Reunification for family reasons (to Germans) - apply for a residence permit

In order to establish or continue a marital cohabitation or registered civil partnership with a German, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification.

As the spouse or registered partner of a German, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification if you come from a country outside the EU or the EEA.

The prerequisite is that you want to establish or continue a family relationship in Germany. A family partnership usually exists if you live with your caregiver in a shared apartment. If there is no cohabitation in a common home, spouses or partners should maintain regular contact with each other, which goes beyond mere visits.

A further prerequisite for the issuance of a residence permit is that your spouse or partner has his or her habitual residence in Germany. A person has his habitual residence where he has his center of life and does not stay only temporarily.

As a rule, they should be able to communicate with simple language skills – i.e. in a simple way – in everyday life on German, for example ask for directions, shop and introduce themselves. Proof of language skills is not always required. Further information can be obtained from the responsible immigration authority.

Under certain circumstances, the Foreigners' Registration Office may oblige you to attend an integration course when you issue a residence permit. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

The residence permit is a temporary residence permit and is issued for at least one year.

• for the issuance of a national visa before entering the Federal territory: the German mission abroad (embassy, consulate)
• after entry: the immigration office in whose district you usually reside.
  Immigration authorities in Hesse are district administrators and mayors of district-free cities and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.

Tip: A list of the representations of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad is available from the Federal Foreign Office on its website.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if this was required for entry
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• If applicable, proof of basic German language skills (A1 certificate)
• Current registration certificate
• Current registration certificate of the reference person in Germany

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may request further documents.

• Online procedures possible in some cases

• Written form required
• Personal appearance required

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• You want to establish or continue the marital cohabitation or civil partnership with a German.
• You and your spouse or partner are at least 18 years of age.
• You can prove basic language skills, if necessary.
• Your German spouse or partner is habitually resident in Germany.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.

Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

An appeal against a decision of the immigration authority may be lodged with the administrative court named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The action may be filed in writing, in electronic form and for record.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your certificates will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the eAT.
• If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eAT must always be picked up in person.

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your valid visa or current residence permit or – if you are legally staying in Germany without a visa – within 90 days of entry.
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.

Hints:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.
• The timing and form of charging and payment vary depending on the authority

Note on registered civil partnerships:

A civil partnership registered in Germany is recognised. Whether a civil partnership registered abroad has legal effect must be checked by the immigration authority on a case-by-case basis.