Family Reunion Visa (Ehegattennachzug)

The German Family Reunion Visa (Ehegattennachzug for spouses or Familienzusammenführung for general family) is a long-stay national visa. You must apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, though many administrative steps are now moving to the Consular Services Portal.

Step 1: Document Preparation

Gather all required documents. Any document not in German or English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Many official documents (like marriage or birth certificates) require an Apostille or legalization to be recognized by German authorities.

• Two completed application forms for a national visa.
• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your intended stay).
• Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate or birth certificates.
• Sponsor’s documents: Copies of your family member's German residence permit, passport, and their Meldebescheinigung (certificate of address registration).
• Financial proof: The sponsor’s employment contract and their last 3 months of payslips.
• Housing proof: A signed Mietvertrag (lease agreement) and written confirmation from the landlord. The home must provide roughly 12sqm of space per person over age 6.
• Language skills: Spouses generally need a Goethe-Institut or Telc A1 certificate. You are exempt if your sponsor has an EU Blue Card or if you hold a university degree.

Step 2: Book an Appointment

Schedule an interview at the German Embassy or Consulate serving your region. If your sponsor is a skilled worker currently applying for their own visa, you should apply simultaneously to access the "Fast-track procedure," which can reduce wait times to 4–6 weeks.

Step 3: The Interview and Submission

Attend your appointment in person to submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints). You will pay the visa fee at this time. In certain countries (such as India, Nigeria, or Pakistan), the Embassy may initiate an Urkundenprüfung (formal document verification), which requires an additional fee and several months of investigation.

Step 4: Local Authority Review

The Embassy sends your digital file to the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Authority) in the German city where your sponsor lives. This local office makes the final decision based on the sponsor's income and housing size.

Step 5: Visa Issuance and Arrival

Once approved, you will receive a visa valid for 3 to 12 months. After entering Germany, you must register your address at the local town hall within 14 days.

Step 6: Residence Permit Application

Within 90 days of arrival, you must visit the local Ausländerbehörde to convert your entry visa into a long-term Residence Permit.

Total Estimate: Approximately €175 – €250 for standard applications. Does not include: Costs for certified translations, Apostilles, A1 language exams, or travel health insurance. Fees are waived for family members of EU citizens.

• Standard Processing: 3 to 6 months.
• High-Demand Regions: 4 to 9 months (due to document verification backlogs in countries like India).
• Fast-Track (Skilled Workers): 4 to 6 weeks if applying at the same time as the primary skilled worker.
• Document Validity: Your passport must remain valid for at least 3–6 months after your arrival date.
• Note: Family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection is currently suspended until July 2027.