Family Reunification in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

Your Family Is Far Away — Here Is What to Do

You live in Germany. Your husband, wife, or children are in another country. You want them with you. This is possible through family reunification, called Familiennachzug in German. The rules are clear. But the process takes time and preparation. This guide explains every step.

What Is Family Reunification?

Family reunification allows close relatives to join you in Germany legally. The legal basis is the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG), §§ 27–36.

Germany's constitution also protects family life. The constitution is called the Grundgesetz. Article 6 of the Grundgesetz states: the family is under the special protection of the state. This is why Germany gives families the right to live together.

Who Can Come to Germany?

The rules depend on your relationship to the person.

Spouses and Registered Partners

Your husband or wife can join you. They must meet these conditions:

• You must be legally married.
• Both of you must be at least 18 years old.
• Your spouse must prove basic German skills — level A1 (§ 30 AufenthG).
• You must earn enough money to support your family.
• You must have enough living space.

Officially registered same-sex partners have the same rights as married couples (§ 27 AufenthG).

Children Under 18

Your minor children can usually join you. The conditions are:

• Both parents must agree. Or one parent must have sole custody.
• The child must be under 18 at the time of the application.
• Children between 16 and 17 may need to show basic German language skills.

Parents

Parents can join in special situations only. This is allowed if no adult child in the home country can take care of them. The rules are very strict for this group.

What Are the Requirements?

You Need a Valid Residence Permit

You must hold a long-term or permanent residence permit. A tourist visa does not qualify. Examples of permits that do qualify:

• Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• EU long-term residence permit
• EU Blue Card (§ 19a AufenthG — simplified rules apply)
• Refugee protection status (§ 25 Abs. 1 or 2 AufenthG)

You Need Enough Income

You must earn enough to support your family. Your income must cover living costs without social benefits (Bürgergeld). The exact amount depends on your family size.

Exception: Refugees with full protection status do not need to prove income during the first three months after their status is confirmed.

You Need Enough Living Space

Your home must be large enough for your whole family. German law does not set a fixed number of square meters. But the housing must be suitable for everyone living there.

Your Spouse Must Speak Basic German

Before your spouse travels to Germany, they must pass an A1 German test. They can take this test at a Goethe-Institut or another certified institution in their home country. Exceptions exist — for example, if no language course is available nearby, or if a disability makes learning impossible (§ 30 Abs. 3 AufenthG).

How Does the Process Work?

Step 1: Apply at the German Embassy

Your family member applies for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. They need these documents:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Recent passport photos
• Copy of your residence permit
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (officially translated)
• Proof of your income
• Proof of German language skills (for spouses)

Step 2: Wait for the Decision

Processing times vary. Some applications take a few weeks. Others take several months. This depends on the embassy and the volume of applications. Plan early.

Step 3: Arrive and Register

After the visa is approved, your family member travels to Germany. Within two weeks, they must register at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Then they visit the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) to receive a residence permit.

Special Case: Subsidiary Protection

If you have subsidiary protection (§ 25 Abs. 4a AufenthG), the rules are different. Since August 2018, only a limited number of family members can join people with this status each month. This is regulated by the Familiennachzugsneuregelungsgesetz. Waiting times can be very long.

Life After Arrival: Know Your Rights

When your family settles in Germany, everyday life begins quickly. Germany has strong consumer protection laws. For example, if you buy a product and it does not work, you have the right to return or repair it. This process is called Reklamation. Knowing these rights helps your family feel safe and independent from day one.

Quick Overview

Person	German Skills Required?	Income Proof Required?
Spouse / partner	Yes (A1)	Yes
Children under 16	No	Yes
Children 16–17	Sometimes	Yes
Parents	No	Yes (very strict)

Connected BAMF Naturalization Test Questions

If you are also preparing for German citizenship, two test questions connect directly to this topic:

Question 11 asks: What is the German constitution called? The answer is Grundgesetz. Article 6 of the Grundgesetz protects family life — this is the legal foundation behind family reunification rights.

Question 290 covers consumer rights: You buy a TV in Germany. You unpack it at home. It does not work. What can you do? You can reklamieren — return it or demand a repair. This is important knowledge for daily life, especially when your family first arrives.

Are you ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language at einbuergerungscheck.de/trainer.

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Disclaimer: This article is information, not legal advice.