Apply for a residence permit for other family members to join a German citizen

Prerequisites

• You are a national of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).
• The person you are joining has German citizenship and normally resides in Germany.
• They belong to the group of other family members of a German citizen.
• There is a case of particular hardship, for example because your German family member is dependent on your help due to illness, disability or need for care.
  • Please note: Unfavorable conditions in your home country do not constitute a hardship case.
• Your reunification serves to establish a family community with the German person (for example: you live in a shared apartment).
  • Even if you live apart for work or training reasons, or if one person is being cared for in a nursing home, your reunification can be approved if there is regular contact with the German person that goes beyond simple visits.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay without having to rely on public services.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Documents required

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric passport photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for your entry
• Proof of family relationship
• Justification of exceptional hardship
• Proof of securing your livelihood (for example from your own assets, payment of security into a blocked account, bank guarantee, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g. confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• For minors: consent of all persons with parental responsibility for the planned stay (declaration of consent)
  • If the parents with custody cannot submit the application jointly for their child, a written authorization from the absent parent is required
  • If custody is granted to only one parent, the signature of this parent is sufficient

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

Please note

Deadlines

No

Procedure

• You make an appointment with the responsible authority.
• You appear at the appointment and submit your application along with the necessary documents.
• The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any missing information or documents from you.
• If your application is approved, the responsible authority will commission an external agency to produce your electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• You will be informed when your eAT card is ready for collection. You must collect the eAT card in person.

Processing time

6 - 8 weeks

Fees

EUR 100.00 for adult applicants

EUR 50.00 for underage applicants

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of 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 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

Section 28 paragraph 4 Residence Act (AufenthG)

www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__28.html


§ 36 Residence Act (AufenthG)

www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__36.html


§ 27 Residence Act (AufenthG)

www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__27.html