Bundesportal | Applying for a residence permit for the spouse to join foreigners

More Information

Publisher

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Last update or date of publication

June 6, 2023

Contact

The government service telephone number 115 – your point of contact for questions related to the federal, state and local.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 (and beyond these times in some regions).

Call 115 now

Government service telephone number calls are charged at local rates.

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 provide proof of 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, you do not need 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 permit. 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 residence permit issued for family reunification entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment.

Under certain circumstances, the immigration authority may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

valid passport
Current biometric photo
Visa, if required
Residence permit of the foreign person in Germany to whom the reunification is taking place
for 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 insurance
Proof of housing conditions (e.g. rental agreement or purchase contract with details of the number of square meters of living space)

Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
Online procedure occasionally possible
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Preconditions

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
There is no interest in deporting you.
Your stay does not jeopardize 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 an apartment in Germany that offers sufficient space for your family.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

Basis for legal action

§ 29 in conjunction with. § 30 AufenthG

§ Section 29 Residence Act

Procedure

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT).
In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT).
If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT to be issued.
After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT from the Foreigners' Registration Office.
The eAT must always be collected in person.

Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

Information on family reunification for non-EU citizens:

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

The Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad

Deadlines

You should apply for a residence permit at least eight weeks before your valid visa expires.
Objection period: 1 month

Processing time

about six to eight weeks