How to Get a Family Reunification Visa for Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re living in Germany and want your family to join you, the family reunification visa, also popularly called the family reunion visa, makes this possible. 

Designed to reunite spouses, children, and in some cases parents with relatives already residing in Germany, this visa is a crucial pathway for many expats and migrants.

Bringing your loved ones to Germany through the family reunion visa process can feel overwhelming, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right preparation. Each step is essential, from meeting income and housing criteria to providing proper documents and securing health insurance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from eligibility and application to arriving in Germany and settling in. Whether you’re an international student, skilled worker, Blue Card holder, or refugee, this article will help you bring your loved ones closer.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Who qualifies for a family reunion visa (and who doesn’t)
• What documents and conditions are required from the sponsor
• Why health insurance is mandatory, and how you can meet requirements with expat health plans
• How to apply for the visa, including embassy appointments and interviews
• How long the process takes and what to expect
• What to do after your family arrives: Anmeldung and residence permit.

Let’s kick things off with…

Who qualifies for a family reunification visa in Germany?

The family reunion visa (Familiennachzug) allows non-EU citizens to join a family member who lives in Germany. That family member — known as the “sponsor” — must hold a valid residence permit, like the Blue Card, or be a German citizen.

Eligible applicants include:

• Spouses: You must be legally married or have a registered partnership.
• Children under 18: Typically, both parents must be in Germany or planning to reunite. In cases where a single parent has custody of the child, that parent can apply.
• Parents of minor children: In rare situations, such as unaccompanied refugee minors living in Germany, parents may be eligible to join.

Family reunion is not automatically granted. It depends on the sponsor’s residency status and whether key conditions are met.

Talking of which…

Family reunion visa sponsor requirements

The sponsor must meet several legal conditions to bring a family member to Germany. These are:

• Valid residence permit: The sponsor must be lawfully living in Germany and have a residence permit allowing family reunification. This includes Blue Card holders, skilled workers, students, and refugees.
• Adequate income: The sponsor must show they can financially support their family without relying on public benefits. This includes proof of salary, job contract, and possibly recent payslips or tax returns.
• Sufficient housing: The sponsor must provide proof of adequate living space. The general guideline is 12–15 square meters per person.
• Health insurance: Both the family member joining and the sponsor must be covered by recognised German health insurance from day one.

Why health insurance is essential for your visa

The German government requires all residents to have valid health insurance. 

To meet mandatory insurance requirements, the most straightforward option for many family reunion visa applicants is to be added to their sponsor’s public insurance plan, known as family co-insurance (Familienversicherung), if eligible. This should be organised ahead of the applicant family member entering Germany so that coverage begins from day one.

However, not everyone qualifies. In rare cases where co-insurance isn’t possible, Feather offers tailored expat health insurance that meets legal requirements and ensures approval for national visas and permits.

Learn more about health insurance in Germany.

How to apply for a family reunion visa for Germany

The application process begins in the applicant’s home country and is handled by the German embassy or consulate. Here’s how it works:

1. Book an embassy appointment early

Slots fill up quickly — especially in high-demand countries — so book your appointment as soon as possible through the official embassy website or VFS Global if applicable.

2. Gather the required documents

While exact requirements vary slightly by location and case, you will usually need:

• A valid passport
• Completed National family reunion visa application form
• Two biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• Marriage or birth certificates
• Proof of basic German skills for spouses in many cases
• Proof of the sponsor’s residence permit, income, and housing
• Confirmation of valid health insurance coverage
• Visa fee payment (usually around €75)
• Proof of accommodation showing the sponsor’s address (a rental agreement or invitation letter from the sponsor)
• Proof of accommodation suitability (accommodation must meet size and livability standards under German law: 12 square metres per adult, 6 square metres per child)

Always double-check the list with your local embassy, as additional documents may be required based on your situation.

3. Attend the visa interview

The applicant will be interviewed at the embassy appointment and must submit the documents mentioned above. Children may also need to be present, depending on age and family status, just be sure to ask your embassy. 

Visa processing times and what to expect

Family reunion visas can take 8-12 weeks to process, sometimes longer, depending on the embassy, the volume of applications, and the verification steps.

During this time, the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in the sponsor’s city in Germany may also be contacted to verify housing and income documents. Delays can occur if documents are missing, unclear, or require translation or legalisation.

Once approved, the applicant will receive a visa allowing entry into Germany. In most cases, it’s valid for 90 days, during which they must travel to and register within Germany to obtain their residence permit.

After arriving in Germany

Once your family member arrives, there are several key steps to complete:

1. Anmeldung (address registration)

They must register their address at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. This process requires a rental contract (which can be under the sponsor’s name) and a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation form from the landlord). The applicant’s name must be listed on the confirmation form for the registration to be accepted.

2. Apply for a residence permit

Your family member will need to convert the visa into a residence permit by booking an appointment with the local Ausländerbehörde. Bring the original visa, passport, confirmation of registration (Anmeldung), and proof of health insurance.

New beginnings start here

Navigating the family reunion visa process for Germany may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it becomes a manageable and very rewarding journey. 

By following each step in this guide, you can avoid unnecessary delays and make the experience much smoother for everyone involved. Planning ahead ensures that every family member is supported, informed and ready for the transition.

Health insurance is a critical part of this journey, and having the right coverage can make a big difference. 

Feather offers a seamless, digital solution with English-language support and visa-compliant plans tailored to you and your family’s needs. With careful preparation and the right support, the road to reuniting with your loved ones and starting your new life together in Germany can begin today.