Apply for a residence permit for family reasons for the reunification of a foreign parent with a German minor
You can join your German, underage, unmarried child if you come from a country outside the EU or the European Economic Area. The residence permit is a temporary residence permit.
Important notes
Prerequisites
- You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for your entry - an appropriate visa.
- Your child is a minor, single and has German citizenship (single is someone who is not married and has not been married; someone who lives in a registered civil partnership is also not single
- You have personal custody of your child and want to exercise this right or, as a parent who does not have legal custody, you already have a family relationship with the child in Germany.
- There is no interest in expelling you.
- Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
Documents required
- Valid passport or passport replacement
- Current biometric photo
- Visa, if this was required for entry
- Your child's birth certificate
- If applicable, proof of custody
- If applicable, evidence of the management of the family community
- Current registration certificate
In individual cases, the immigration authorities may request further documents.
Please note
Under certain circumstances, the immigration authorities can oblige the immigrating person to take part in the integration course.
Deadlines
The residence permit should be applied for at the latest eight weeks before your valid visa or current residence permit expires or – if you are legally staying in Germany without a visa – within 90 days after entry.
Procedure & Fees
Procedure
- You make an appointment with the responsible office
- During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your evidence will be checked (bring this with you to the appointment).
- Your fingerprints will be taken to create an electronic residence permit (eAT).
- If your application is approved, the responsible authority will arrange for the eAT to be produced.
- After around six to eight weeks you can collect the eAT from the responsible authority.
Processing time
about 6 - 8 weeks.
Fees
100.00 EUR
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.
Legal notes
Legal remedies
contradiction
Legal basis
Section 28 paragraph 1 sentence 1 number 3 and sentence 4 Residence Act