§§ 27–36a AufenthG
Family reunification visa
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.
Last verified: 21 July 2026 · Legal basis: §§ 27–36a AufenthG
Duration
12 months
Issued in line with the sponsor's permit; extended together.
Family
Joining spouses receive FULL labour market access from day one (§ 29 Abs. 5 AufenthG) — they may take any job immediately.
Permanent residence
Spouses can obtain PR after 5 years (§ 9); spouses of Germans can naturalise after 3 years of marriage + 3 years residence (§ 9 StAG).
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.