Family Reunification in Germany: How It Works

Do You Want to Bring Your Family to Germany?

You live in Germany. Your spouse, your child, or your parents live in another country. You want them to join you. This process is called "Familiennachzug" in German. It means family reunification. Many people find the rules confusing. This article explains how family reunification works in Germany.

What Is Family Reunification?

Family reunification lets close family members move to Germany. They join a person who already lives here. The law calls this person the "sponsor". The sponsor can be a German citizen or an EU citizen. Or a foreign national with a residence permit.

The rules for family reunification come from the Residence Act. In German, this law is called "Aufenthaltsgesetz" (AufenthG). Section 27 AufenthG sets the general rule. It says family reunification protects marriage and family life.

This protection also comes from the German constitution. In German, the constitution is called "Grundgesetz". Article 6 of the Grundgesetz protects marriage and family. The state must respect this protection.

Who Can Join You in Germany?

Not every family member can apply. The law defines specific groups.

Spouses and Registered Partners

Your husband, wife, or registered partner can apply to join you. This right comes from Section 30 AufenthG. Both partners must be at least 18 years old. In most cases, the joining partner needs basic German skills. This means level A1. There are exceptions. For example, spouses of certain skilled workers do not need to prove language skills first.

Children

Your minor child can join you in Germany. Section 32 AufenthG covers this case. A minor child is under 18 years old. Usually, both parents should already live in Germany, or move together with the child. If only one parent lives here, the rules can be stricter.

Parents of Minor Children

Sometimes, parents can join their child in Germany. This applies if the child is a minor and lives in Germany. Section 36 AufenthG regulates this situation. The parent must show that no other family member can care for the child abroad.

What Do You Need for the Application?

Family reunification has several requirements. Not all of them apply in every case.

Enough Income

The sponsor usually needs enough income. This income must cover the whole family. Nobody should need public benefits. This rule comes from Section 5 AufenthG. An example: Ahmed works in Munich. He earns enough to support his wife and two children. He does not receive social benefits. This helps his family reunification case.

Enough Living Space

The family needs a home that is big enough. The exact size depends on local rules. A small one-room apartment is usually not enough for a family of four.

Health Insurance

Every family member needs health insurance in Germany. This is required for the residence permit.

German Language Skills

As mentioned above, spouses often need basic German. Children under 16 usually do not need to prove language skills. Older children may need to show some German knowledge, depending on the case.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The process usually has three steps:

1. The family member applies for a national visa. This happens at the German embassy in their home country.
2. The embassy checks the documents. This can include marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of income.
3. After approval, the family member travels to Germany. They then apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office. In German, this office is called "Ausländerbehörde".

This process can take several months. Waiting times depend on the embassy and the country.

A Real Example

Fatima lives in Tunisia. Her husband lives and works in Stuttgart. She learns German to level A1 in her home country. She collects her marriage certificate and proof of her husband's income. She applies for a visa at the German embassy in Tunis. After a few months, she receives her visa. She travels to Germany and gets her residence permit.

Family Reunification and the Naturalization Test

If you want to become a German citizen later, you will take the naturalization test. This test also includes questions about the German constitution.

One example question: What is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany called? The answer is Grundgesetz. This is the same law that protects marriage and family under Article 6.

Another example question deals with consumer rights: You bought a TV in Germany. At home, you unpack it, but it does not work. The TV is broken. What can you do? The answer is: you can complain about the product. You can ask for a repair, replacement, or refund.

These questions show that the naturalization test covers many topics. It is not only about history. It also covers daily life and your rights as a resident.

Are you ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language.

In Short

Family reunification connects families across borders. The rules depend on your family situation. Spouses, children, and sometimes parents can apply. You need income, housing, health insurance, and often basic German skills.

Check your specific case with the German embassy or the local immigration office. Rules can change, and individual cases differ.

Start your naturalization test preparation today. Visit our trainer page to practice all official questions.

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This article is information, not legal advice.