GERMANY · FAMILY REUNIFICATION
With Your Family,
in the Same Life.
Join your spouse or parents in Germany through a legal, long-term route. We clarify which requirements apply to your file and guide you from the language certificate to the visa appointment.
WHO CAN APPLY
Who Are You
Joining?
Family reunification is one visa type, but who you join and their status in Germany determine what you need to prove.
Spouse Reunification
For those joining their spouse in Germany. A civil marriage is required.
- Both spouses at least 18 years old
- Usually an A1 German certificate
- Secure income and adequate housing
- Easier rules for skilled workers and Blue Card holders
Child Reunification
For unmarried children under 18 joining their mother or father in Germany.
- Birth certificate and proof of custody
- Consent of the other parent in case of sole custody
- Extra requirements may apply from age 16
- School enrolment and welcome classes
Parent Reunification
For mothers and fathers who want to join their child in Germany.
- Generally only in cases of exceptional hardship
- New option for parents of skilled workers (permit from March 2024)
- Secure income and health insurance
- A realistic pre-assessment is essential
CORE DOCUMENTS
What Every
File Needs
The document list depends on your relative’s status and the responsible mission. The deciding reference is the current checklist of the German mission; we build your file around it.
Turkish civil records are usually required in international format or with an apostille and certified translation. Consistent spelling of names and dates across documents prevents delays.
- Valid passport and a completed national visa application form
- Biometric photo
- International marriage and birth certificates (with apostille and translation if needed)
- If required: an A1 certificate from a recognised provider (e.g. Goethe, telc, ÖSD)
- Passport and residence permit or ID card of your relative in Germany
- Employment contract and recent payslips of your relative
- Rental contract and proof of living space (where required)
GOOD TO KNOW
Six Rules
Before You Apply
Status decides everything
Is your relative a German citizen, a Blue Card holder or a skilled worker? Language, housing and income rules depend on the answer.
A1 and exemptions
Spouses usually need an A1 German certificate. Spouses of Blue Card holders and skilled workers are exempt.
Housing
As a rule, adequate housing for the family must be shown. Since March 2024 this no longer applies to families of skilled workers.
Secure income
The family must be able to live without social benefits. When joining a German citizen, this is generally not required.
Right to work
A spouse who joins through family reunification may work in Germany without a separate work permit.
Visiting is not moving
Short visits require a Schengen visa. Family reunification is a national (D) visa for living in Germany long term.
PROCESS
From Application to
Reunion in Five Steps
Every file is different, but the order is always the same. We plan each step with a timeline.
Pre-Assessment
We determine which requirements apply based on your relative’s status.
Language and Requirements
If needed we plan A1 preparation and compile the housing and income file.
Records, Apostille, Translation
We prepare civil records in an accepted format and coordinate translations.
Visa Application
We follow the appointment, application and foreigners’ office approval end to end.
Arrival and Registration
We support address registration, residence card, insurance and school enrolment.
COMMON MISTAKES
Six Mistakes That
Delay Files
Missing or wrong formats
Civil records without apostille or translation are the most common reason a file comes back.
Name and date mismatches
Different spellings across passport, marriage certificate and residence permit mean extra correspondence.
Invalid language certificate
The A1 certificate must come from a recognised provider and test all four skills.
Outdated income proof
Payslips from months ago do not show the current situation; recent months are required.
Wrong visa type
Entering on a Schengen visa and switching inside Germany is usually not possible; the right route is the national visa.
Planning the appointment too late
Family reunification appointments are scarce. Documents and appointment should be planned in parallel.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Requirements and exemptions depend on your relative’s status; for short visits see our Schengen visa page.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the A1 requirement apply to everyone?
No. Spouses of Blue Card holders and skilled workers are exempt, and health-related exemptions are possible. We clarify whether A1 applies to your file in the initial consultation.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the mission’s workload, the completeness of your documents and the foreigners’ office approval. Missing documents are the most common cause of delay.
Can I work after arriving?
Yes. A spouse joining through family reunification may work without a separate work permit.
Can I bring my parents?
Generally only in cases of exceptional hardship. Skilled workers who received their first residence permit after 1 March 2024 can, under conditions, also bring their parents.
How do my children enrol in school?
School is compulsory in Germany. After registration your child is assigned a school; welcome classes are available for children with limited German.
Sources: German Residence Act (AufenthG) §§27–36, Federal Foreign Office on family reunification, Make it in Germany (Skilled Immigration Act, March 2024 changes). Information as of November 2026; check the mission’s current checklist before applying.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Let’s Bring Your
Family Together.
In a free initial consultation we clarify your file’s requirements and a realistic timeline.
Get a Free Consultation