In general, only spouses and unmarried under-aged children are allowed to follow their family member to Germany. In the case of registered same-sex partnerships, the rules on family reunion apply accordingly. It is necessary that both spouses have reached the age of 18. The reunification of other family members is subject to the discretion of the authorities and can only be authorised to avoid exceptional hardness.
Application
A visa with the purpose of family reunification must be applied for at the German mission abroad in the applicant's home country. Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States as well citizens from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino may enter without a visa.
Family reunion with German citizens
Family members of German citizens need to apply for a residence permit for their stay in Germany. It entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment.
Requirements:
- The German citizen has his/her habitual residence in Germany.
- Usually the immigrating spouse must have basic knowledge of German (A1).
You can either contact the relevant authority directly or use the online tool of the Serviceportal Hamburg to submit your documents.
You can find information about the necessary documents on our page Forms.
Family reunion with EU/EEA citizens
Family members (from third countries) of EU or EEA citizens apply for a Residence Card (Aufenthaltskarte). It serves as proof of the right of residence and the right to take up an employment.
Requirement (among others):
- Family members are only entitled to a right of residence derived from a EU/EEA citizen if he or she is habitually resident in Germany and has a right to freedom of movement.
You can either contact the relevant authority directly or use the online tool of the Serviceportal Hamburg to submit your documents.
You can find information about the necessary documents on our page Forms.
Family reunion with non-EU/EEA citizens (Third country nationals)
Family members of citizens from non-EU/EEA countries need to apply for a residence permit for their stay in Germany. It entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment.
Requirements (among others):
- Family members are only entitled to a right of residence derived from a non-EU/EEA citizen if he or she is habitually resident in Germany and has a valid residence permit.
- The living space must be sufficient to host the family community.
- The livelihood of the family community must be secured, including adequate health insurance, without the use of social benefits.
- Usually the immigrating spouse must have basic knowledge of German (A1).
You can either contact the relevant authority directly or use the online tool of the Serviceportal Hamburg to submit your documents.
You can find information about the necessary documents on our page Forms.
