The family reunion visa may offer you the opportunity to reunite with family members if you are thinking about visiting them in Germany. Getting the eligibility requirements, though, can be challenging.
Let’s explore the conditions to get a family reunion visa in Germany.
Who is eligible for family reunion visa in Germany?
1. Relationship Eligibility
You need a close family relationship with a German citizen to apply for a family reunion visa.
Parents, children, spouses, and, in certain situations, dependent relatives are considered eligible relationships.
2. Sponsor’s Status
The person living in Germany, also known as the sponsor, needs to be a German citizen or possess a valid residency permit.
The process of applying for a visa is heavily influenced by their status and capacity to support you while you are there.
3. Financial Stability
It is necessary to show financial stability. The applicant and the sponsor have to show that they are self-sufficient and do not depend on government assistance to maintain themselves and any dependents. Bank statements, job contracts, or evidence of the sponsor’s financial support can all be used to support this.
4. Accommodation
Requirements for the family reunion visa include having a suitable place to stay in Germany.
To guarantee that there is enough room for the applicant and any accompanying family members, the sponsor must show proof of suitable housing.
5. Language Proficiency
Since it is not always required, knowing the basics of German can help your visa application.
It makes communication easier while you are visiting and shows your commitment to blending into German society.
Read: Is Switzerland Visa Easy to Get?
6. Health Insurance
One of the non-negotiable requirements of the visa application is health insurance coverage.
Throughout your time in Germany, you and your family members must have current health insurance.
7. Application Process
Depending on your country of origin and your relationship with the sponsor, there are differences in the application process for a family reunion visa.
Usually, it consists of filling out the relevant application forms, collecting the needed paperwork, going to an interview at the German consulate or embassy, and making the required payments.
8. Additional Requirements
Additional requirements might apply based on your unique situation. Sometimes, you might be required to present a marriage license if you are going to Germany with your spouse.
How long does it take to process family reunification?
A family reunification visa’s processing time in Germany can vary greatly based on some factors.
- Your situation
Applying with your highly skilled German spouse can speed up the process to only a few working days. For the most part, the processing time will take at least 3 months.
- Completeness of application
Processing can be greatly accelerated with a well-prepared application and all required documentation.
A period of 2 to 3 months may be added for missing documents or those that need verification from overseas.
- Current workload
Applications are processed by German embassies overseas. Your scheduled application submission appointment may be postponed if they are overworked.
Here is a general range for processing times,
Fast track: a few working days (for a highly skilled spouse).
Standard cases: Three months at least, possibly longer if there are incomplete applications or verification requirements.
Government estimate: According to German officials, it may take up to 12 weeks after the submission of a completed application.
Bottom Line
It can be difficult to figure out the eligibility requirements for a family reunion visa in Germany, but it is necessary to know what the requirements are.
Keep in mind that every situation is different, so you might want to get customized guidance from immigration officials or legal professionals to handle any particular worries you may have.
Read: What is the Cheapest and Safest Country to Live in Europe?
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