Apply for a residence permit for family reasons for the family reunification of a foreign spouse with a German person

Prerequisites

• You are a national of a country outside the EU or the European Economic Area.
• You are the spouse or life partner of a German citizen.
• You and your spouse or life partner have reached the age of 18.
• Your German spouse or life partner has his or her habitual residence in Germany (i.e. his or her center of life is not just temporarily in Germany).
• Your marriage/civil partnership with the German citizen is effectively concluded and still exists.

Documents required

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport replacement)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa if required for entry
• Proof of the existence of the marriage or civil partnership (e.g. marriage certificate)
• Proof of knowledge of the German language at least at level A1 (e.g. language certificate, German school, training or university certificates, proof of successful participation in the integration course

The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require fewer or more proofs.

Please note

Deadlines

No

Procedure

• You make an appointment with the responsible office.
• You appear in person at the agreed appointment and bring the necessary original documents with you.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked by the responsible authority.
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The responsible authority commissions the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card.
• After completing the eAT card, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Processing time

6 - 8 weeks

Fees

Issuance of a residence permit: EUR 100.00




Additional fees may apply for issuing the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.




In certain cases, fee reductions or fee exemptions may be possible (e.g. for those entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Legal remedies

contradiction

Legal basis

§ 28 paragraph 1 sentence. 1 No. 1 Residence Act (AufenthG)