Family Based Immigration Germany

Visa & Residence Permit Service
German Lawyers explain how to move to Germany. Fore more information, feel free to contact us.

German Constitution: Protection for marriage and family

The German Constitution places a special protection on marriage and family. This protection extends to those new in Germany as well and there are steps in place to provide for the safe passage for family members to come to Germany: Family based Immigration. At Schlun & Elseven Lawyers we know how much easier it is to settle into your new surroundings when your loved ones are there with you. That is why our immigration specialists are on-hand to provide assistance in ensuring straight-forward family reunification in Germany.

Under German law, as soon as the applicant’s residence status in Germany has been cleared, they can have the right to apply for a family reunification visa for their loved ones. This way, a residence permit holder’s spouse and children can be granted a right of residence, too.

On this page, we seek to explain how German family reunification can take place. As a law firm which specialises in the field of immigration we receive regular inquiries concerning this issue. Below, you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions and our answers regarding family based immigration to Germany.

Can my family members obtain a German visa, too?

In order for family reunification to take place the applicant (not the spouse they are aiming to be reunited with) must possess a valid German residence permit. Holders of settlement permits, permanent residents, and holders of an EU Blue Card are entitled to avail of family reunification. A (family reunification) residence permit can be granted to spouses and unmarried children of the holder of the German residence permit. Therefore it is vital that the residence permit is in-date, is valid and has no issues.

What are the requirements for a family based visa in Germany?

1

GERMAN RESIDENCE PERMIT

The most important requirement is that one family member must have a valid residence permit.

2

ACCOMMODATION SPACE

The applicant has to provide evidence showing that there is sufficient accommodation space for themselves and their family member(s).

3

ENTRANCE VISA

In order to travel to Germany, the relevant family member must hold a valid entrance visa.

4

GERMAN LANGUAGE SKILLS?

German language skills are in most cases not required for the family members.

What are the advantages and benefits of a family based visa in Germany?

The advantages of the family reunification visa are numerous. Most importantly it allows people who have made Germany their home to bring other family members with them and allow them to benefit from all that Germany has to offer. As well as that, the procedure is far less complex compared to other visa procedures, such as the EU Blue Card. The family member is also entitled to obtain a work permit and can therefore find a job and work in Germany!

Which documents are needed in order to apply for a family reunification visa?

In order to apply for the family reunification visa the applicant has to possess the following documents. Feel free to contact our office should you require assistance with any of these documents.

  • A valid marriage certificate
  • Invitation by the spouse living in Germany to move in with him/ her
  • Copy of the passport of the spouse living in Germany, as well as a copy of their German residence permit

Which documents do I need to apply for a German residence permit?

In order to apply for the German residence permit through family based immigration, one needs to have the following documents. Once again, should there be any questions about any of these requirements make sure to contact our legal firm directly.

  • A rental agreement showing a sufficient amount of living space
  • The applicant must demonstrate that the cost of living can be covered sufficiently. This can be demonstrated by providing a copy of an employment contract or tax declaration
  • The family member needs to hold a valid entrance visa
  • For children, a birth certificate is needed
  • School attendance certificate for school-age children (written proof of acceptance by a school is sufficient)
  • A health insurance certificate (spouse and children can be included in the health insurance of the residence permit holder)
  • A biometrical passport photo

How long will the residence permit of the spouse and the children be valid?

The period of validity for the family members will be limited to the duration of validity of the residence permit of the family member they are uniting with. In this case, should a husband’s family reunification visa be based on a three-year residence permit of the wife the duration of the family-reunification visa is three years.

Can you describe the process from applying for the family based visa up to holding the residence permit?

Our team of legal experts supports our clients from the moment they obtain a residence permit for themselves up to helping their family join them in Germany. This is the outline of what will happen once we start working together:

1

CONTACT US

You have contacted and decided to work with Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte PartG (attorneys at law).

2

CONTRACT & ESTIMATE FOR A PRELIMINIARY FEE

Subsequently, you will receive a non-binding mandate-contract, a general power of attorney as well as a detailed conduct of proceedings and an estimate for a preliminary fee.

3

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

After we have received all the necessary documents signed by you, as well as the retainer fee, we will send you a detailed list of all required documents, such as your CV (Curriculum Vitae), proof of health insurance etc. Following that, we will take all the necessary steps in order to begin with your case and apply for your visa and residence permit.

4

FULL-SERVICE FOR OUR CLIENTS

Having worked closely with you and submitted the appropriate documentation we will oversee the process and do everything we can to ensure your application’s success.

What do your legal services include?

At Schlun & Elseven Lawyers, we offer a comprehensive package of legal services concerning legal immigration matters:

VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE

We will submit your visa application to the responsible German diplomatic mission.

REQUEST FOR A PRE-CONSENT

Upon request, a so called pre-consent can be issued prior the issue of a visa by the responsible German diplomatic mission. This procedure is based on § 31 subsection 3 AufenthG (German Residence Act) and can accelerate the procedure in case of a relevant previous stay in Germany.

CONTACTING THE LOCAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY

Our Lawyers submit the application for a residence permit. The client’s personal appearance is required.

CONTACTING THE REGISTRATION OFFICE

Our lawyers help you to acquire your registration certificate.

LEGAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Our office will support the client during the first years in Germany and assist in communicating with any relevant immigration offices.

Why Schlun & Elseven Immigration Lawyers?

Lawyers for Family Based Immigration To Germany

Advantages

Should you choose to work with our legal team, you will find yourself working with professionals who assist clients on a regular basis when it comes to their visa issues in Germany. We have helped numerous clients over the years to avail of German family reunification visas and our help has ensured that applications progress smoother that they otherwise would. Whereas for our clients trying to work through German bureaucracy may prove to be challenging, we deal with these issues on a regular basis. We know exactly what is needed to ensure that an application is successful.
Experienced Lawyers for German Immigration
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How much do your legal services cost?

The fees we charge for our immigration services largely depend on the services that you ask for. There is no set fee that we can write here as the costs are dependent on the facts of the case. However, after we have received your request for assistance we will make a noncommittal, transparent offer for our all-inclusive services.

Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte (attorneys at law) consists of a team of experienced lawyers who specialise in immigration law. We will assist you throughout the whole application and acquisition process for your family reunification visa in order to help you to settle down in Germany. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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