Residence Permit for Family Reunification

Germany•Europe

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Residence Permit for Family Reunification

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–6 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €138–€175

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Matches sponsor

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€36,000

Quality of Life

195/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For spouses, minor children, and parents to join legal residents or German citizens.

The German Residence Permit for Family Reunification (§§ 27-36 AufenthG) allows spouses, minor children, and parents to join a legal resident or German citizen. Sponsors must show sufficient income, adequate housing, and — for spouses — at least A1 German.

Stay matches the sponsor's permit and is renewable, with a path to permanent settlement after 5 years. Work is immediately permitted with no restrictions. Visa costs EUR 75 (adults) or EUR 37.50 (minors); residence permit costs EUR 100. Processing takes 3–6 months.

This visa is ideal for non-EU spouses, children, and parents who want to live permanently in Germany with a family member holding a valid residence permit or citizenship.

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Cost Breakdown

Visa fee (adult)EUR €75

Visa fee (minor)EUR €38

Residence permitEUR €100

TotalEUR €138–€175

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor has valid residence permit

Proof of sufficient living space

Proof of financial means

A1 German for spouses

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Marriage/Birth certificates

Proof of sponsor's income

Proof of housing

Language certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Right to live with family
Work authorization included

Worth Knowing

Strict financial and housing proof
Language requirements for spouses
Insufficient income
Lack of housing
Missing language requirements

Application Process

Visa application at embassy

Entry to Germany

Registration and residence permit application

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Visa application at embassy; Entry to Germany; Registration and residence permit application

make-it-in-germany.com

Dependent Visa

N/A

make-it-in-germany.com

Fee Breakdown

Visa fee (adult): 75 EUR; Visa fee (minor): 37.5 EUR; Residence permit: 100 EUR

make-it-in-germany.com

Fees

EUR 75 (visa adult), EUR 37.50 (visa minor), EUR 100 (residence permit)

make-it-in-germany.com

Forms

—

make-it-in-germany.com

Included Nationalities

—

make-it-in-germany.com

Job Offer Required

false

make-it-in-germany.com

Legal Reference

§§ 27–36 AufenthG (Aufenthaltsgesetz)

bamf.de

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€36,000

Quality of Life

195/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

For spouses, minor children, and parents to join legal residents or German citizens.

This visa is ideal for non-EU spouses, children, and parents who want to live permanently in Germany with a family member holding a valid residence permit or citizenship.