Other family members of German citizens and foreign nationals living in Germany may be granted a residence permit on family grounds in cases of particular hardship. This allows them to move to Germany and entitles them to take up gainful employment.

Other family members are defined as relatives who are not

• children,
• spouses, or
• registered partners or life partners.

• You comply with passport and visa requirements.
• Your livelihood is secure without having to rely on public funds.
• There are no grounds for your expulsion.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• In the case of joining a German citizen, the following additional requirement applies: The person you are joining has German citizenship and is usually resident in Germany.
• If you are joining non-German citizens, the following additional requirements apply: Your family member already living in Germany has a
  • permanent residence permit,
  • permanent residence permit-EC or
  • residence permit and
  • sufficient living space available.
• There is a case of particular hardship, e.g. because the family members living here are dependent on your assistance due to their need for care.

In addition, you must meet further requirements. Please inquire directly with the responsible authority.

Foreign nationals living in a family relationship with German citizens usually receive a permanent residence permit after three years.

Foreign minors who

• have grown up in Germany or
• entered the country as part of the family reunification program for children

can also obtain a settlement permit under simplified conditions.

The reunification of family members of EU/EEA nationals is governed by the Freedom of Movement Act/EU. This means that

• Family members of EU/EEA nationals who are themselves EU or EEA nationals can enter the country freely and take up employment.
• Family members of EU/EEA nationals who are not themselves nationals of an EU or EEA country also have the right to enter and reside in Germany.

Since September 1, 2011, you will receive your residence permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. For more information, see Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) .

Processing may take several weeks.

• Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure means of subsistence
• Proof that there are no grounds for expulsion against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• When joining German citizens, additionally: Proof of German citizenship and habitual residence in Germany of the person you are joining
• When joining non-German citizens, additionally:
  • Proof of the residence permit of your family member already living in Germany
  • Proof of sufficient living space
• Proof that there is a case of particular hardship

Note: Depending on which additional requirements you must meet, the competent authority may request additional documents.

• Valid for up to one year: 100 euros 
• Validity period over one year: €110
• Extension up to three months: €65
• Extension for more than three months: €80

Note: You can only be exempted from the fees in exceptional cases.