Family Reunion Visa Requirements for Germany
If you’re planning to join your family in Germany, you’ll need to know about the family reunion visa requirements. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the information you need to apply for a family reunion visa and the requirements you must meet to obtain one.
From who is eligible to apply, required documents, fees, processing time, and consequences of violating the terms, we’ll cover it all. So let’s get started and make sure you have everything you need to reunite with your family in Germany.
Who Can Apply for a Family Reunion Visa?
If you have family members who are German citizens, have a permanent residence permit, or have a recognized refugee status in Germany, you may be eligible to apply for a Family Reunion Visa. This visa is designed to reunite families and allow them to live together in Germany.
Spouses, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents of German citizens and permanent residents are all eligible to apply for a Family Reunion Visa. Additionally, unmarried partners of German citizens or permanent residents may also be eligible to apply for this visa if they can provide proof of their relationship.
What Documents Are Required for a Family Reunion Visa Application?
Applying for a family reunion visa in Germany requires submitting several documents. These include proof of family relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, as well as proof of financial support and health insurance. Additionally, applicants need to provide a valid passport, biometric photos, and a completed visa application form.
It is important to ensure that all documents are complete and up-to-date to avoid any delays in the visa application process. Double-checking the requirements and providing all necessary documents can increase the chances of a successful application and a smoother process for family members hoping to reunite in Germany.
How to Apply for a Family Reunion Visa?
If you are planning to apply for a family reunion visa for Germany, there are several steps you need to follow:
- Gather all the required documents: This includes your passport, application form, birth and marriage certificates, and proof of relationship with the family member in Germany.
- Book an appointment: You will need to make an appointment with the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You can do this online or by phone.
- Attend the appointment: On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring all the required documents and attend an interview with a consular officer.
- Pay the application fee: You will be required to pay a fee for your visa application. The fee varies depending on your country of residence and the type of visa you are applying for.
- Wait for your visa to be processed: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. This can take several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you will be notified and can collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.
It is important to note that the application process can vary depending on your country of residence and other factors. Be sure to check with the German embassy or consulate in your area for specific instructions and requirements.
What is the Processing Time for a Family Reunion Visa?
If you’re planning on applying for a family reunion visa for Germany, it’s important to be aware of the processing time for your application. The exact processing time can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the volume of applications being processed and the specific embassy or consulate handling your application.
Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months for your application to be processed and a decision to be made. It’s important to submit your application as early as possible to allow for any potential delays or complications.
Additionally, keep in mind that certain times of year, such as the holiday season, can be particularly busy for visa applications, which may lead to longer processing times.
To help expedite the processing of your application, make sure to provide all required documentation and information in a timely and accurate manner. This can help prevent any unnecessary delays or complications that may arise during the processing of your application.
Overall, while the processing time for a family reunion visa application can be somewhat unpredictable, being proactive and well-prepared can help ensure the smoothest possible experience and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
What Are the Fees for a Family Reunion Visa Application?
If you are planning to apply for a family reunion visa in Germany, it is important to know the fees involved in the process. The fees for a family reunion visa application vary depending on various factors. Here are some of the things you need to know about the fees:
- The fee for a family reunion visa application is currently €75 for adults and €37.50 for children under 18 years old.
- The fee is non-refundable, which means that if your visa application is rejected, you will not get your money back.
- If you are applying for a visa to join a family member who is a German citizen or a permanent resident, you will not be required to pay the visa fee.
- Some visa application centers may charge additional service fees for their services, such as courier services or photocopying.
It is important to note that the fees mentioned above are subject to change. To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about the fees, it is recommended that you check the official website of the German embassy or consulate in your country.
Can Family Members Work with a Family Reunion Visa?
Family members who are granted a family reunion visa can also work in Germany without the need for a separate work permit. However, this is subject to certain conditions. If the family member has been granted a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification with a spouse or partner, they are allowed to work without any restrictions.
If the family member is a minor or a dependent adult, they are allowed to work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days in a year, without requiring a work permit. However, if they want to work beyond this limit, they will need to obtain a separate work permit. The family member will also need to fulfill certain requirements, such as having sufficient German language skills and meeting the qualifications necessary for the job.
It is important to note that family members who are granted a family reunion visa are not allowed to work until they have received their residence permit from the German authorities. The processing time for this permit can vary, so it is important to plan accordingly and not rely on being able to work immediately upon arrival in Germany.
What is the Duration of a Family Reunion Visa?
If you are planning to apply for a family reunion visa in Germany, it is important to understand the duration of the visa. Generally, the duration of the visa depends on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your family member’s stay in Germany.
The family reunion visa can be issued for a maximum duration of 90 days, which is a short-term visa. This visa is ideal for those who want to visit their family members in Germany for a short period of time.
However, if you want to stay in Germany for a longer period of time, you will need to apply for a long-term visa, which can be issued for up to 1 year. This visa can be extended for an additional 2 years, depending on the circumstances of your stay in Germany.
If you want to apply for a long-term visa, you will need to provide additional documents to support your application, such as proof of accommodation and financial resources to support your stay in Germany. You will also need to provide evidence of your family relationship with the person you are visiting in Germany.
It is important to note that the duration of your family reunion visa will also depend on your compliance with the visa requirements and the terms of your stay in Germany. If you violate the terms of your visa, you may be subject to penalties or even deportation.
What Happens After Arrival in Germany?
Once you arrive in Germany with your family reunion visa, there are a few things you need to take care of. First and foremost, you need to register your arrival at the local Residents’ Registration Office within the first two weeks of your arrival. This is mandatory, and failure to register could lead to fines or other legal complications.
After registering, you can apply for a residence permit, which will allow you to stay in Germany for an extended period of time. The type of residence permit you will need depends on your individual situation and the purpose of your stay.
It is also important to note that you may be required to undergo a health check or tuberculosis test upon arrival in Germany. This is to ensure that you do not pose a health risk to the general public.
Once you have taken care of these formalities, you can start settling in and enjoying your time with your loved ones in Germany. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs, and don’t hesitate to seek help or advice from local authorities or support groups if needed.
What Are the Requirements for Extending a Family Reunion Visa?
If you wish to extend your family reunion visa in Germany, there are several requirements that you must fulfill:
- You must submit your application to extend your visa before your current visa expires.
- You must have a valid reason for extending your visa, such as continuing to live with your family member in Germany.
- You must be able to financially support yourself and any dependents during your extended stay in Germany.
- You must have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your extended stay.
- You must not have committed any serious crimes during your previous stay in Germany.
It is important to note that extending your family reunion visa is not guaranteed, and you may be required to provide additional documentation or attend an interview with immigration authorities.
Overall, if you are planning to extend your family reunion visa in Germany, it is recommended to begin the application process well in advance and to carefully review all of the requirements and guidelines provided by the German immigration authorities.
What Are the Consequences of Violating the Terms of a Family Reunion Visa?
It is important to note that violating the terms of a family reunion visa can result in serious consequences. If you or your family member violates the terms of the visa, the German authorities can take a range of actions, from revoking the visa to deportation.
Some common reasons for violating the terms of a family reunion visa include working without authorization, overstaying the authorized time period, or engaging in criminal activities. It is important to understand that any of these violations can lead to serious consequences.
If you or your family member is found to be in violation of the terms of the visa, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand your options and provide guidance on how to proceed.
It is always best to comply with the terms of your family reunion visa to avoid any negative consequences. Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of the visa and seek legal assistance if you have any questions or concerns.