Family Reunification Made Simple: Legal Requirements and Common Pitfalls

For many third-country nationals, the opportunity to live together with their family in Germany is a top priority. Family reunification is clearly regulated by law – but delays, rejections, and unnecessary complications are still common. In this article, we explain the most important legal requirements, highlight frequent pitfalls, and provide practical tips to help make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Who is entitled to family reunification?

In general, the following family members may join a person legally residing in Germany:

• Spouses and registered partners

• Minor, unmarried children

• In exceptional cases: parents of minor children living in Germany (if there is a special need for protection)

  
  

Important: Unmarried partners are usually not entitled to family reunification. However, there may be exceptions in individual cases – especially for humanitarian residence titles.

2. Key requirements for family reunification

The exact conditions depend on the residence status of the person already living in Germany (the sponsor). In most cases, the following requirements must be met:

• Proof of adequate living space

  The apartment or house must be large enough to accommodate all family members appropriately. Requirements may vary depending on the federal state.

  
  

• Proof of sufficient income

  The sponsor must be able to cover the living expenses of the entire family without relying on state benefits (e.g. citizen’s allowance/Bürgergeld).

  
  

• Health insurance coverage

  All family members must be insured – either through family coverage or individual health insurance.

  
  

• Language skills

  Spouses applying for reunification must usually prove basic German language skills at A1 level before the visa is issued. Exceptions may apply, e.g. for highly qualified individuals or if learning the language is unreasonable.

3. The process in practice

• Schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulateThe process begins with submitting a visa application at the German mission abroad.

• Prepare and submit all required documentsRequirements vary by country but typically include: marriage or birth certificates, proof of language skills, income documentation, and a rental contract.

• Involvement of the immigration office in GermanyThe decision on the visa is not made by the embassy alone – the responsible immigration authority in Germany must also give its approval.

• Processing time and entry to GermanyDepending on the country and case, the process may take several weeks or even months. After the visa is granted, the family member may enter Germany and apply for a residence permit.

  
  

4. Common pitfalls – and how to avoid them

❌ Incomplete documentation

Tip: Start early with a detailed checklist and consider seeking professional support.

❌ Missing or untranslated certificates

Tip: Foreign documents must generally be legalized or apostilled and translated into German by a certified translator.

❌ Late appointment scheduling at the embassy

Tip: In many countries, waiting times for appointments are long – book early, even if not all documents are ready yet.

❌ Unrecognized language certificates

Tip: Only language certificates from providers recognized by the BAMF (e.g. Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD) are accepted.

5. Our conclusion

Family reunification is an emotionally important yet legally complex process. Good preparation, complete documentation, and a clear understanding of the requirements are essential to success.

Our law firm is here to help you plan every step of the process, meet deadlines, and navigate communication with the authorities professionally.

Feel free to contact us for a consultation – we’ll support you in bringing your loved ones to Germany.