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.
- Your family member who is already living in Germany has a
- Settlement permit
- EU permanent residence permit
- Residence permit
- EU Blue Card
- ICT card
- Mobile ICT card or
- is authorised to stay in Germany as a mobile researcher.
- Sufficient living space is available.
- additionally in the case of spouse reunification:
- Minimum age of both spouses: 18 years
- basic knowledge of German on the part of the spouse
- if children between the ages of 16 and 18 are joining the family, additionally:
- Entry as part of a family with the parents or
- Proficiency in the German language or a positive integration prognosis (e.g. due to coming from a German-speaking family or attending a German-speaking school) or
- the family member living in Germany or their spouse living in a family partnership has a specific residence permit (e.g. EU Blue Card) or
- There is a particular case of hardship
You may also have to fulfil other requirements. These depend in part on the status of the family member already living in Germany. Please enquire directly with the relevant authority.
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: A residence permit for family reasons is excluded if you have forced the family relationship
- have forced the relationship or
- have only come to Germany to join your family.