Applying for a residence permit for the spouse to join foreigners
Service description
The residence permit can be issued if you and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18, although the minimum age may be waived in certain cases.
As a rule, you must demonstrate basic language skills. With basic language skills, you should be able to communicate in German in a simple way in everyday life, for example asking for directions, shopping and introducing yourself. There are several exceptions to the requirement for proof of language skills. For example, if the foreign national holds an EU Blue Card ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card, they do not have to provide proof of language skills. You can obtain information on the other exceptions to language skills from your competent authority.
The residence permit for family reunification is a temporary residence title. It is issued for the period of validity of the family member's residence permit in Germany - for at least one year. If the residence permit of the foreign person living in Germany is valid for less than one year, the residence permit will also be issued for the shorter duration.
The issued residence permit for family reunification authorises the holder to take up gainful employment.
Under certain circumstances, the Immigration Office may oblige you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.
Who should I contact?
Contact the foreigners authority.
Prerequisites
- You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- The foreign person in Germany has a valid residence permit, settlement permit, EU permanent residence permit, EU Blue Card, ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card.
- You and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18.
- You can provide proof of basic language skills, if required.
- Your spouse or partner has sufficient health insurance cover and financial means to provide for your family.
- Your spouse or partner has successfully rented a flat in Germany that offers enough space for your family.
Which documents are required?
- Valid passport
- Current biometric photo
- Visa, if required
- Residence permit of the foreign person in Germany to whom the subsequent immigration is taking place
- In the case of family reunification with the spouse: international marriage certificate as an officially certified copy or marriage certificate in the original language as an officially certified copy or marriage certificate checked by the German diplomatic mission abroad for authenticity and accuracy of content in the original language and in German translation
- In the case of family reunification with a partner: partnership certificate
- If applicable, proof of basic German language skills (A1 certificate)
- Proof of health insurance cover
- Proof of livelihood
- Proof of living conditions (e.g. rental agreement or purchase contract with details of the number of square metres of living space)
What fees are incurred?
Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
- You should apply for a residence permit at least eight weeks before your valid visa expires.
- Objection period: 1 month
Legal basis
§ 29 in conjunction with. § 30 AufenthG
Applications / Forms
- Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
- Online procedure occasionally possible
- Personal appearance required: yes
Further information
Information on family reunification with non-EU citizens:
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/leben-in-deutschland/familiennachzug/zu-nicht-eu-buerger/
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Short text
- Residence permit for family reasons Issued for spouse to join foreign nationals
- Spouses of a foreign person can obtain a residence permit for family reasons if the foreign person in Germany has a settlement permit, EU permanent residence permit, residence permit, EU Blue Card, ICT Card or Mobile ICT or is authorised to reside in Germany as part of short-term mobility for researchers.
- The residence permit can generally be issued if both spouses have reached the age of 18 and there is sufficient living space available in Germany.
- As a rule, the person joining you must provide proof of basic language skills.
- The residence permit for the reunification of spouses is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the period of validity of the residence title of the foreign person to whom the family reunification is taking place.
- Under certain circumstances, the immigration authority may oblige the person joining you to attend an integration course.
- Spousal reunification also applies to same-sex civil partnerships.
- Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, you can apply online or in person.
- A fee is payable for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
- Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence
Author
Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal- Residence permit for family reasons Issued for spouse to join foreigners in Saxony-Anhalt
Display of performance in the source portal
- Residence permit for family reasons Issued for spouse to join foreigners in Saxony-Anhalt
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