Germany's dependent visa enables family reunification. It grants spouses and children opportunities to work and study. It has a basic eligibility criterion and an application process. Scroll down to read more.
Germany ranks as the fifth-best country to immigrate to. People move to Germany for its excellent education system, diverse job opportunities, and a strong economy.
To support immigrants, the German Immigration Authorities offer a family visa, allowing their family members to join them and live in Germany. This is called a Dependent Visa.
A Germany-dependent visa, also known as a “Family Reunion Visa,” allows spouses, children, and other family members to join their relatives living in Germany. Family members can stay temporarily or permanently.
Note: EU citizens don't need a visa, residence permit, or work permit to join a family in Germany. But, this doesn't apply to non-EU citizens or former EU nations like the UK.
If your spouse is in Germany and you're not an EU citizen, you need a Family Reunion Spouse visa. This visa lets you enter Germany and is valid for the first 90 days. For a long-term stay, you'll need a residence permit.
If you're a spouse/relative of an EU/German national, you won't need a visa in the following cases you:
Note: Starting from May 2025, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS before their trip to Germany or any other Schengen country for stays up to 90 days.
You will need a visa if:
To join your spouse in Germany with a Family Reunion visa, you and your spouse need to meet certain requirements:
For You:
For Your Spouse:
They must be one of the following:Your spouse must also have one of these residency types:
Additionally, your spouse needs to:
The German Family Reunion Visa allows non-EU/EEA family members of foreign students in Germany to join them. It ensures families can stay together while the student is studying in Germany. But this is as long as the student has a German residence permit for study.
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Yes, family members joining you in Germany during your studies can work with a family reunion visa. For instance, after arriving in Germany with this visa, your spouse will have about three months to convert it into a residence permit for spouses. On the grant of residence permit, your spouse will be able to work in Germany.
To bring your family members to Germany while you study abroad, you must meet these conditions:
General Requirements:
Spouse:
Children:
Parents or Other Members:
Step |
Description |
1 |
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that your family members meet the prerequisites for the German family reunion visa, such as being related to you and meeting any age or relationship criteria. |
2 |
Document Collection: Gather all necessary documents required for the family reunion visa application. This includes passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other relevant paperwork. Ensure that all documents are certified and translated as per the requirements of the German Embassy/Consulate. |
3 |
Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy/Consulate responsible for processing your visa application. You can find the nearest German mission on their website. Make sure to have all necessary documents ready by the appointment date. |
4 |
Embassy/Consulate Visit: Arrive at the Embassy/Consulate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Present all required documents in an organized manner. |
5 |
Document Submission: Submit all documents as per the checklist provided by the Embassy/Consulate. Ensure that the documents are arranged in the specified order and avoid stapling them together. |
6 |
Fee Payment: Pay the processing fee for your German family reunion visa application. The fee is typically 75 Euros (INR 6808), payable in the local currency at the time of application. Payment methods may vary depending on the country. Remember, the fee is non-refundable. |
7 |
Interview Attendance: Attend the visa interview, which usually lasts around 10-15 minutes. Expect questions related to your personal background and the purpose of your travel to Germany. Prepare to provide honest and concise answers. |
8 |
Waiting Period: After the interview, wait for a response from the German Embassy/Consulate. The processing time varies but can take up to 3 months. Be patient during this period and refrain from contacting the Embassy/Consulate for updates unless necessary. |
9 |
Visa Collection: Once your visa application is approved, collect your passport with the stamped visa from the Embassy/Consulate. Verify that all details are correct before leaving the premises. If the application is denied, inquire about the reasons for rejection and explore any available options for appeal or reapplication. |
Here's a breakdown of the fees for German family visa applications:
Spouses and children of German or other EU citizens, and parents of German or other EU minors, are exempt from visa fees. Applicants in these cases need to provide copies of the marriage or birth certificate and the German or EU passport of the family member.
Fees are usually payable in cash in the local currency. Although acceptance of card payments may is possible in some cases. The exchange rate at the time of application determines the conversion into the local currency.
You can expect to receive your German Dependent Visa within 8 to 12 weeks, the standard processing time. Ensure all details in your application are clear to avoid delays due to queries.
If you're employed as a high-ranking professional or a research scientist in Germany, your dependent partner can also apply for a Residence Card. While German language proficiency is not mandatory for dependents, learning German is recommended. This is for effective communication and integration.
German immigration authorities reject 8,000-10,000 spouse reunification visas every year. If your application is rejected, you will receive a decision letter that explains the reasons. Here are your options:
If your family members are from an EU member state, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, they don't need a residence permit. Otherwise, they'll require one for a family reunion in Germany.
For example, if your spouse needs a German spouse visa, it's valid for 3 months. Once in Germany, your spouse must get a residence permit within 3 months. Apply for the German family reunion residence permit 6 weeks before the visa expires.
The processing time for the residence permit is usually 4-6 weeks. The fee is approximately 100 Euros (INR 9,077). The required documents are similar to those for the visa application:
Note: Additional documents may be requested.
Remember to certify and translate documents as needed by the local Foreigners' Authority. Always verify the procedure and requirements with the responsible office.
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Dependent visa holders in Germany can work without restrictions. But, their family members must fulfil specific requirements like:
Yes, family members joining someone in Germany on a family reunion visa can work. For instance, after arriving in Germany, spouses can convert their visa into a residence permit. It allows them to work.
It's advisable to apply for an extension of a family reunion residence permit at least 6 weeks before the current permit expires. This is to avoid any gaps in legal status.
Yes, you can bring your wife to Germany on a work visa. She can accompany you and apply for a dependent visa to stay and work in Germany.
To apply for a residence permit for a German family reunion visa, you need to submit the required documents, to the relevant authorities. It includes:
Yes, you can bring your family with you to Germany after obtaining a work visa. They can accompany you and apply for dependent visas to join you in Germany.
Dependent visa holders in Germany can work without restrictions. They can pursue any employment opportunities available to them based on their skills and qualifications.
Yes, if you're from a non-EU country and want to join your spouse in Germany, you'll need to apply for a family reunion visa.
The cost varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's age. Generally, adult visa applicants pay around €75 (INR 6,808), while children under 18 pay about €37.50 (INR 3,404).
The duration of stay for a dependent on a family visa in Germany often corresponds to the validity of the sponsor's visa or residence permit.
The conditions include:
Family members from non-EU countries need a German family reunion visa to join you during your studies in Germany.
A spouse visa in Germany is commonly known as a "family reunion visa" or "spouse reunion visa."
Yes, your wife can apply for a German-dependent visa while you are applying for a German student visa. If your application is successful, she can join you in Germany as your dependent.
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