ROUTE
Family Reunification
Who qualifies, the housing and income requirements, the A1 exceptions (Blue Card!), the embassy marathon with apostilles β and the family first steps after arrival.
β Checked: 15/08/2026
Family reunification is two procedures running towards each other: whoever is already in Germany proves they can receive their relatives, while the relatives themselves apply at their countryβs embassy. Synchronising the two is your job β and it is that lack of coordination which most often stretches the timeline.
βΊ More about this route
This three-step route covers everything: who may join whom and what requirements apply to the hostβs housing and income, the visa marathon with apostilles and sworn translations, and finally the familyβs first steps after arrival.
The route deals separately with the language requirement for a spouse and its exceptions. There are more of them than people assume: for certain groups, including Blue Card holders, no language proof is required at all β worth checking before booking any courses.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All possible documents for this route
- Marriage/birth certificate (apostille + translation)
- A1 certificate (if required)
- Passports
- Sponsor documents: permit, income, lease
WHERE PEOPLE MOST OFTEN LOSE MONEY AND TIME
- Starting at the embassy without settling housing and income. Those requirements are checked in Germany, and without them the visa case stalls.
- Obtaining documents without an apostille. Marriage and birth certificates are almost always required with an apostille and a sworn translation β separate weeks across two countries.
- Studying for a language exam without checking the exceptions. For several residence grounds the proof falls away, and months of preparation turn out to be unnecessary.
- Assuming arrival ends it. Registration, insurance, residence permits and school for the children form a chain of their own with its own deadlines.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ROUTE
Who may bring their family?βΎ
The scope depends on your own residence permit: work permits, the Blue Card and permanent residence offer wider options. It generally concerns spouses and minor children; for other relatives the conditions are considerably stricter.
What housing and income requirements apply?βΎ
The authority checks that the accommodation is sufficient for everyone in the family and that support is secured without public funds. The specific benchmarks depend on your city and family size and belong checked with your own office in advance.
Is German compulsory for a spouse?βΎ
Often yes at a basic level, but there are many exceptions tied to the hostβs residence basis, nationality, health and qualifications. For Blue Card holders the spouseβs language requirement usually does not apply.
How long does the whole process take?βΎ
The biggest time sinks are the embassy appointment, obtaining documents with apostilles and translations, and processing. Count in months, and start collecting papers well before booking the appointment.