Aufenthaltserlaubnis bei Nachzug aus familiären Gründen (zu Ausländern) beantragen

Children and spouses of foreign nationals living in Germany can receive a residence permit for family reasons under certain conditions.

Children and husbands or wives of foreign nationals living in Germany can obtain a residence permit for family reasons.

With this permit, they may move to Germany and are entitled to take up gainful employment.

The same applies to the following same-sex civil partnerships:

• "registered civil partnerships" within the meaning of the German Civil Partnership Act
• Civil partnerships recognized under foreign law that are essentially equivalent to a German "registered civil partnership".

Depending on which other requirements you have to fulfill, the competent authority may request additional documents. Please enquire at the relevant diplomatic mission or immigration office to find out which documents are required.

• Proof of fulfillment of passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure means of subsistence
• Proof that there are no grounds for deportation against you
• Proof that you do not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Proof of the residence permit of your family member already living in Germany
• Proof of sufficient living space
• Proof of family affiliation (e.g. birth and marriage certificates, proof of a registered civil partnership)
• in the case of spouse reunification additionally:
  • Proof of the minimum age of both spouses
  • Proof of basic German language skills of the person joining you
• if children between the ages of 16 and 18 are joining the family:
  • Proof of entry as part of a family with the parents or
  • Proof of German language skills or a positive integration prognosis or
  • Proof of special hardship

The requirements for a residence permit are

• You fulfill the passport and visa requirements.
• Your livelihood is secured without you drawing on public funds.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Your family member already living in Germany has a residence permit in Germany.
  • settlement permit,
  • EU permanent residence permit
  • EU Blue Card or
  • residence permit and
  • sufficient living space.
• additionally in the case of spouse reunification:
  • Minimum age of both spouses: 18 years
  • basic knowledge of German on the part of the person joining them
• if children between the ages of 16 and 18 are joining you, additionally
  • Entry as part of a family with the parents or
  • command of the German language or a positive integration prognosis (e.g. due to coming from a German-speaking family or attending a German-speaking school) or
  • Existence of a special case of hardship

You may also have to meet other requirements. These depend in part on the status of the family member already living in Germany. Please enquire directly at the responsible office.

Please note: A residence permit for family reasons is excluded if you have forced the marriage or other family relationships

• have forced the marriage or
• only entered into the relationship in order to join your family in Germany.

• Period of validity up to one year: EUR 100.00
• Period of validity over one year: EUR 110.00
• Extension up to three months: EUR 96.00
• Extension for more than three months: EUR 93.00

Before entering Germany, you must apply for a national visa in your home country.

After entering Germany, you must apply for a residence permit in writing at the immigration office before your visa expires.

Young foreign nationals who have grown up in Germany or who have entered the country as part of child reunification can obtain a settlement permit under simplified conditions. Family members of nationals of EU/EEA member states can join them in Germany in accordance with the Freedom of Movement Act/EU.

This means that

• Family members of nationals of EU/EEA states who are themselves nationals of an EU or EEA state can enter the country freely and pursue gainful employment.
• Family members of nationals of EU/EEA states who do not themselves belong to an EU or EEA state also have a right of entry and residence.
• Since September 1, 2011, you will receive a residence permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. You can find more information on this under Electronic residence permit (eAT).

• Children and spouses of foreign nationals living in Germany can receive a residence permit for family reasons under certain conditions.

If you require a national visa, you must apply to the German diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in your home country in whose district you have your habitual residence or domicile.

Note: An overview of German missions abroad with contact addresses and telephone numbers can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Before your entry visa expires, you must apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office. If you were allowed to enter the country without a visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office within three months of entering the country. The foreigners authority in whose district you usually reside is responsible for you (depending on where you live, the district administrator of the district or the mayor of the independent city).