-min.png)
Germany Family Reunification Visa vs Dependent Visa
Germany's welcoming stance on family unity makes it an attractive destination for professionals and their loved ones. The German Family Reunification Visa and Dependent Visa are key instruments for non-EU family members to join sponsors in the country.
While often used interchangeably, the Family Reunification Visa encompasses a broader spectrum, including the reunification of German citizens and refugees from abroad. In contrast, the Dependent Visa typically refers to visas for spouses, children, or other dependents of non-EU nationals holding work or study visas.
Under the 2024 Skilled Immigration Act amendments, effective in 2025, processes have been streamlined, with relaxations like waived housing space proofs for skilled workers' families.
This article explores both in detail, highlighting the types, subtypes, eligibility criteria, and differences to aid your planning. MyGermanTrainer.com, a premier resource for expats, offers specialized courses on visa applications and integration.
As of September 2025, these visas fall under the Residence Act (AufenthG), promoting family cohesion while addressing labour needs. The Family Reunification Visa allows entry for up to 12 months, which can be converted into a residence permit.
Dependent Visas, on the other hand, align with the sponsor's work permit duration. MyGermanTrainer's online tools can help simulate applications, ensuring compliance with evolving rules.
Understanding the German Family Reunification Visa
The German Family Reunification Visa (Familienzusammenführung) enables close relatives of German citizens, EU nationals, or long-term residents of the European Union. To join them. It's a national D-visa, applied for abroad, and emphasizes proof of relationship and integration.
Eligibility requires the sponsor to have a stable residence title, sufficient income, and adequate housing. Spouses often require A1 German proficiency, certified by institutions such as the Goethe-Institut, although exemptions apply in some instances. Processing: 3-6 months; fee: €75 for adults.
This visa supports Germany's demographic goals, with updates in 2025 easing requirements for families of researchers and entrepreneurs.
Types and Subtypes of Family Reunification Visas
Types are categorized by sponsor status, with subtypes for family members.
|
Type/Subtype |
Description |
Eligibility |
Requirements |
Duration |
Key Notes |
|
Reunification with German Citizens (Section 28 AufenthG) |
For joining nationals. Subtypes: Spouse/partner; Minor children; Adult children (exceptional); Parents (hardship cases). |
Sponsor: German passport holder; Applicant: Proven relationship, no public fund reliance. |
Passport; Biometric photos; Marriage/birth cert (legalized); Sponsor's ID; Health insurance; A1 German for spouses (waivable if sponsor naturalized recently). No income proof needed. |
3-12 months (D-visa); Convertible to an indefinite permit. |
Easiest path; No housing space check; Adult children if disabled/dependent. |
|
Reunification with EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen (FreizügG/EU) |
For EU freedom of movement. Subtypes: Spouse; Children under 21; Dependent parents. |
Sponsor: Exercising EU rights (working/studying); Applicant: Family link. |
Passport; Proof of EU sponsor's status; Relationship docs; Health insurance. No language requirement. |
Aligns with the sponsor's stay; often, no visa is needed for EU families. |
Simplified: EU families join freely without a permit. |
|
Reunification with Non-EU Resident (Section 29-32 AufenthG) |
For long-term residents (e.g., settlement permit holders). Subtypes: Spouse; Minor children; Other relatives (e.g., siblings in extremes). |
Sponsor: Valid residence >1 year; Applicant: Relationship proof. |
All of the above, plus the sponsor's income (€1,500+/month net), housing (12 m?2; per person), and A1 German for spouses. |
Matches sponsor's permit; Renewable. |
Stricter, 2025: No space proof for skilled sponsors. |
|
Reunification with Refugees/Asylum Seekers (Section 36 AufenthG) |
For protected persons. Subtypes: Nuclear family (spouse/children); Extended family (parents, if the minor is sponsored). |
Sponsor: Recognized refugee; Applicant: Pre-existing family tie. |
Passport; Relationship proof; No language if sponsor <3> |
3 years initial; Extendable. |
Suspended for subsidiary protection until 2025 lifts; Priority processing. |
Applications are submitted at German embassies, with online portals available for some. After arrival, convert to a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde. MyGermanTrainer.com offers A1 German preparation courses, essential for spouses.
Navigating the Dependent Visa in Germany
The Dependent Visa, often a subset of family reunification, targets explicitly family members of non-EU work or study visa holders, such as those holding an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit.
It is indirectly employer-linked via the sponsor and focuses on economic contributions. Under the 2025 rules, dependents gain work rights immediately upon approval.
Eligibility: Sponsor must prove self-sufficiency without welfare.
Fee: €75; Processing: 1-3 months if bundled with the sponsor's application.
This visa aligns with Germany's talent attraction strategy, with exemptions for language requirements in high-skill cases.
Types and Subtypes of Dependent Visas
Tailored to the sponsor's visa type, with family-focused subtypes.
|
Type/Subtype |
Description |
Eligibility |
Requirements |
Duration |
Key Notes |
|
Dependent on Skilled Worker Permit (Section 18a/b AufenthG) |
For families of vocationally trained workers. Subtypes: Spouse; Minor children; Dependent adults (e.g., disabled). |
Sponsor: Valid work permit; Applicant: Family tie. |
Passport; Photos; Relationship cert; Sponsor's contract/payslips; Insurance; A1 German for spouses (exempt if sponsor in shortage occupation). |
Matches sponsor's (up to 4 years). |
2025: Faster if simultaneous application; Work allowed for spouses. |
|
Dependent on EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG) |
For highly qualified families. Subtypes: Spouse/partner; Children under 18. |
Sponsor: Blue Card holder; Applicant: Relationship. |
All basic docs; No A1 German needed; Sponsor's salary proof (€48,300+). |
Up to 4 years; Renewable. |
Premium perks: Immediate work for spouses; No housing space check post-2024. |
|
Dependent on Student/Researcher Visa (Sections 16/18d) |
For academic sponsors. Subtypes: Spouse; Children. |
Sponsor: Enrolled/employed in research; Applicant: Dependent. |
Docs as above; Sponsor's enrollment/hosting agreement; Funds proof (€992/month/person). |
Aligns with the sponsor's study/research term. |
Limited work (20 hours/week for spouses); No language for short stays. |
|
Dependent on Self-Employed/Entrepreneur Visa (Section 21) |
For business owners' families. Subtypes: Nuclear family only. |
Sponsor: Viable business; Applicant: Tie. |
Business plan, income proof, and standard family documents. |
3 years initial. |
Rare; Must show economic benefit to Germany. |
Apply through the embassy with the sponsor's documents. MyGermanTrainer excels in document checklists for these subtypes.
Key Differences: Family Reunification Visa vs Dependent Visa
While overlapping, distinctions lie in scope and ties.
|
Aspect |
Family Reunification Visa |
Dependent Visa |
|
Scope |
Broader: Includes citizens and refugees. |
Narrower: Tied to work/study sponsors. |
|
Sponsor Tie |
Varied (citizen/resident). |
Employment/academic-based. |
|
Language Req |
A1 German common. |
Often exempted for skilled. |
|
Work Rights |
Spouses: After permit. |
Immediate for many. |
|
Duration |
3-12 months initial. |
Matches sponsor's. |
|
Eligibility |
Relationship focus. |
Economic self-sufficiency. |
|
2025 Updates |
Lifted suspensions for refugees. |
No space proof; Faster bundling. |
These highlight FR as inclusive, DV as professional-oriented.
Application Processes and Practical Tips
For both: Gather legalized documents (if necessary, an apostille is required), and book an embassy appointment via the VIDEX portal. The interview verifies ties.
Post-arrival: Register your residence and apply for a permit (€100 fee).
Tips: Use sworn translators; Budget €500+ for extras. For 2025, bundle with a sponsor for speed. MyGermanTrainer.com's webinars cover common pitfalls, such as language certifications.
Unite Your Family in Germany Seamlessly
Whether pursuing the versatile Germany Family Reunification Visa or the targeted Dependent Visa, align with your sponsor's status for success. With 2025 enhancements favouring skilled families, opportunities are ripe.
MyGermanTrainer.com, relied on by expats worldwide, delivers tailored visa coaching and German lessons. Explore MyGermanTrainer's free resources or premium packages for step-by-step guidance and support. MyGermanTrainer isn't just a site, it's your ally in building a life in Germany. Visit MyGermanTrainer.com today.