Familiennachzug — Visa, Language Proof and Income Requirements

What is Familiennachzug?

Familiennachzug (family reunification) means that family members from abroad may come to Germany to live with a family member already living there. This is regulated in the Residence Act (AufenthG), §§ 27–36.

Who can join?

Spouses

• The spouse of a person with a residence permit or settlement permit can join.
• For spouses of Blue Card holders: relaxed conditions.

Minor children

• Children under 18 years old can join their parents.
• For children over 16: proof of C1 German language skills or positive integration forecast.

Parents of unaccompanied minor refugees

• Parents of an unaccompanied minor refugee with asylum status can join.

A1-Sprachnachweis — Required for spouses

The joining spouse must demonstrate before entry basic German language skills:

• Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Accepted certificates: Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD.
• Cost: approx. 80–150 € for the exam.
• The test must be taken in the country of origin.

Exceptions from language proof

• Spouses of Blue Card holders — A1 not required.
• Spouses of recognized refugees — A1 not required within the first 3 months after recognition.
• Documented illness or disability preventing learning.
• Nationals of certain countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.).

Income proof

The family member living in Germany must demonstrate that living expenses are covered:

• Income must be able to support the family without social benefits (no Bürgergeld, no Wohngeld).
• Benchmark: at least as much as the Bürgergeld rates for all family members + warm rent.
• Example: married couple + 1 child ≈ approx. 1,800–2,200 € net (depending on rent).

Housing proof

The apartment must be sufficiently large:

• Benchmark: approx. 12 m² per person (varies by state).
• Proof: rental agreement and possibly floor plan.
• The apartment must already be rented at the time of application.

Application — Step by step

1. Submit visa application at the German embassy in the country of origin.
2. Submit documents: passport, A1 certificate, marriage certificate (certified + translated), income and housing proof.
3. The embassy forwards the application to the immigration office in Germany.
4. Processing time: 2–6 months (for refugees sometimes longer).
5. After approval: enter with the Familiennachzug visa, then apply for residence permit at the immigration office.

Costs

• Visa fee: 75 € per person (children under 6: free).
• Residence permit in Germany: 100 €.
• Translations and certifications: 50–200 € depending on number of documents.

Common reasons for rejection

• A1 proof missing or invalid.
• Income insufficient.
• Apartment too small.
• Doubts about the authenticity of the marriage (so-called sham marriage check).
• Incomplete documents — all documents must be translated and certified.

Status: March 2026. All information without guarantee.