Family Reunion - German Citizens
Residence permit for families of German citizens
The full German Family Reunion - German Citizens process
Prove German Citizenship of Sponsor
Prove your sponsor's German citizenship: copy of the German passport or ID card (Personalausweis); a citizenship certificate (Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis) only in unclear cases. Add the marriage/birth certificate linking you to the sponsor, legalised or with apostille and certified German translation.
⏱ ~7 days🔗 Official linkProve Family Relationship
Provide documentary proof of family relationship for family reunion: marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption papers. Documents from outside EU may need apostille or legalization, plus certified German translation. DNA test may be requested if documents unavailable.
⏱ ~30 days💶 €50🔗 Official linkBasic German Knowledge (A1)
Prove basic German (A1 CEFR) for spouse reunification with a German citizen: a Goethe-Institut/telc/ÖSD 'Start Deutsch 1' certificate is the standard evidence. Exemptions: university-degree holders expected to integrate easily, citizens of visa-waiver countries (e.g. JP/US), and hardship cases. Plan 2-3 months of preparation; exam fee ~€80-150.
⏱ ~90 days💶 €150🔗 Official linkHealth Insurance
Arrange health insurance before departure. Options: travel insurance for initial period, German public/private insurance starting from arrival date, expat insurance. For visa application: proof of coverage for entire stay or at least initial months required.
⏱ ~3 days💶 €100🔗 Official linkGather Documents
Collect all required documents for your visa application: valid passport, biometric photos, application forms, proof of purpose (job offer, admission letter, etc.), financial proof, health insurance, accommodation proof. Check embassy website for specific requirements.
⏱ ~7 days🔗 Official linkBook Embassy Appointment
Book a national-visa appointment at the German embassy/consulate responsible for your residence district (most posts use an online booking portal; some use external providers like VFS Global). Waiting times of 2-8 weeks are common, so book as soon as your documents are in reach. Confirmation email/QR is checked at the entrance.
⏱ ~30 days🔗 Official linkAttend Visa Interview
Attend your national (D) visa interview at the German embassy or consulate. Bring the full document set: passport, biometric photos, application forms (VIDEX), proof of purpose (contract/admission/invitation), proof of financial means, and incoming health insurance. Fee: €75. Fingerprints are taken at the counter; incomplete files are rejected on the spot.
⏱ ~1 day💶 €75🔗 Official linkWait for Approval
Wait for visa decision from the German embassy/consulate. Processing times vary: employment visas 2-6 weeks, family reunion 8-12 weeks, EU Blue Card 2-4 weeks. Embassy may contact you for additional documents or interview. Track application status if online tracking available.
⏱ ~42 days🔗 Official linkTravel to Germany
Enter Germany within your visa validity period. At border: present passport, visa, and supporting documents if requested. After arrival: complete registration within 14 days, convert visa to residence permit as required. Keep travel documents organized.
⏱ ~1 day💶 €500🔗 Official linkFind Accommodation
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkPost-arrival steps are part of the full flow. Start free to track your pre-arrival progress, then unlock the 13 post-arrival steps when you land.Register Address (Anmeldung)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkApply for Residence Permit
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkReceive Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkSet Up Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkSet Up Internet Contract
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkGet German Phone Number / SIM Card
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkHealth Insurance Coverage
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkRegister with a GP (Hausarzt)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkGet Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkGet Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkExchange Foreign Driver's License
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official linkEnroll in Integration Course (Integrationskurs)
Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.
🔗 Official link
Track this journey instead of reading about it
Turn this guide into a personal checklist: tick off steps, keep your documents together, and always know what comes next.