Family visas

Family reunion: who qualifies, documents, timelines

Stages

  1. 1

    Sponsor status

    The relative must hold residence/citizenship, housing and income to support.

  2. 2

    Proof of kinship

    Marriage/birth certificates with apostille and sworn translation.

  3. 3

    Application

    National reunion visa — separate category, 2–6 mo processing.

  4. 4

    After arrival

    Family residence permit; work access depends on the country (Germany — by permit).

Eligible relatives are limited: spouses, minor children, sometimes dependent parents. Unmarried partners — separate country rules. Germany may require an A1 language certificate for spouses.