As the spouse or partner of a German citizen, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification if you wish to live together in Germany.

The residence permit is issued for a limited period of at least one year and entitles you to take up gainful employment.

• You are a citizen of a country outside the EU or the EEA.
• You are the spouse or partner of a German citizen.
• You and your spouse or partner are over 18 years of age.
• Your German spouse or civil partner has their habitual residence in Germany (i.e., their center of life is not only temporarily in Germany).
• Your marriage/civil partnership with the German citizen is valid and still exists.

Please note : The validity of the marriage depends on the form prescribed at the place of marriage and the local requirements for marriage. The marriage no longer exists if it has been divorced, annulled, or declared invalid by an unappealable decision of a competent authority.

• You live with your spouse/civil partner in a family-like relationship (e.g., you share a home). If you do not live together in a shared home, a family-like relationship may be assumed if you maintain regular contact with each other that goes beyond mere visits.
• You can communicate in German at least at a basic level (level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This requirement may be waived if German courses are not offered in your country of origin, are too expensive, or you are unable to attend them for other reasons.

Please note : under certain circumstances, the immigration office may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit. 

• There is no interest in expelling you.

Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The immigration office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the relevant office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• As a rule, proof of sufficient funds is not required for family reunification with German citizens.
• A residence permit is not granted if the marriage or civil partnership was forced or entered into solely for the purpose of joining the family in Germany.
• If polygamy is permitted in the country of origin, only the spouse or civil partner from the first marriage is eligible for family reunification.
• The procedure at the immigration office is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the immigration office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration office can result in the withdrawal of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Application deadline: 6 to 8 weeks

The extension should be applied for no later than eight weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is a temporary residence title and is issued for at least one year. An extension must be applied for in good time before the expiry date at the immigration office.

Approximately six to eight weeks

For further information on processing times:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

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)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of marriage or civil partnership (e.g., marriage certificate)
• Proof of knowledge of the German language at least at level A1 (e.g., language certificate, German school, training, or university certificates, proof of successful participation in an integration course)

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain circumstances, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes