Children and spouses of foreign nationals living in Germany can obtain a residence permit for family reasons. This allows them to

• move to Germany and
• are entitled to pursue gainful employment.

The same applies to the following same-sex partnerships:

• "registered partnerships " within the meaning of the German Civil Partnership Act
• civil partnerships recognized by foreign law that essentially correspond to the German "registered civil partnership"

• You comply with passport and visa requirements.
• Your livelihood is secure without having to rely on public funds.
• There are no grounds for your expulsion.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Your family member already living in Germany has a
  • permanent residence permit,
  • permanent residence permit-EC, or
  • residence permit and
  • sufficient living space available.
• For spouses joining their partner, the following also applies:
  • Minimum age of both spouses: 18 years
  • Basic German language skills of the person joining
• For children between 16 and 18 years of age joining their parents, the following additional requirements apply:
  • Entry as part of a family unit with the parents or
  • Proficiency in the German language or A positive integration prognosis (e.g., due to descent from a German-speaking family or attendance at a German-speaking school) or
  • Existence of a special hardship case

You may also have to meet other requirements. Please check directly with the relevant authority.

Young foreign nationals who

• grew up in Germany or
• entered the country as part of the family reunification program

can obtain a settlement permit under simplified conditions.

The family reunification of family members of EU/EEA nationals is governed by the Freedom of Movement Act/EU. This means that

• Family members of EU/EEA nationals who are themselves EU or EEA nationals can enter the country freely and take up employment.
• Family members of EU/EEA nationals who are not themselves nationals of an EU or EEA country also have the right to enter and reside in Germany. 

Since September 1, 2011, you will receive your residence permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. For more information, please visit Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) .

Processing may take several weeks.

• Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses
• Proof that there are no grounds for expulsion against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Proof of the residence permit of your family member already living in Germany
• Proof of sufficient living space
• Proof of family affiliation (e.g., birth and marriage certificates, proof of a registered civil partnership)
• For spouses joining their partner, additionally:
  • Proof of the minimum age of both spouses
  • Proof of basic German language skills of the person joining
• For children between the ages of 16 and 18 joining their parents, the following is also required:
  • Proof of entry into the country as part of a family unit with the parents or
  • Proof of German language skills or a positive integration prognosis or
  • Proof of a case of particular hardship

Note: Depending on which additional requirements you must meet, the responsible authority may request additional documents.

• Valid for up to one year: 100 euros
• Validity period over one year: €110
• Extension up to three months: €65
• Extension for more than three months: €80

Note: You can only be exempted from the fees in exceptional cases.