As a family member of a German citizen, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification if your stay in Germany is necessary to avoid exceptional hardship.

The residence permit is a temporary residence title and is usually issued for at least one year. You can apply to have your residence permit extended.

• You are a citizen of a country outside the EU or the EEA.
• The person you are joining has German citizenship and usually resides in Germany.
• You belong to the group of other family members of a German citizen, i.e. you are neither their spouse nor an unmarried minor child. Other family members include, for example, adult unmarried children, siblings, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and foster children. Fathers of biological German children who are not married to the mother are also included in the group of eligible persons.
• A case of particular hardship exists, for example, if your German family member is dependent on your help due to illness, disability, or the need for care.

Please note : Unfavorable conditions in your home country do not constitute a case of hardship.

• Your subsequent immigration serves to establish a family life with the German citizen (e.g., shared apartment). In the case of a separation due to work or training, or a community of support or care due to accommodation in a nursing facility, a family life can also be affirmed if you maintain regular contact with the German citizen that goes beyond mere visits.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay without claiming public benefits.
• There is no interest in deporting 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 submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but will need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with parental custody).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you submit your application online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you attend the appointment in person. If your parents with parental custody are unable to attend in person, a written power of attorney must be provided for the application.
• 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 an electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it has been produced, you will be notified and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• You are not entitled to a residence permit. The immigration authorities have discretion (a margin of appreciation) as to whether to grant family reunification.
• The residence permit entitles you to take up gainful employment.
• 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 your application 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 revocation of already granted residence rights, 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 weeks to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The extension should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current residence permit expires.

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 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

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 family relationship
• Justification of exceptional hardship
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g., from own assets, deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application for their child together, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

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

Fee:

• 100.00 for adult applicants
• 50.00 for applicants who are minors

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