Residence permit

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Family Reunification

To enable families to live together in Germany, family members can apply for a residence permit.

Table Of Contents

Who can apply for a residence permit as a family member?

  • Spouses (after reaching the age of 18)
  • their unmarried minor children
  • Registered same-sex life partners

Under certain circumstances, parents or parents-in-law of professionals who have received a residence permit for the first time from March 1, 2024 may also move to Germany. The authorities will decide whether other family members may come. This only happens if there are particularly difficult situations and it should be avoided that it becomes very tough for the family.

What needs to be considered when entering Germany if the family members come from third countries?

In many cases, a visa (family reunification) must be applied for before family members can enter Germany. The family members traveling to Germany apply for this at the German diplomatic mission in their home country.

Exceptions

  • Citizens of certain countries can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany. More on this in the article on visas.
  • Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement.


Family reunion with German citizens

Family members of Germans who come from a third country must apply for a residence permit for their stay in Germany. This permit entitles them to pursue gainful employment.

Prerequisites include the following:

  • The German citizen has his/her habitual residence in Germany.
  • Usually the immigrating spouse must have basic knowledge of German (A1).


Family reunion with EU/EEA citizens

Family members of EU and EEA citizens who come from a third country apply for a residence card. This residence card is proof that they have the right to stay and work here.

Prerequisites include the following:

  • The family member from the EU or EEA is registered in Germany and lives in Germany
  • and has the right to freedom of movement.


Family reunion with non-EU/EEA citizens (Third country nationals)

Family members of people from countries outside the EU or EEA, who also come from third countries themselves, must apply for a residence permit to stay in Germany. With this permit, they are allowed to work here.

Prerequisites include the following:

  • The person to whom the family members intend to join is registered in Germany and lives in Germany.
  • The family member has a valid residence permit.
  • There must be sufficient living space. An exception to this can be made if the family member is to join a skilled worker or a person who is self-employed, for example.
  • The livelihood must be secured. The livelihood of a person from abroad is secured if this person can cover their living expenses including adequate health insurance cover (without using public funds).
  • As a rule, the spouse joining the applicant must be able to proof basic German language skills (A1).


Submit application

Submit application

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Apply for a residence permit

Information and documents for applying for your residence permit in Hamburg can be found in the Forms and Checklists section.

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