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Family and Spouse Visas in Germany: The 2025 Expat Guide to Reuniting with Loved Ones
- Shivam Singh Chaudhary
- Jun 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Moving to Germany With Your Family: What You Need to Know
For many expats starting a new life in Germany, one of the biggest questions isn’t just how to get a job or visa — it’s how to bring your family with you. The good news? Germany has a structured family reunification visa system designed to help spouses, children, and sometimes even parents join those who have already settled in the country.
But like most things involving German paperwork, the process involves clear rules, strict documentation, and some patience. Here’s everything you need to know if you're planning to reunite your family in Germany in 2025.
Who Can Apply for a Family Reunification Visa?
The German family reunification visa allows close relatives of non-German residents or citizens to legally join them in Germany.
Typically, eligible family members include:
Spouses (married partners)
Registered civil partners
Children under 18
Parents of minor children (in some cases)
The rules can differ depending on whether you're joining a non-EU resident (expat on a work visa, Blue Card holder, or student) or a German/EU citizen.
General Requirements for Family Reunification
Regardless of your specific situation, several basic conditions usually apply:
The sponsoring person (the one already in Germany) must have valid residence status.
Both parties must show sufficient income or financial means to support the family without relying on state assistance.
The sponsor must have adequate health insurance coverage for the whole family.
Suitable accommodation in Germany must be available to house all family members.
Language Requirements: Do You Need German to Join Your Spouse?
In many cases, the spouse applying for the visa must demonstrate basic German language skills (A1 level under the CEFR framework) before moving to Germany. This rule aims to help family members integrate into German society and navigate everyday life.
However, there are important exceptions where the language requirement may be waived:
If your spouse is an EU Blue Card holder.
If your spouse works in a highly skilled profession (scientists, researchers, IT specialists).
If the sponsor is a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
If you’re joining a German citizen and meet certain special conditions.
If medical reasons prevent you from learning German before arrival.
Special Case: Family Reunification for EU Blue Card Holders
For expats holding an EU Blue Card, the process is usually faster and simpler. German authorities waive some of the requirements for these highly skilled workers, including:
No proof of German language skills for spouses.
Faster visa processing times.
No strict income thresholds (as long as the Blue Card holder meets salary requirements).
This makes Germany particularly attractive for professionals bringing their partners or children.
What Documents Do You Need?
The application process requires careful preparation. While exact documents may vary slightly depending on your embassy or consulate, typically you will need:
Valid passport of the applicant (family member coming to Germany)
Marriage certificate (officially translated and sometimes legalized or apostilled)
Birth certificates for children (translated & legalized)
Proof of the sponsor’s residence status in Germany (e.g. residence permit or Blue Card)
Proof of accommodation (rental contract)
Proof of income or financial means
Health insurance coverage for the entire family
Language certificate (A1 level) if required
Completed visa application forms
Visa application fee (usually around €75 per person)
Always check with the specific German consulate responsible for your region, as local requirements may include additional documents.
How Long Does Processing Take?
The processing time for family reunification visas can range from several weeks to a few months. On average, expect:
8 to 12 weeks for most cases
Longer if documents need further verification or legalization
Delays if appointments at embassies are fully booked
Pro tip: Apply as early as possible. Even once submitted, processing capacity varies greatly depending on your home country.
Residence Permit After Arrival
Once the family member arrives in Germany on the family reunification visa, they must register their address (Anmeldung) and apply for a residence permit at their local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). This residence permit allows them to legally stay in Germany and, in many cases, work without further restrictions.
Can Spouses Work on a Family Visa?
Yes. In most cases, spouses arriving under a family reunification visa are permitted to work in Germany once their residence permit is issued. This makes the visa not only a way to keep families together but also a path for both partners to build careers.
Family Visas for Students in Germany
If you are studying in Germany as a non-EU international student, your spouse and children may still apply for family reunification. However, you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient income, health insurance, and accommodation — often a more challenging requirement for students.
Final Words from NewSettle
Reuniting with your loved ones in Germany is entirely possible — but it’s not as simple as booking plane tickets. The family reunification visa process demands careful planning, accurate documents, and sometimes plenty of patience. But once you're together, you’ll be building your new life side by side — and that’s what matters most.
