👨‍👩‍👧 Family Reunification Journey

Bring your family to Germany — visa, permit, schools, Kindergeld.

9 steps Official sources linked Last updated: June 2026
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Your roadmap

Follow these steps in order. Each step links to the relevant guide or official authority. Timelines are approximate.

Step-by-step roadmap

1
Check eligibility
Sponsor must have valid residence permit, sufficient income, and adequate housing.
→ Before applying
2
Gather sponsor documents
Income proof, housing contract, current residence permit, health insurance.
→ 2 months before
3
Spouse/family applies for visa
At German embassy in home country. Required: marriage certificate, sponsor docs, language certificate (A1 German for spouses).
→ 4–8 weeks
4
Family arrives in Germany
Book housing that meets space requirements (typically 12m² per person).
Day 1
5
Register family (Anmeldung)
All family members must register at Bürgeramt.
→ Week 1
6
Apply for family reunion permit
At Ausländerbehörde. Familienzusammenführung (§30 AufenthG).
→ Month 1
7
Children enrol in school
Contact local Schulamt. Willkommensklasse available for non-German speakers.
→ Week 2–4
8
Apply for Kindergeld
Child benefit: €250/month per child. Apply at Familienkasse.
→ Month 1
9
Integration course
900-hour language + orientation course. Mandatory for many visa holders.
→ Month 1–3