Rechtsanwältin
Family Reunification in Germany: Bringing Your Spouse & Children as a Non-German
Family reunification is one of the foundational rights in German immigration law. If you have been granted an employment-based residence permit in Germany, your spouse and minor children are entitled to join you under specific conditions.
Legal Framework
Family reunification in Germany is governed primarily by §§ 28–36 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG). Eligible permit categories include EU Blue Card holders, skilled workers, self-employed and freelancers, researchers and permanent residence holders.
Core Requirements
- Valid residence permit
- Adequate accommodation: Sufficient living space for the applicant and the family members to be reunited.
- Secured livelihood: Sufficient income to support the family members without recourse to public welfare.
- Health insurance: All family members must be covered.
Language and Integration Requirements for Spouses
Spouses applying for family reunification must generally demonstrate A1 level German language skills before entry to Germany. EU Blue Card holders' spouses are exempt from this requirement, as are citizens of certain countries.
Children and Minors
Children of residence permit holders have the right to join their parent in Germany. Unlike spouses, children under 16 do not need to demonstrate German language proficiency as long as they move to Germany at the same time as the parent. Children older than 16 may need to show language proficiency.
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Last reviewed: August 2026 — RAin Fiona Macdonald