As a legal representative, you can apply for a residence permit for a foreign minor unmarried child if you have your habitual residence in Germany and want the child to be able to live with you in Germany.

Please note that the child must not be married, divorced, or widowed. Minor means that the child must not have reached the age of 18.

The establishment of a family life between you and the child is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. This must be intended and actually possible. If you, as a parent, have custody of the child, the intention and possibility of establishing a family life can generally be assumed. However, it is not necessarily required that you are entitled to exercise custody. However, paternity or maternity of the minor child must be proven.

If only the father is German, there must be a valid acknowledgment of paternity.

The residence permit is issued for at least one year. It is extended as long as the family community continues to exist.

After holding the residence permit for three years, it is possible to obtain a settlement permit.

Stepchildren and foster children are not entitled to family reunification. However, it is possible to grant a residence permit on the basis of Section 32 of the Residence Act (family reunification for children) or Section 36 (2) of the Residence Act (family reunification as other family members).

• One parent with custody holds German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identification document.
• The child has the required visa, if one was required for entry.
• At the time of application, the child is a minor and is neither married, divorced, nor widowed.
• The German parent has his or her habitual residence in Germany.
• Paternity or maternity has been established.
• The German parent is actually and legally willing and able to establish a family life with the child who is moving to Germany. This is presumed if the parent has custody of the child. However, custody is not a prerequisite for the issuance of a residence permit.
• There are no grounds for the child’s deportation.

• If required for entry into Germany, a national visa for the child must be applied for at a German diplomatic or consular mission abroad prior to entry.
• After entry, you must apply for a residence permit for the child at the Foreigners’ Registration Office before the period of visa-free stay or the validity of the visa expires.
• Check whether the relevant Foreigners’ Registration Office allows you to submit the application online or provides a special application form.
• If applications can only be submitted in person, you must schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office. If you apply online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the child’s identity, as well as the documents you have provided, will be verified (please bring all documents to the appointment, preferably the originals).
• If your application is approved, the child’s fingerprints will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Fingerprints are not taken from children under the age of six.
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the appropriate office. The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

• The residence permit is issued for a limited period, which means that once it expires, you must apply for an extension of your child’s residence permit on your own.
• Please make sure to provide accurate and complete information to the best of your knowledge and belief. This is the only way the Immigration Office can process your application without significant delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the process and be to your disadvantage. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not supplemented or corrected in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or deportation from German territory.

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is denied

Duration: 6 to 8

Note (for more information on the deadline):

The application must be received by the Foreigners’ Registration Office no later than six to eight before the visa-free stay period or the visa expires.

Duration: at least 1

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is valid for a limited period. An application for renewal must be submitted to the Foreigners’ Registration Office well in advance of the permit’s expiration date.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8

Note regarding further information on processing time:

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• A recognized and valid identity document (such as a passport or passport substitute) for the child and the German parent
• The child’s visa, if one was required for entry
• A recent biometric passport-sized photo of the child (45 x 35 mm)
• The child’s birth certificate
• Proof of acknowledgment of paternity, if the parents are not married and the child is to join the German father.
• If a parent with custody remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody
  • Declaration of consent from the parent living abroad.

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional documents.

Cost: 50 euros

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic form of identification.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes