Family reunion
Family reunion
Family reunification is an influx of family members to a person already residing in Germany in order to reunite the family or maintain family unity. Family reunification is usually possible simultaneously or subsequently, even after the birth of a foreign child in Germany.
The way in which a family can be reunited in Germany depends on various factors. A visa for family reunification to third-country nationals is possible if the family member already living in Germany has a residence permit, has sufficient living space and their livelihood is secured.
A distinction is made between spousal reunification, child reunificationand the reunification of other family members.
Overview
Spouses
Spousal reunification with a German
Spousal reunification with a foreigner
What does "basic knowledge of German" mean?
Proof of "simple knowledge of German
Residence permit for children
Child reunification with Germans
Child reunification with foreigners
Parental reunification with minor children
EU citizens
Spouses
In principle, it is possible for spouses to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of living together in marriage. A distinction must be made here as to whether the subsequent immigration is to take place with a German or a foreigner.
Spousal reunification with a German
There are fewer requirements to be fulfilled for spousal reunification with a German than with a foreigner. First of all, an effective marriage is required.
In addition, the partner joining the spouse must prove that he or she has a basic knowledge of German.
Spousal reunification with a foreigner
Joining a foreign spouse in Germany requires further requirements. In particular, the spouse already living in Germany must be authorized to reside in Germany and have one of the following residence titles:
- Settlement permit or permanent residence permit - EU
- EU Blue Card
- ICT card
- Residence permit
In addition, the following requirements must be met:
- Basic German language skills
- As a rule, livelihood must be secured
Exceptions from language certificate
- in the case of reunification with holders of an EU Blue Card
- in the case of reunification with highly qualified persons (Section 18c (3) Residence Act), researchers (Section 18f Residence Act) and self-employed persons (Section 21 Residence Act);
- Person entitled to asylum (§ 25 para. 1 or § 26 para. 3 AufenthG) with whom you were already married in your home country before your partner fled to Germany;
- recognized refugee or person entitled to protection (§ 25 para. 2 or § 26 para. 3 AufenthG), with whom you were already married in your home country before your partner went to Germany;
- Permanent residents from other EU countries (§ 38a AufenthG)
- If the spouses' need for integration is recognizably low (e.g. spouses with university degrees).
- in the case of reunification with nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand or the United States of America;
- if it is not possible or not reasonable for the spouse to make efforts to acquire simple German language skills before entering the country(hardship regulation);
- if the spouse is unable to demonstrate simple knowledge of the German language due to a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability;
- You do not want to stay in Germany permanently.
What does "basic knowledge of German" mean?
Basic German skills are knowledge of the German language at competence level A1 of the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages". This includes being able to understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences. You should also be able to write a little in German, e.g. on forms from authorities (name, address, nationality, etc.).
The German mission abroad, where you apply for the visa, decides on the recognition of your language certificate on a case-by-case basis. If it is evident during your personal interview at the embassy or consulate general that you have the required basic knowledge of German, no special proof is required.
Proof of "simple knowledge of German
You must prove the language skills before entering the country when applying for the visa. For this purpose, you must enclose a language certificate with the application documents. We will be happy to advise and support you in this process.
(according to the standards of the "Association of Language Testers in Europe" (ALTE). Currently applies to the following language certificates:
- "Start Deutsch 1" from the Goethe-Institut or telc GmbH
- "Grundstufe Deutsch 1" of the Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD)
- "TestDaF" of the TestDaF-Institut e. V.
Residence permit for children
Child reunification with Germans
Child reunification with foreigners
Joining a foreigner living in Germany is subject to further conditions:
- As a rule, the livelihood must be secured
- The child must prove German language skills (C1) if he/she is already over 16 years old.
- After the age of 18, the child is no longer considered dependent on the personal care of his or her parents and is treated as an "other family member."
- The parents must have one of the residence titles mentioned in 32 para. 1 AufenthG .
Parental reunification with minor children
EU citizens
Insofar as the move is to be made to an EU citizen, special legal provisions apply. Not only EU citizens themselves benefit from Union law, but also the family members, regardless of their own nationality.
It should be noted that family members for longer stays (from three months), unlike EU citizens, require a visa. However, the national regulations do not apply, but only the requirements for family reunification with EU citizens:
The original beneficiary, i.e. the person to whom the reunification is to take place, must be a national of a member state of the EU and enjoy freedom of movement.
This is how we help you:
Despite the central importance of marriage and the family for society and the protection of marriage and the family enshrined in the Basic Law, the foreign missions and foreigners authorities make it considerably more difficult for foreigners to join their families. At the same time, the conditions for family reunification are becoming increasingly strict, which is why it is well worth contacting a lawyer experienced in residence law.
We, the lawyers of RT & Partner Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, are very familiar with various procedures and applications that are required for family reunification. We assist clients from all over the world and enable them to apply for a successful family reunification in Germany.
We are also happy to advise you on any family reunification problems that may arise and will work to ensure that you can be with your family in accordance with applicable law.
