Germany Newcomer Bible · Chapter 28
Family Reunification and Family Administration
About 2 minutes to read. Verify current official requirements using the source links in the chapter.
Bringing your spouse or partner
| Requirement |
Rule (typical) |
Exceptions |
| Your residence title |
You hold a residence permit or settlement permit |
— |
| Living space |
"Sufficient" living space for the family (local guidelines, roughly 12 m² per adult) |
— |
| Income |
Family can live without social benefits |
Often waived for spouses of Germans |
| German A1 for the spouse |
Required before entry |
Not required for spouses of Blue Card holders, skilled workers and researchers, or for nationals of e.g. the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, New Zealand, UK (§30 AufenthG, §41 AufenthV) |
| Age |
Both spouses 18+ |
— |
- Spouses of skilled workers and Blue Card holders may work without restriction.
- Children under 18 can join. Children aged 16–17 who don't move together with both parents may need C1 German or a positive integration prognosis.
- Subsidiary protection: reunification is suspended until 23 July 2027 (hardship exceptions only).
Documents
Marriage and birth certificates with apostille or legalisation plus sworn translations. Some countries' documents need verification through the German embassy, which takes months. Start early.
Family events in Germany
| Event |
Where |
Deadline |
| Birth |
Hospital usually reports it; parents register at the Standesamt to get the birth certificate |
Within 1 week. You need the birth certificate for Kindergeld, Elterngeld and insurance |
| Child's residence permit (non-EU parents) |
Ausländerbehörde |
Apply within 6 months of birth |
| Child's passport |
Embassy of your country |
ASAP — needed for the permit |
| Marriage in Germany |
Standesamt |
Register several months ahead; foreign nationals usually need a certificate of no impediment (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) |
| Divorce |
Family court; usually after 1 year of separation |
Lawyer required |
