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FAQ: Family reunification / accompanying family members
FAQ
In the case of reunification for a German national:
Entitled to a residence permit for reunification with a German living in Germany are
- Spouses
- Minor unmarried children
- The parent of a minor unmarried child for care and custody of the child
In the case of reunification for a foreign national:
- The foreigner who is joined by their family has to have a settlement or residence permit for Germany
- Sufficient living space
- Secured means of subsistence
Reunification for parents or other relatives:
- Parents or adoptive parents of a minor foreigner with asylum or refugee status are entitled to reunification if no primary carer parent is already staying in Germany.
- Other relatives are only entitled to reunification for the purpose of avoiding exceptional hardship in individual cases.
Check out the visa requirements here
As a rule, spouses have to have basic knowledge of German for reunification. In general, basic knowledge of German has to be proven prior to moving to Germany during the visa process.
Korean nationals may prove the required knowledge of German after their entry, if travelling without a visa.
You don’t need to prove basic knowledge of German if your spouse has one of the following nationalities:
Republic of Korea, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, USA, EU citizens (except for Germany)
There are a number of other exceptions.
Yes, nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Canada, New Zealand and the US can enter Germany for a non-short-term stay without a visa and stay. The required residence permit can be issued in Germany.
The same is true for nationals of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino who do not want to engage in gainful employment.
No, this is not possible.
In such cases, a “SOFA stamp” is required. This cannot be issued by the Embassy. Please contact the responsible authority. The responsible US authority in Germany is Commander 1st PERSCOM in Schwetzingen.