Family Reunification in Germany
Would you like to live in Germany with your spouse or children? Find out more about the requirements, the application process, and the next steps for your family.
What you need to know
Different rules apply to family reunification. The key factor is whether your spouse comes from the EU or from a non-EU country, or whether your child is to join you in Germany. The documents and steps required depend on your personal situation. The responsible German mission abroad or the responsible foreigners authority will provide information on the specific application procedure.
Spousal reunification with EU citizens
Is your spouse an EU citizen and already living in Germany? If so, simplified rules usually apply to family reunification. Find out what requirements you need to meet and how the application process works.
Spousal reunification with non-EU citizens
Is your spouse from a third country and already living in Germany with a residence title? Find out what requirements apply regarding health insurance, financial resources, and legal age for your reunification.
Children joining their parents in Germany
Is your child due to join you or another primary carer in Germany? The requirements for this vary depending on the child’s age and your family situation. Find out which documents and steps are required for your child to join you.
FAQs on family reunification
Can my family come to Germany with me?
In principle, yes. If you and your spouse or children are from the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, moving to Germany is very easy. No visa is required. If your spouse or children are from a third country, they will need a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. Under certain conditions, it may also be possible for your parents or parents-in-law to join you in Germany.
Further information can be found in the “Family reunification” section and at the competent German mission or the local foreigners authority.
How do I find advice centres in my home country?
You can find contact persons for immigration to Germany in your home country in the “Contacts worldwide” section. This database contains a list of institutions in each country that can provide you with local support.
Where do I find advice centres in Germany?
You can find advice centres for skilled workers and their families, listed by federal state, in the “Contacts in Germany” section.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
The cost of living depends heavily on where you live in Germany. The following guide figures per month and per person are intended to provide an initial guide – they can vary, in some cases considerably, depending on the region, type of accommodation, and personal lifestyle:
- Rent (basic rent, depending on location and size of flat): approx. 350–1,000 euros
Note: Those living in halls of residence (e.g. whilst undergoing vocational training or studying) often pay significantly less than in private accommodation. - Utility bills (heating, water, electricity): approx. 80–250 euros
- Food: approx. 200–350 euros
Note: Cooking for yourself and shopping at discount supermarkets is considerably cheaper than more upmarket shopping habits and eating out. - Transport, leisure, and communication: approx. 150–350 euros
Note: Expenditure varies greatly depending on whether you use a public transport pass or a car. There is also a wide range of costs for sports activities and other personal purchases. Please bear in mind that, particularly when you first arrive in Germany, you may need to make some initial purchases (furniture, etc.).
Important: These figures vary significantly depending on the region – in particular, rent in major cities is often 40 to 50 percent higher than in rural areas or smaller towns. Your individual lifestyle (e.g. type of accommodation, shopping habits) also plays a major role. You should therefore find out specifically about the costs at your particular destination before moving, for example, by consulting regional rent indices.
Further information can be found in the sections “Housing and mobility” and “Settling” in Germany.
Advice and support
Do you have any questions about visas, jobs or life in Germany? Here you will find the right advice and support services: a hotline, a live chat, an email contact form, webinars and events, as well as in-person advice centres in Germany and abroad.
