Family reunification usually requires that a visa for family reunification has been successfully applied for at the German diplomatic mission in the country of origin of the spouse or children (see "Further information"). This applies both to family reunification with foreigners and to family reunification with Germans! Entry without the required visa for family reunification usually means that the foreign family member joining them must leave the country again to apply for a visa in their country of origin.
There are positive exceptions for nationals from EU and EFTA member states. You can join your family members in Germany without a visa or residence permit (there are further exceptions for the following countries: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Republic of Korea / see under Procedure).
Family reunification of foreigners with foreigners in Germany is only possible if the family member already living here is in possession of a residence permit that allows family reunification. The following sections do not permit family reunification: 25 IV, 25 IVb, 25V, 25a II, 25 b IV AufenthG Spouses who are to join their family in Germany must generally already have basic German language skills. This also applies to the reunification of a spouse with a German national. For family reunification with foreigners, the livelihood of all family members must be secured. If foreign children join a German spouse, the livelihood of these children must be secured. This list is not exhaustive. Information can be obtained from the German diplomatic missions abroad (see "Further information").