The requirements for a residence permit are
- You fulfil the passport and visa requirements.
For the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you have a replacement identity document.
- Your means of subsistence are secured without you drawing on public funds.
Your livelihood is deemed to be secure if you
- Income in the amount of the basic social assistance rate plus
- Costs for accommodation and heating and
- any health insurance contributions.
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- Your stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- if you are joining a German national: The person you are joining has German citizenship and usually resides in Germany.
- in the case of reunification with non-Germans additionally: Your family member already living in Germany has a German residence permit
- Settlement permit
- Permit for permanent residence in the European Union
- EU Blue Card
- Residence permit
- ICT card or
- Mobile ICT card and
- sufficient living space.
- Family reunification is necessary to avoid exceptional hardship.
The political or economic circumstances in your home country do not constitute exceptional hardship.
You must also fulfil other requirements. These depend in part on the status of the family member already living in Germany. Please enquire directly at the foreigners authority or the relevant German diplomatic mission abroad.
Note: Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America can enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit.
Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino can also enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit for family reasons.
Please note: You will not receive a residence permit for family reasons if you have forced the family relationship
- have forced the relationship or
- have only come to Germany to join your family.