Loading…
Route (§§27–36a Residence Act) for spouses and minor children — and, since the 2024 reform, parents of certain skilled workers — to join a family member legally resident in Germany.
Spouses, minor children and (for skilled workers) parents of non-EU nationals lawfully resident in Germany.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
Yes. As a rule the family's livelihood must be secured and adequate accommodation must be available, although these requirements are relaxed for the families of skilled workers and highly qualified persons.
A family residence permit is normally tied to the sponsor, but after a qualifying period of marital cohabitation in Germany the spouse can usually obtain an independent residence right that survives the end of the marriage.
Bringing parents or other adult relatives is possible only in limited circumstances, mainly to avoid exceptional hardship, and is much harder than reuniting with a spouse or minor children.
Family reunification lets spouses and minor children — and, since the 2024 reform, parents of certain skilled workers — join a family member legally resident in Germany. Spouses of skilled workers and Blue Card holders enjoy several waivers.
Minor children can generally be reunited; those under 16 face no extra requirements, while children aged 16 or 17 must show C1 German or otherwise demonstrate a strong likelihood of integration.
Generally a joining spouse must show basic everyday German skills (around A1 level) before arrival, but this requirement is waived for the families of skilled workers and highly qualified persons.
Yes. A spouse who joins you through family reunification is entitled to take up employment in Germany.
