Apply for a residence permit for a foreign child to join a German parent
As a legal representative, you can apply for a residence permit for a foreign, minor, unmarried child if you have your habitual residence in Germany and would like to ensure that the child can live with you in Germany. The residence permit is issued for at...
As a legal representative, you can apply for a residence permit for a foreign, minor, unmarried child if you have your habitual residence in Germany and would like to ensure that the child can live with you in Germany.
The residence permit is issued for at least one year. It is extended as long as the family relationship continues. After holding the residence permit for three years, it is possible to obtain a settlement permit.
There is no entitlement to reunification for stepchildren and foster children. However, it is possible to issue a residence permit on a different basis.
Important notes
Prerequisites
- As a parent with legal custody, you have German citizenship and your habitual residence is in Germany.
- Your child has a valid identity document.
- Your child has the required visa if this was required for entry.
- Your child is a minor when you apply and is neither married, divorced or widowed.
- Your paternity or maternity of the child has been proven.
- You are actually and legally willing and able to establish a family relationship with the child who is coming to live with you. This is assumed if you have personal custody of the child. (However, personal custody is not a prerequisite for the granting of a residence permit.)
- There is no reason for your child to be expelled.
Documents required
- Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport replacement) of the child and you as the parent
- Your child's visa if this was required for entry
- Current biometric photo of your child in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
- Your child's birth certificate
- Proof of paternity recognition if the parents are not married and the German father is to be joined.
- If a custodial parent remains abroad:
- Proof of custody
- Declaration of consent from the parent living abroad.
The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require fewer or more proofs.
Please note
The residence permit is granted for a limited period. The residence permit for your child corresponds to the duration of your residence permit. This means that once the validity period has expired, you will have to take care of extending your residence permit as well as the residence permit for your child.
Deadlines
No
Procedure & Fees
Procedure
- If required to enter Germany, you must apply for a national visa for your child at a German diplomatic mission before entry.
- After entering the country, you must apply for a residence permit for the child at the immigration authorities before the period of visa-free stay or the validity of the visa ends.
- Make an appointment with the responsible office
- During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child as well as the documents available will be checked (please bring all documents, if possible in the original, with you to the appointment).
- If your application is approved, your child's fingerprints will be taken to create the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Children under the age of six will not be fingerprinted
- The responsible body 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. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
- If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.
Processing time
6 - 8 weeks
Fees
50.00 EUR
Legal notes
Legal remedies
contradiction
Legal basis
§ 28 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 2 Residence Act (AufenthG)