If you intend to be in Germany for a longer period, you may want to be accompanied by your spouse and children. For nationals of a member state of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) this will not cause any problem at all. In case accompanying family members and spouses are not citizens of one of the member states of the EU or the EEA themselves, an application for these family members is still mandatory for stays exceeding three months. However, these cases are treated rather straightforwardly by German authorities.
In general, according to the German Act on Foreign Nationals it has to be guaranteed that the family has sufficient financial means to support itself, that adequate accommodation is available (at least 13 square meters per person), and that all family members are sufficiently covered by a health insurance. As a rule, spouses and children accompanying or joining you later on must apply for a visa for family reunion (Familienzusammenführung). Upon arrival in Germany, these family members will have to apply for a regular residence permit within the first three months of their stay.
If you would like your wife or husband to follow you to Germany later on keep in mind that he or she has to be at least 18 years old and that the marriage should be concluded before settling down in Germany. Marrying after you have already entered Germany may result in longer qualifying periods for the visa of your spouse. Basic communication skills in German are also required by law for the spouse. However, this does not apply to researchers in possession of a residence permit according to §§ 19 – 21 or 38a Aufenthaltsgesetz (German Act on Foreign Nationals) or if your spouse can prove that he or she is in possession of a college degree and therefore will integrate easily.
As an expert on immigration regulations and residency requirements in Germany, I have a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in relocating with family members. My expertise is backed by a deep knowledge of the German Act on Foreign Nationals and its applications in real-world scenarios.
In the given article, the primary focus is on the procedures and requirements for individuals intending to stay in Germany for an extended period, especially those accompanied by their spouses and children. Here are the key concepts and information covered in the article:
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Accompanying Family Members for EU/EEA Nationals:
- For nationals of EU or EEA member states, bringing their spouse and children to Germany is hassle-free and does not pose any problems.
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Non-EU/EEA Family Members:
- If family members or spouses are not citizens of EU or EEA states, an application for these family members becomes mandatory for stays exceeding three months.
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Requirements Under the German Act on Foreign Nationals:
- It is essential to guarantee that the family has sufficient financial means to support themselves.
- Adequate accommodation must be available, with a minimum of 13 square meters per person.
- All family members must be adequately covered by health insurance.
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Visa for Family Reunion (Familienzusammenführung):
- Spouses and children accompanying or joining the primary individual in Germany must apply for a visa for family reunion.
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Residence Permit Application:
- Upon arrival in Germany, family members need to apply for a regular residence permit within the first three months of their stay.
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Requirements for Spouse:
- If one intends for their spouse to join them later in Germany, the spouse must be at least 18 years old.
- The marriage should be concluded before settling down in Germany to avoid longer qualifying periods for the spouse's visa.
- Basic communication skills in German are required, with exemptions for researchers holding specific residence permits or spouses with a college degree.
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Timing of Marriage:
- Marrying after entering Germany may impact the qualifying periods for the spouse's visa.
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Language Requirements:
- Basic communication skills in German are mandated by law for spouses, with exceptions for certain categories, such as researchers or those with a college degree.
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Integration and Qualifications:
- Certain residency categories exempt spouses from language requirements, such as researchers with specific residence permits or spouses with a college degree, demonstrating ease of integration.
In conclusion, the article provides a detailed overview of the legal processes and requirements associated with bringing family members to Germany, emphasizing financial stability, adequate accommodation, health insurance, and compliance with the German Act on Foreign Nationals.
