Does my spouse need German before applying?

Not if you hold a Blue Card, or a § 18a/18b/18d/18g permit and the marriage existed before you moved to Germany. Also exempt: nationals of e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, and graduates/obviously low-integration-need spouses.

Can my parents join me?

Only in cases of exceptional hardship (§ 36 Abs. 2) — practically very rare. Plan for visits on Schengen visas instead.

What income do I need to sponsor my family?

No fixed table — the authority checks that your net income covers the family's needs (roughly: social-benefit rates + rent + insurance). A full-time skilled job normally suffices for a spouse and 1–2 children.

Recently updated by a policy change Family reunification to subsidiary-protection holders suspended for two years — 24 July 2025

§§ 27–36a AufenthG

Family Reunion: from Thailand to Germany

Spouses and minor children of residence-permit holders can join them in Germany. Requirements depend on YOUR permit: Blue Card families skip the language test and waiting periods; others need A1 German (spouse), sufficient income and housing. Note: reunification to subsidiary-protection holders is suspended until 23 July 2027.

Entry & visa rule: A visa is required. You must obtain a national (D) visa at a German mission before you travel.

Requirements

Sponsor holds a residence permit, Blue Card, ICT card, permanent residence or is a German citizen
Secured livelihood for the whole family without public benefits (not required for German citizens' core family)
Sufficient living space (rule of thumb: ~12 m² per family member)
Spouse: basic German A1 before the visa — WAIVED for spouses of Blue Card / § 18a/18b holders and several nationalities
Marriage legally valid and both spouses 18+

How to apply

Check whose rules apply
The sponsor's permit type decides everything: Blue Card → no A1, no waiting period. § 18a/b → no A1 if the marriage existed before the sponsor moved.
Legalise/apostille your documents
Marriage and birth certificates usually need apostilles + certified German translations; some countries require document verification via the embassy (takes months — start first).
Apply via the Consular Services Portal
Include sponsor's permit, employment contract, payslips, rental contract with size, and A1 certificate if required.
Official page ↗
After arrival: registration & residence permit
Anmeldung, then the Ausländerbehörde issues the family permit with work access.

Full details, FAQs and sources for this path: Family reunification visa → · Back to Thailand →