As an Indian, living in Germany will be an adventurous journey with lots of culture shock and homesickness. Though migrating to Germany is an exhilarating experience, there might be times when we long to be with our loved ones. The German government understands this and supports the reunification process with the families. They have established a visa solely for this purpose called the reunion visa. A family reunion visa is your gateway to long-term residency. This visa, initially valid for one year and renewable under certain conditions, allows spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried minor children to move in with their loved ones in Germany. To qualify, both spouses need to be at least 18 years old, and your marriage must be officially recognized by German law. You’ll also need to show that you can financially support yourselves during your stay. The application process involves gathering thorough documentation to prove you meet these requirements. Once everything is in order, the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) or the local immigration office will review and approve your visa, paving the way for you to reunite with your family.
Who Can Apply for a Family Reunion Visa in Germany?
The family reunion visa in Germany is designed to help families reunite. The primary eligible applicants for this visa are:
Spouses – If you are married to an EU national or a foreigner legally residing in Germany, you can apply for a family reunion visa. Both partners must be at least 18 years old, and the marriage must be recognized by German law. Basic German language skills are usually required.
Registered Partners– Similar to spouses, registered partners of an EU national or a foreigner residing in Germany can also apply for this visa, provided they meet the same age and language requirements.
Unmarried Minor Children- Children under the age of 18 can apply to join their parent(s) who are legal residents of Germany. If only one parent resides in Germany, that parent must have the sole right of care and custody.
Parents of Minor German Citizens- If you are the parent of a minor German citizen living in Germany who requires your care and custody, you may be eligible to apply for a family reunion visa.
Other Relatives-In some cases, other relatives, such as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents, or cousins, may apply to join their family member in Germany. These visas are generally harder to obtain and are usually issued to prevent significant hardship.
Validity and Procedure of a Reunion Visa
The family reunification visa for Germany is a crucial pathway for non-EU family members to join their relatives who are either German citizens or legal residents in Germany. This visa, often referred to as a “national visa,” is generally valid for the duration of the applicant’s intended stay, with a minimum validity of one year. The process of the visa is simple. First the applicants must possess a valid passport that has been issued within the past ten years and provides at least two blank pages. The application form must be duly and fully completed, along with a declaration of the accuracy of the information provided. Applicants are also required to submit recent passport-sized photos that meet biometric standards. Proof of residency in the applicant’s current country along with evidence of their current address, which can be a valid driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement. For those applying to join a spouse, an original marriage certificate must be provided.
Applicants must also include a copy of the German spouse’s, child’s, or fiancé(e)’s passport, and proof of basic German language skills at least at level A1, certified by recognized institutions like the Goethe-Institut. This requirement is to facilitate integration into German society. However, there are exceptions, such as in cases of temporary stays. Proof of housing in Germany is also mandatory, which could be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or an invitation letter in case of private accommodation. This should include the full address and a passport copy of the inviting person. Additionally, a letter of invitation issued by the spouse, parent, or fiancé(e) in Germany is required to demonstrate the purpose of the visit.
Once all documents are gathered, the applicant must submit two complete sets of these documents to the German Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Incomplete applications can result in delays or rejection. The processing time for a family reunification visa can vary significantly, typically taking up to three months. However, this period can be shorter or longer depending on the volume of applications and specific local conditions. For India, it can take a minimum of three months.
Upon approval, the applicant will initially receive a national visa valid for 90 days. During this period, they must travel to Germany and apply for a final residence permit from the local Aliens’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). This final permit usually covers the full duration of the applicant’s intended stay, ensuring that they can legally reside and, if applicable, work in Germany. It’s important to note that while the family reunification visa permits entry into Germany, it also allows travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes. Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurate and complete to avoid any complications or delays in the application process. Additionally, checking the specific requirements and processing times with the local German Embassy or Consulate is crucial, as these can vary by location and individual circumstances.
Extension of Family Reunion Visa
The family reunion visa in Germany is initially granted for a period of up to one year. This visa can be extended, often aligning with the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit or settlement status in Germany. To extend the visa, applicants must apply at the local immigration office before the current visa expires. The extension process requires the applicant to demonstrate that all conditions continue to be met, including financial stability, adequate housing, valid health insurance, and the continuation of the familial relationship.
Extensions are typically granted for one to three years at a time, depending on the specific circumstances and the type of residence permit held by the sponsor. Each renewal application must be supported by updated documentation proving that the conditions for the original visa are still fulfilled. This might include recent pay slips, a new rental agreement, or an updated proof of health insurance. By ensuring these criteria are met and providing the necessary documentation, family members can secure the extension of their visa, allowing them to continue residing legally in Germany. Regular renewals allow for long-term stability, enabling families to stay together as long as the sponsor maintains their legal residency in Germany.
FAQs
1. What is a family reunion visa?
A family reunion visa allows family members of German citizens or legal residents to join them in Germany for long-term residency.
2. Who is eligible for a family reunion visa?
Spouses, registered partners, unmarried minor children, and sometimes other family members such as parents or adult children under specific conditions, are eligible for this visa.
3. What are the basic requirements for a family reunion visa?
Valid passport, completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate), proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and in some cases, proof of basic German language skills.
4. How long is the initial family reunion visa valid for?
The initial family reunion visa is typically valid for up to one year.
5. Can the family reunion visa be extended?
Yes, the visa can be extended based on the continued fulfillment of the required conditions such as financial stability, adequate housing, health insurance, and the continuation of the familial relationship.
