The requirements for a residence permit are

• You fulfill the passport and visa requirements.
  For the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement identity document.
• Your means of subsistence are secured without you drawing on public funds.
  Your means of subsistence are deemed to be secure if you
  • Income in the amount of the basic social assistance rate plus
  • costs for accommodation and heating and
  • any health insurance contributions.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Your family member already living in Germany has a
  • settlement permit,
  • permanent residence permit-EG or
  • residence permit and
  • sufficient living space available.
• additionally in the case of spouse reunification:
  • Minimum age of both spouses: 18 years
  • basic knowledge of German on the part of the person joining them
• if children between the ages of 16 and 18 are joining the spouse:
  • Entry as part of a family with the parents or
  • command of the German language or a positive integration prognosis (e.g. due to coming from a German-speaking family or attending a German-speaking school) or
  • Existence of a special case of hardship

You may also have to meet other requirements. These depend in part on the status of the family member already living in Germany. Please contact the relevant authority directly.

Please note: A residence permit for family reasons is excluded if you have forced the marriage or other family relationships

• have forced the marriage or
• only entered into the relationship to join your family in Germany.

Young foreign nationals who

• have grown up in Germany or
• have entered the country as part of child reunification,

can obtain a settlement permit under simplified conditions.

Family members of nationals of EU/EEA member states can join them in Germany in accordance with the Freedom of Movement Act/EU. This means that

• Family members of nationals of EU/EEA states who are themselves nationals of an EU or EEA state can enter the country freely and pursue gainful employment.
• Family members of nationals of EU/EEA states who do not themselves belong to an EU or EEA state also have a right of entry and residence.