Germany, a country famous for its scholarly greatness and social extravagance, draws in worldwide understudies trying to expand their perspectives. While leaving on this intriguing experience, numerous understudies pine for the solace and backing of family close by. Luckily, Germany’s Family Get-together Visa permits specific relatives to go with international students during their studies.

Understanding the Family Reunion Visa

The family reunion visa also known as (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung/Familiennachzug) helps the migration of family members of German residents of national or students to live with their families. Not all relatives are allowed but spouses, children, and parents are eligible to apply for this visa. The requirements of this visa solely depend upon the family member who is applying for the visa.

Eligibility for a Family Reunion Visa

While anyone can apply for this German family visa eligibility depends upon the country of the family member, there are several categories based on visa and residence permit requirements;

1. No Visa or Residence Permit Required
2. Residence Permit Required (No Visa)
3. Visa and Residence Permit Required

No Visa or Residence Permit Required

Family members from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland enjoy the same rights as Germans and can reside freely in Germany.

Residence Permit Required (No Visa)

Citizens from the USA and UK typically fall into this category, requiring a residence permit upon arrival.

Visa and Residence Permit Required

Citizens from countries like China and India need both a visa and a residence permit.

Validity and Processing Time

The German family reunion visa is usually valid for at least the duration of the studies of the student with a minimum validity period of one year. For example if the student visa holder; ‘s Master’s program’s duration is two years, his or her spouse’s visa duration will be the same. Even though processing time generally takes around three months this also depends upon the embassy and consulate. It is important to check the processing time with the embassy to make sure you are updated with your current situation of the visa application. 

Employment with a Family Reunion Visa

Those family members who hold the family reunion visa are eligible to work in Germany. For example, your spouse can convert their visa into a residence permit after three months of arrival. After getting this residence permit they are eligible to work in Germany. The local foreign authority is responsible for issuing this residence permit.

Requirements for a Family Reunion Visa

The important documents for this visa application are different for each family member type, Here we are going to focus on the most common documents required.

Prerequisites

Accommodation: Must show suitable housing in Germany that can accommodate both you and your spouse.

Financial Resources: Must have enough funds to support yourself and a family member.

Age: Both the applicant and his or her spouse must be eighteen 18 or over 18 years of age.

Marriage: Marriage must have been registered before getting a German student Visa.

Program Duration: The study program must be at least a year long. 

Read More… How to Apply Work Visa for China.

Documents:

• Completed Application Forms: These can be found on the website of the German embassy or consulate responsible for your spouse’s application.
• Completed Declaration Form: Your spouse’s confirmation of the information provided in the application.
• Passports: Valid passports (yours and your spouse’s) with copies of the data pages.
• Biometric Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos meeting the specified size and background requirements.
• Residence Permit: Copies of your current German student residence permit.
• Marriage Certificate: Proof of your registered marriage.
• Previous Marriage Documents (if applicable): Marriage, divorce, or death certificates for both you and your spouse (if applicable).
• Birth Certificates: Your spouse’s birth certificate is typically required.
• Invitation Letter: An informal letter from you confirming your cohabitation and financial responsibility for your spouse.
• Proof of Funds: Documentation demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in Germany.
• Registration of Address (Meldebescheinigung): A certificate confirming your registration at a German address.
• Proof of Accommodation in Germany: A lease agreement or letter from your landlord verifying your accommodation.
• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance for your spouse covering the initial three months in Germany (travel insurance is usually sufficient).

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