<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=717122988434669&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Temporary Germany_Desktop

Germany Dependent Visa

Germany's dependent visa enables family reunification. It grants spouses and children opportunities to work and study. It has a basic eligibility criterion and an application process. Scroll down to read more.

Quick Enquiry

Germany ranks as the fifth-best country to immigrate to. People move to Germany for its excellent education system, diverse job opportunities, and a strong economy.

To support immigrants, the German Immigration Authorities offer a family visa, allowing their family members to join them and live in Germany. This is called a Dependent Visa.

What is a Dependent Visa in Germany?

A Germany-dependent visa, also known as a “Family Reunion Visa,” allows spouses, children, and other family members to join their relatives living in Germany. Family members can stay temporarily or permanently.

Note: EU citizens don't need a visa, residence permit, or work permit to join a family in Germany. But, this doesn't apply to non-EU citizens or former EU nations like the UK.

If your spouse is in Germany and you're not an EU citizen, you need a Family Reunion Spouse visa. This visa lets you enter Germany and is valid for the first 90 days. For a long-term stay, you'll need a residence permit.

Does a Spouse/Relative of EU/German Nationals Need a Visa to Germany? 

If you're a spouse/relative of an EU/German national, you won't need a visa in the following cases you:

  1. Hold an EU/Schengen passport.
  2. Have an EU/Schengen residence permit.
  3. Are from a country with a visa-free agreement with the Schengen states.
  4. Have a valid Schengen visa.

Note: Starting from May 2025, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS before their trip to Germany or any other Schengen country for stays up to 90 days.

You will need a visa if:

  1. You're from a country without a visa-free agreement with the Schengen states.
  2. Your country has a visa-free agreement. But you were previously denied entry to Germany without a visa.

What Is A Dependent Visa, Types & How To Apply In 2024?

Benefits of a Germany Dependent Visa

  • Family Life: Germany is ideal for a happy family life. It offers a pleasant climate and beautiful surroundings.
  • Education: Spouses may study in Germany under certain conditions.
  • Work Opportunities: Spouses and other dependents can later apply for a work visa.
  • Parental Benefit: Parents receive Parental Benefits. This is for the first 14 months after childbirth in Germany.
  • Social Benefits: Dependents enjoy health, education, and social security benefits. It depends on the sponsor's residence permit.
  • Quality of Life: Families can enjoy a high standard of living with better growth prospects and remuneration.
  • Long-term Residency: Dependents can apply for a residence permit after a specified time. It allows families to live long-term in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria for a Spouse Visa/Dependent Visa

To join your spouse in Germany with a Family Reunion visa, you and your spouse need to meet certain requirements:

For You:

  • You must be married to your spouse (with some exceptions for same-sex couples).
  • Both of you must be over 18.
  • You need to have basic German language skills. It should be A1 level, which you can prove by completing a language course.

For Your Spouse:

They must be one of the following:
  • A German national
  • An EEA or Swiss citizen
  • A third-country national with legal residency in Germany

Your spouse must also have one of these residency types:

  • Settlement permit
  • Temporary resident permit
  • EU long-term residence permit
  • EU Blue Card
  • Refugee status

Additionally, your spouse needs to:

  • Have basic German language skills.
  • Provide adequate accommodation for both of you.
  • Be financially capable of supporting both of you.

Student Dependent Visa Germany

The German Family Reunion Visa allows non-EU/EEA family members of foreign students in Germany to join them. It ensures families can stay together while the student is studying in Germany. But this is as long as the student has a German residence permit for study.

Germany Implements Key Changes to Skilled Immigration ...

Related FAQs

Prerequisites for Getting a German Family Reunion Visa

To bring your family members to Germany while you study abroad, you must meet these conditions:

General Requirements:

  • Hold a valid residence permit.
  • Provide adequate living space. It should be about 12 square meters per adult and 10 square meters per child under 6.
  • Ensure sufficient health insurance coverage, with the option to add family members later.
  • Show financial stability to support your family without relying on public assistance.
  • Some family members need to show basic German language skills and may attend integration courses upon arrival.

Spouse:

  • Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
  • Spouses must show basic German skills (A1 level), unless exempt.
  • For same-sex partners, the relationship should be officially registered before obtaining the visa.

Children:

  • Children under 16 can join without extra conditions.
  • Children over 16 must show German language proficiency (C1 level) or show adaptation to German life.

Parents or Other Members:

  • Eligibility for family members such as parents is assessed as per individual circumstances. For this, they consider factors like illness, disabilities, or special care needs.
  • Legal advice is recommended for complex cases, as family reunion eligibility varies.

Documents Required

How to Apply?

Step

Description

1

Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that your family members meet the prerequisites for the German family reunion visa, such as being related to you and meeting any age or relationship criteria.

2

Document Collection: Gather all necessary documents required for the family reunion visa application. This includes passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other relevant paperwork. Ensure that all documents are certified and translated as per the requirements of the German Embassy/Consulate.

3

Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy/Consulate responsible for processing your visa application. You can find the nearest German mission on their website. Make sure to have all necessary documents ready by the appointment date.

4

Embassy/Consulate Visit: Arrive at the Embassy/Consulate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Present all required documents in an organized manner.

5

Document Submission: Submit all documents as per the checklist provided by the Embassy/Consulate. Ensure that the documents are arranged in the specified order and avoid stapling them together.

6

Fee Payment: Pay the processing fee for your German family reunion visa application. The fee is typically 75 Euros (INR 6808), payable in the local currency at the time of application. Payment methods may vary depending on the country. Remember, the fee is non-refundable.

7

Interview Attendance: Attend the visa interview, which usually lasts around 10-15 minutes. Expect questions related to your personal background and the purpose of your travel to Germany. Prepare to provide honest and concise answers.

8

Waiting Period: After the interview, wait for a response from the German Embassy/Consulate. The processing time varies but can take up to 3 months. Be patient during this period and refrain from contacting the Embassy/Consulate for updates unless necessary.

9

Visa Collection: Once your visa application is approved, collect your passport with the stamped visa from the Embassy/Consulate. Verify that all details are correct before leaving the premises. If the application is denied, inquire about the reasons for rejection and explore any available options for appeal or reapplication.

Cost of Applying for a German Family Visa

Here's a breakdown of the fees for German family visa applications:

  • Adults (18 years and older): €75.00 (INR 6,808)
  • Children (under 18 years): €37.50 (INR 3,404)

Fee Waivers

Spouses and children of German or other EU citizens, and parents of German or other EU minors, are exempt from visa fees. Applicants in these cases need to provide copies of the marriage or birth certificate and the German or EU passport of the family member.

Payment Method

Fees are usually payable in cash in the local currency. Although acceptance of card payments may is possible in some cases. The exchange rate at the time of application determines the conversion into the local currency.

How to Get USA Dependent Visa (in a Short Time)?- Kansas

Processing Time for German Dependent Visa

You can expect to receive your German Dependent Visa within 8 to 12 weeks, the standard processing time. Ensure all details in your application are clear to avoid delays due to queries.

If you're employed as a high-ranking professional or a research scientist in Germany, your dependent partner can also apply for a Residence Card. While German language proficiency is not mandatory for dependents, learning German is recommended. This is for effective communication and integration.

Related FAQs

How to apply for a Residence Permit for a German Family Reunion Visa?

If your family members are from an EU member state, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, they don't need a residence permit. Otherwise, they'll require one for a family reunion in Germany.

For example, if your spouse needs a German spouse visa, it's valid for 3 months. Once in Germany, your spouse must get a residence permit within 3 months. Apply for the German family reunion residence permit 6 weeks before the visa expires.

The processing time for the residence permit is usually 4-6 weeks. The fee is approximately 100 Euros (INR 9,077). The required documents are similar to those for the visa application:

  1. Completed application form from the Foreigners' Authority website.
  2. Valid passport with sufficient validity and empty pages.
  3. Current biometric photo.
  4. Valid entry visa if applicable.
  5. Marriage certificate.
  6. Language certificate, like a German A1 certificate if required.
  7. Certificate of registration at your German address.
  8. Proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract.
  9. German health insurance proof.
  10. Evidence of financial resources.

Note: Additional documents may be requested.

Remember to certify and translate documents as needed by the local Foreigners' Authority. Always verify the procedure and requirements with the responsible office.

How Can Kansas Help?

At Kansas Overseas Careers, we pride ourselves on being a trusted visa consultant in India. We boast a remarkable success rate and serve a vast clientele of over 20,000 customers. With over 3,000 active cases, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your visa and immigration needs.

Our Offerings Include:

  1. Visit Visa: Whether you're travelling for leisure or business, we assist in obtaining visit visas to destinations worldwide.
  2. Study Visa: We help aspiring students secure study visas to prestigious universities globally. We ensure a smooth transition to their academic pursuits.
  3. Work Visa: Our services extend to facilitating work visas. It enables individuals to pursue career opportunities and settle in prominent cities worldwide.
  4. Immigration: We offer comprehensive visa and immigration services. We guide clients through the intricate process of relocating to their desired destinations.
  5. Permanent Residence: Aspiring permanent residents receive dedicated assistance. It is to navigate the complexities of obtaining residency status, along with exclusive benefits.

In addition to our core services, we offer a range of Customized Support Options:

  1. Profile Marketing: We assist in creating compelling portfolios for job portals. It enhances visibility and employability.
  2. Test Preparations: Clients benefit from free online training for language proficiency tests such as IELTS and French.
  3. Resume Writing: Our expert team crafts tailored resumes. They align with immigration and employer requirements, optimizing success rates.
  4. Documents & Review: We ensure error-free documentation, verification, and submission. Along with comprehensive post-landing support.
  5. Visa Filing: We meticulously prepare and file visa applications. We ensure compliance with immigration authorities.
  6. Interview Training: Clients receive expert guidance to excel in both job and visa interviews. It boosts confidence and performance.
  7. Dedicated Case Officer: Each client is assigned a dedicated case officer who provides personalized assistance throughout the visa process. We provide the flexibility to change officers if necessary.
  8. Post Landing Services: We offer support services to ease the transition. It includes assistance with accommodation and settling into the new environment.

Other FAQs

Whenever you need to talk, we're open.

We provide on demand additional services.