The Family Reunion visa is another name for the German dependent visa. How To Get A Germany Dependent Visa As the name implies, this visa allows dependents of a foreign national living in Germany, or of a German or EU citizen, to accompany them to Germany. To learn more, continue reading.
A Family Reunion Visa: What Is It?
A German family visa (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung/Familiennachzug) allows relatives of international students to accompany them while they study in Germany. Put another way, if you are an international student with a German student visa or student residence permit, you can bring certain family members with you.Remember that not all of your family members are allowed to accompany you to school. Generally speaking, your spouse (wife, husband), your child, and your parents are eligible to travel with you while you study in Germany, depending on the specific circumstances. Notably, depending on who will accompany you, different family visa requirements apply. In other words, the requirements and documentary package required for your child to accompany you on your German student visa are different from those for your spouse.
Who requires a dependent visa for Germany?
A dependent visa is not necessary for everyone who is not a German citizen to enter Germany. A visa is not required if, You possess a Schengen passport.You possess a Schengen residency permit.You are a citizen of a nation that has a visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries.Your Schengen visa is currently valid.You may require a dependent visa for Germany in the following circumstances, You are a national of a nation that does not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries.
You have a passport from a nation that has a visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries, but you were previously denied entry into Germany.
Who is eligible to use a dependent visa to bring their family to Germany?
The person residing in Germany must fulfilll the requirements listed below in order to be granted a dependant visa. They must be a citizen of Germany or the EU, or possess an EU Blue Card, long-term residency permit, or resident permit. They need to be older than eighteen. He or she needs to speak German well. Who qualifies for a German dependent visa? He or she must be able to maintain the dependant financially. The registered partner or spouse. Young children. Children of unmarried adults (only in certain situations).Parents of children. Siblings. Other family members (only if the visa is required to avoid hardship)
Documents needed for a dependant visa to Germany
The following supporting documents are required, together with a copy of the application that you have completed and signed.A valid passport.Two passport-sized biometric photos.Copies of your passport’s first and last pages.Copies of any previous Schengen visas you have received.A minimum of €30,000 in Schengen travel insurance.Itinerary for the flight.Evidence that the sponsor is able to provide the applicant with financial support .Proof of accommodation: The sponsor must be able to demonstrate that the applicant has enough room in their house.A copy of the passport of the sponsoring German or EU national. Evidence of the connection to the German or EU national.Minors must also submit:Evidence of adoption or birth certificate .In the event of a divorce, a custody order.death certificate in the event that one of the parents passes away.A consent letter signed by both parents.A copy of each parent’s passport
Read Also: Permanent Residence in Germany: Your Complete Guide
Requirements for biometric passport photos
When an applicant’s photo does not meet the requirements, it is one of the most frequent grounds for a visa to be denied. Make sure your photo satisfies the requirements listed below.70–80% of the frame must be occupied by the applicant’s face.The picture must not include any shadows or other objects or people.The image needs to be sharp, well-lit, and focused.The background of the picture must be neutral grey.The candidate must be staring directly towards the camera with their eyes open.Hats covering the head are typically not allowed. If an exception is made for religious grounds, the face must be fully visible from the forehead to the chin.
Making a dependant visa application
You can apply for the visa up to six months before the date you want to travel. Applications must be submitted no later than two weeks before to the trip.You can submit the application and supporting documentation at a German consulate, German embassy, or visa centre once all the necessary paperwork has been gathered.The processing of the visa application usually takes several weeks. If further documents are needed, this might be extended.
The cost of a dependant visa
There is no cost if the applicant is the spouse or a minor child of a German or EU citizen. A €75 visa fee is required for adult children and other relatives of German or EU nationals. There is no refund for this.
Validity of visas
The visa is valid for as long as the sponsor is in Germany if it is granted to a spouse, child, or foreign national. They have to apply for a residency permit once they are in Germany.
Using a dependant visa to work in Germany
If they fulfilll certain requirements, adults who enter Germany on a family reunion visa may be allowed to work there.He or she ought to be an extremely talented person or researcher.He or she must possess a residency permit that permits employment.Germany is a fantastic place to live and work, thus he or she ought to acquire an EU Blue Card. This is the best visa to join your partner if they are already in Germany.
Common Questions
Can I travel to Germany with my ageing parents?
Obtaining a family visa for your elderly parents is challenging; you may be granted one only in very specific, extreme circumstances (e.g., if not bringing them would cause significant hardship). You would also need to demonstrate that you are able to provide for them financially, including paying for their insurance and making sure they won’t need public assistance.
In this situation, speaking with immigration specialists is the best course of action.
Does family reunion need health insurance?
Yes, in order to obtain a family visa, you must have current health insurance. When you apply for a visa at the embassy, you must obtain travel health insurance. You will probably be added to your family member’s public or private health insurance plan after you get to Germany.
Does obtaining a family reunification visa require proficiency in German?
A German language certificate at the A1 level is typically required for spouses. There are a few exceptions, though, including highly qualified professionals, holders of EU Blue Cards, and spouses of German nationals.
Can I use a family reunification visa to petition for permanent residency?
Yes, you can be qualified for a settlement permit after three years of residency in Germany on a residence permit.
Can I travel to Germany with my stepchildren?
If stepchildren are young, single, and under your or your spouse’s legal custody, they may be included in the family reunion process.
Can I use family reunification to bring my siblings to Germany?
Siblings cannot obtain a family reunification visa in Germany.
