Familiennachzug — Bringing Your Family to Germany

Status: March 2026. All information without guarantee.

What is Familiennachzug?

Familiennachzug (§§ 27–36a AufenthG) means that your family members (spouse, children) can move to Germany from abroad if you live here.

Requirements

You (in Germany) need:

• A valid residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, Blaue Karte EU, Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• Sufficient living space (approx. 12 m² per person aged 6+, 10 m² per child under 6)
• Secured livelihood (income sufficient for the whole family, no benefits)
• Health insurance for the family members joining you

Your spouse needs:

• A1 German language certificate (Goethe-Institut, telc or ÖSD)
• Exceptions: EU citizens, Familiennachzug for Blaue Karte holders, recognized refugees (within 3 months), nationals of certain countries (USA, Canada, Japan, etc.)

Children:

• Under 18 years — no language proof required
• Over 16 years: C1 German language skills or positive integration prognosis

Procedure

1. Apply for visa (abroad)

Your family member applies for a Familiennachzug visa at the German embassy/consulate in their home country:
- Duration: 2–6 months (sometimes longer)
- Book an appointment early!

2. Entry to Germany

After visa issuance: enter Germany and register at the Bürgeramt.

3. Apply for residence permit

Within the visa validity period, apply for the residence title at the Ausländerbehörde.

Costs

• Visa: approx. €75 (adults), reduced for children
• Aufenthaltserlaubnis: approx. €100
• A1 exam: approx. €120–150 + course fees

Special rules

• Recognized refugees: Simplified Familiennachzug within 3 months of recognition (no income proof, no housing requirement, no A1)
• Subsidiary protection: Since 2018 quota of 1,000 visas/month (humanitarian grounds)
• EU citizens: No visa required — family members can enter directly and apply for residence card

Tips

• Start A1 course early — waiting times at Goethe-Institut can be long
• Submit complete documents — incomplete applications delay everything
• With refugee status: Strictly observe the 3-month deadline for simplified Familiennachzug!
• Advice: AWO, Caritas, Diakonie offer free counseling on Familiennachzug