You can join your German, minor, unmarried child if you come from a country outside the EU or the EEA, have custody of the German child, and intend to exercise this custody.
Custody includes the right and duty to care for, raise, supervise, and determine the child's place of residence. A child is considered a minor if they have not yet reached the age of 18. A person is considered unmarried if they are not married and have never been married; even those who live in a registered civil partnership are not considered unmarried.
If these conditions are met, you will be granted a residence permit.
You can also join your child if you do not have custody. The prerequisite is that you already live with your child in a family community in Germany. A family community is assumed if the relatives maintain regular contact with each other that goes beyond mere visits. If the requirements are met, the authority will decide at its discretion whether to issue a residence permit.
Under certain circumstances, the immigration office may require you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.
The residence permit is a temporary residence title and is issued for at least one year.
- You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
- Your child is a minor, unmarried, and has German citizenship.
- You have custody of your child and wish to exercise this right, or, as a parent without custody, you already live with your child in Germany.
- There is no interest in expelling you.
Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The procedure is as follows:
- Depending on the immigration office and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
- If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT).
- If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration office if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the eAT.
- If your application is approved, the immigration office will arrange for the eAT to be produced.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
The eAT must always be picked up in person.
Section 28(1), sentence 1, number 3, and sentence 4 of the Residence Act
An appeal against a decision by the immigration authorities may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form, or for recording.
If the Foreigners' Registration Office does not grant the appeal, legal action may be taken before the court specified in the appeal decision.
about six to eight weeks.
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
