Moving procedure for family reunion in Germany

Reunion with family members in Germany is possible when the person has found work and settled in Germany. However, there are different requirements for people depending on their nationality and the status of their relative.

Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland can enter Germany only with a valid passport or ID card. They have to register their residency at the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).

Third-country nationals are required to obtain a family reunion visa and a residence permit from the Alien’s Authority in Germany. A family reunion visa allows them to live and work in the country, under the condition that the relative – the applicant – in Germany meets one of the following requirements:

• has a residence permit authorizing self-employment
• has an EU Blue Card
• is a researcher or a highly skilled professional

In addition to meeting the above conditions for residing in Germany, the applicant must arranged a health insurance and prove financial solvency for all family members.

Additional requirements:

• In case of the reunification of spouses or registered partners, both must be over 18 years old and have basic knowledge of the German language.
• If the parent applicant has an EU Blue Card or a permanent residence permit, they can bring their child to Germany without any requirements.
• If a single parent wants to bring their child to Germany, they must have custody of the child.
• Children aged 16 – 18 years when joining their parents, must be unmarried, fluent in German or be able to integrate easily into German society.