As the spouse or partner of a German citizen, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification if you wish to live together in Germany.

The residence permit is issued for a fixed term of at least one year and entitles you to engage in gainful employment.

• You are a national of a country outside the EU or the EEA.
• You are the spouse or civil partner of a German national.
• You and your spouse or civil partner are at least 18 years old.
• Your German spouse or civil partner has their habitual residence in Germany (that is, their center of life is in Germany and not merely temporary).
• Your marriage or civil partnership with the German national was validly entered into and is still in effect.

Please note : The validity of the marriage depends on the form prescribed at the place of marriage and the marriage requirements in effect there. The marriage no longer exists if it has been dissolved by divorce, annulled, or declared invalid by a final and binding decision of a competent authority.

• You live with your spouse or civil partner in a family-like living arrangement (for example, in a shared residence). If you do not live together in a shared residence, a family-like living arrangement may be presumed if you maintain regular contact with one another that goes beyond mere visits.
• You are able to communicate in German at least at a basic level (Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). An exception may be made if German language courses are not offered in your country of origin, are too expensive, or you are unable to attend them for other reasons.

Please note : Under certain circumstances, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit. 

• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

Your presence does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment—originals if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the appropriate office. The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

• In cases of family reunification with German citizens, the requirement to demonstrate the ability to support oneself is generally waived.
• A residence permit will not be granted if the marriage or civil partnership was forced or entered into solely for the purpose of family reunification in Germany.
• If polygamy is permitted in the country of origin, only the spouse or civil partner from the first marriage is eligible for family reunification.
• The proceedings at the Foreigners’ Registration Office are generally conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Foreigners’ Registration Office should be accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the application can be processed without significant delays.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information can slow down the process and be detrimental to those involved. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not supplemented or corrected in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or deportation from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• File an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office within one month of its notification
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is not granted

Application deadline: 6 to 8 weeks

You should apply for an extension no later than eight weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Note (for more information on the deadline):

The residence permit is a temporary residence permit and is issued for at least one year. An extension must be applied for at the Foreigners’ Registration Office well in advance of the permit’s expiration date.

About six to eight weeks

For more information on processing times:

Processing times may vary depending on the workload of the Foreigners’ Registration Office.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• A recognized and valid form of identification (such as a passport or passport substitute)
• A recent biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of marriage or civil partnership (e.g., marriage certificate)
• Proof of German language proficiency at least at the A1 level (e.g., language certificate, German school, vocational training, or university transcripts, proof of successful completion of an integration course)

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional documents.

Issuance of a Residence Permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee waiver may be granted.

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as an electronic form of identification.

The timing and method of fee collection and payment vary depending on the agency.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be granted (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply to Turkish nationals.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes