this title, the easier it is to move in.
How the status of the caregiver influences reunification
German citizenship
Follow-up under § 28 Residence Act. Simplest variant. Spouses need A1 German. Children under 16 come without proof of language skills.
Settlement permit or Blue Card
Family reunification under § 30 Residence Act possible. Caregiver must sufficient living space and provide proof of a secure livelihood.
Residence permit (temporary)
Follow-up possible, but: Residence permit must be issued for at least 2 years and not be limited to expressly temporary purposes.
Regardless of the status of the caregiver, three basic requirements apply family reunification with non-EU foreigners:
Language certificate
For spouses joining non-EU foreigners, the language level is A1 must be proven before entry. This is the most common hurdle when it comes to family reunification – and it applies regardless of the caregiver’s German level.
What A1 means, how it is proven and when exceptions apply
A1 is the lowest level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It corresponds to basic knowledge: understanding and formulating simple sentences, communicate in everyday situations. For family reunification, this level must be accompanied by a recognized certificate must be proven before the embassy appointment.
| Certificate | Provider | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe certificate A1 | Goethe Institute | Best known, internationally available |
| Start German 1 | Goethe Institute | Designed specifically for immigrants |
| telc German A1 | telc GmbH | Widely used, cheap, available in many places |
| ÖSD certificate A1 | Austrian language diploma | Accepted but less common |
| DTZ (German test for immigrants) | telc / Goethe | Suitable for integration courses, not for family reunification |
documents
The list of documents varies depending on the constellation of reunification. The following documents apply to spouse reunification with non-EU foreigners – the most common case.
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months after planned departure |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Online, printed, signed |
| Language certificate A1 | Goethe A1, Start Deutsch 1 or telc A1 in the original |
| Marriage certificate + certified translation | If necessary, apostilled depending on the country of origin; sworn translation into German |
| Birth certificate + certified translation | For proof of identity |
| CV in German | Short, in tabular form |
| Visa fee | 75 € (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
The application process
What residence permit does the person living in Germany have? Are livelihoods and living space adequately secured? These questions determine whether and under what conditions reunification is possible.
Register with the Goethe-Institut, telc or another recognized provider in your country of origin. Exam dates can wait 4-12 weeks – plan early. Bring the original certificate with you to the embassy appointment.
Without A1 proof, there is no date for spouse reunification with non-EU foreigners - unless there is a documented exception.Marriage certificates, birth certificates and, if applicable, proof of custody must have sworn translations into German. Obtain an apostille or legalization depending on your country of origin – this step takes time.
Book an appointment as early as possible. In countries with a long waiting period (up to 16 weeks), book the appointment while the language course is still running. Appointment first – complete documents at the same time.
Duration: 20-40 minutes. Documents are checked. Passport remains with the embassy. Processing time: 2-8 weeks – When it comes to family reunification, it is usually a little longer than with other types of visas.
Register your residence at the residents’ registration office within 14 days. Apply for a residence permit for family reunification at the immigration authorities. The residence permit of the person joining is initially tied to that of the reference person.
You want to bring your family to Germany.
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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.