Family Reunification in Germany: How It Works

You live in Germany. Your spouse, your child, or your parents still live in another country. You want them here with you. But the rules seem confusing. This article explains family reunification step by step.

What Is Family Reunification?

Family reunification means a family member can move to Germany to live with you. The German name is "Familiennachzug". It is regulated in the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthG).

The right to family life is protected. Article 6 of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) says marriage and family enjoy special protection by the state. This is important for family reunification decisions.

Who Can Apply for Family Reunification?

Not every family member can join you the same way. The rules depend on your relationship and your status in Germany.

Spouses and Registered Partners

Your spouse or registered partner can apply for a visa. This is regulated in § 30 AufenthG. Usually, your spouse must show basic German skills (level A1) before the visa is issued.

There are exceptions. For example, spouses of German citizens have easier rules in some cases. Also, if learning German is not reasonably possible, the language rule may not apply.

Children

Children under 16 years can join their parents without a language test. This follows § 32 AufenthG. Children who are 16 or 17 years old must usually show they can integrate, for example through language skills.

Parents and Other Relatives

Parents of a minor German child can apply for reunification in special cases. This is based on § 28 AufenthG. Other relatives, like grandparents, can only join in cases of serious hardship. This follows § 36 AufenthG.

What Are the Requirements?

Family reunification is not automatic. You and your family member must meet certain conditions.

Secure Income and Housing

You usually need enough income to support your family. You should not depend on social benefits. You also need enough living space for everyone. This requirement comes from § 5 AufenthG in connection with § 29 AufenthG.

Valid Documents

You need official documents. Examples are your marriage certificate, birth certificates, and valid passports. All documents must often be translated and certified.

German Language Skills

As mentioned, spouses often need an A1 German certificate. You can get this from a language school or the Goethe-Institut. Children under 16 usually do not need this proof.

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Check which rules apply to your family member (spouse, child, or parent).
2. Collect the documents: passport, marriage or birth certificate, proof of income, and proof of housing.
3. Your family member gets an A1 German certificate, if required.
4. Your family member applies for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country.
5. After the visa is approved, your family member travels to Germany.
6. In Germany, your family member registers their address and applies for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

Example: Fatima lives in Berlin. Her husband lives in Tunisia. He applies for a visa at the German embassy in Tunis. He shows his A1 certificate, the marriage certificate, and proof of Fatima's income. After the visa is approved, he flies to Berlin and registers his address.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times are different for each embassy and each case. The process can take several months. It is best to start early and prepare all documents carefully.

Legal Basis at a Glance

Family member	Legal basis
Spouse	§ 30 AufenthG
Child under 16	§ 32 AufenthG
Child 16 or 17	§ 32 AufenthG
Parent of a minor German child	§ 28 AufenthG
Other relatives (hardship)	§ 36 AufenthG
General protection of family	Article 6 Grundgesetz

Sample Questions From the Naturalization Test

When you prepare for German citizenship, you also study for the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest). Two example questions:

• Question 11: What is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany called? Answer: Grundgesetz (Basic Law).
• Question 290: You bought a TV in Germany. At home, you unpack it, but it does not work. What can you do? Answer: You can complain about the TV (reklamieren) and ask for a repair, replacement, or refund.

Both topics, the Grundgesetz and your rights as a consumer, are part of the official test.

Ready for the Test?

Ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language.

Start practicing now with the trainer

---

This article contains general information. It is not legal advice.