Family reunification visa
Below is a brief overview of visa routes for establishing family life together in Germany. These mainly cover joining family members, getting married or bringing relatives to Germany. The appropriate procedure depends on the relationship, nationality and residence status of the person living in Germany.
Alman Visum helps you understand requirements and prepare documents. The scope, fees and responsibilities are agreed before work begins.
Joining your family
Family members of a person legally resident in Germany, for example with a work-related residence permit or permanent residence, may move with them or join them if the applicable conditions are met. This most commonly concerns spouses and minor children.
Main requirements:
- Current documents for the person in Germany: their residence title and, where required, employment contract, proof of accommodation and insurance.
- Family documents such as marriage and birth certificates, translated and authenticated in the form required by the mission.
- Evidence of sufficient financial means and, where required for the relevant route, suitable accommodation. Exceptions apply to certain categories.
Visa for getting married
This visa is for people planning to marry in Germany. The future spouse may be a German citizen or a person legally living there. Preparing the civil registry documents and applying for a visa are separate stages.
Main requirements:
- Evidence of the arrangements for marriage, including documents from the German civil registry office (Standesamt) and any other information it requires.
- Evidence of the future spouse's nationality or lawful residence in Germany.
- Language evidence: German at A1 level is often required, but check the rule and any exemptions for the specific route.
Children joining their parents
This route enables minor children to live with their parents in Germany. Where one or both parents are legally resident, eligibility is assessed with regard to the child's age, custody arrangements and applicable conditions.
Main requirements:
- The child's birth certificate and, where needed, custody documents or the other parent's consent.
- The parent's German residence title and the required evidence of income, such as an employment contract, together with accommodation evidence where applicable.
- Evidence that the child's welfare and financial support are provided for.
Family reunification in exceptional hardship cases
In exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness, disability or a need for care, joining other relatives may be considered. This is an exceptional route: difficult circumstances alone do not establish entitlement to a visa, and an individual legal assessment is required.
Main requirements:
- Medical or social documentation supporting the exceptional need and the circumstances of the application.
- An explanation of why living with the relative is necessary, for example because of a risk to life or an ongoing need for medical assistance.
- The valid temporary or permanent residence title of the person living in Germany.
How we help
If you are planning to apply for a visa to join family or relatives in Germany, we are ready to help. Our team can:
- Review your documents and advise on preparing them correctly for your application.
- Explain how to submit your embassy application step by step.
- Help you prepare for an interview and understand the next steps.
Contact us if you want to study in Germany or improve your language skills. Our priority is to make preparing for your trip clearer and more convenient.