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 legal custody has German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identity document.
• The child has the necessary visa, if this was required for entry.
• The child is a minor at the time of application and is neither married nor divorced nor widowed.
• The German parent has their habitual residence in Germany.
• The fatherhood or motherhood of the child has been proven.
• The German parent is actually and legally willing and able to establish a family life with the child moving to Germany. This is assumed if the parent has custody of the child. However, custody is not a prerequisite for the granting of a residence permit.
• There are no grounds for expulsion of the child.

• If required for entry into Germany, a national visa for the child must be applied for at a German diplomatic mission abroad before entry.
• After entry, a residence permit must be applied for at the immigration office before the visa-free period or the validity of the visa expires.
• Find out whether the relevant immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be made in person, you must make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving the application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child will be checked, and the documents you have provided will be reviewed (please bring all documents, if possible the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, the child's fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Fingerprints are not taken from children under the age of six.
• The immigration office will order the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• The residence permit is issued for a limited period, which means that you must apply for an extension of the residence permit for your child yourself once it has expired.
• Please ensure that the information you provide is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge. This is the only way to ensure that the immigration authorities 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 completed or corrected in time to the immigration authorities can result in the revocation of already granted residence rights, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Duration: 6 to 8

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the immigration office no later than six to eight days before the expiry of the visa-free period or visa.

Duration: at least 1

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is temporary. An extension must be applied for at the Foreigners' Registration Office in good time before the expiry date.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8

Note for further information on processing time:

It takes approximately 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.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute) of the child and the German parent
• The child's visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric photo of the child in passport format (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 their 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 always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

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 electronic proof of identity.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes