Beste Visum für Angehörige Anwälte in Berlin

1. About Visum für Angehörige Law in Berlin, Deutschland

The term Visum für Angehörige refers to the national visa pathway for family members who want to join a foreign national living in Germany. In legal terms, this is handled under the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) as the Auf­enthaltserlaubnis zum Zwecke der Familienzusammenführung. Berlin follows the federal rules, applying them through the Berlin Ausländerbehörde and the German consulates abroad.

In practice, most applicants begin with a visa application at a German embassy or consulate in their home country. After arriving in Germany, they typically apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde in Berlin to obtain a longer-term status. The process requires documentation to prove the family relationship, adequate housing, health insurance, and sufficient means of support.

Berlin residents should be aware that Berlin's immigration offices operate under federal law but can differ in administrative practices and processing times. Language and integration considerations, as well as background checks, may also affect decisions and timelines.

According to the German Aufenthaltsgesetz, family reunification is regulated to allow spouses and minor children to join a resident in Germany under specific conditions, including housing, health insurance, and financial support requirements.

Sources: Aufenthaltsgesetz § 27, Aufenthaltsgesetz § 28, Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV)

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Working with an immigration attorney in Berlin can help you navigate complex requirements and avoid common delays. Below are real-world scenarios where legal assistance is especially helpful.

• Scenario 1: Your visa application was denied for missing documents or inconsistent information. A lawyer can identify gaps, prepare a stronger package, and request a review or appeal.
• Scenario 2: The sponsor's residence status changes, such as loss of a job or a shift from a temporary permit to a different status. An attorney can assess options for preserving family reunification rights.
• Scenario 3: You are dealing with a complex family structure, for example a registered civil partnership or guardianship arrangements. A lawyer can determine eligibility and needed evidence for the Berlin authorities.
• Scenario 4: Language or integration prerequisites create uncertainty about A1 language requirements. A lawyer can help plan language proof and escalation steps with the Ausländerbehörde.
• Scenario 5: You have a prior criminal record or prior visa history that complicates a current application. A counsel can present mitigating factors and appropriate documentation.
• Scenario 6: You are navigating a post-arrival residence permit in Berlin and need to coordinate timelines, renewals, and potential path to permanent residency. An attorney can manage communications and deadlines with authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

The family reunification framework in Berlin is governed by federal law, primarily the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) and the corresponding AufenthV. These texts set out who may be eligible, general prerequisites, and the procedural steps for obtaining a residence permit for family members.

Key laws to know:

• Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - establishes eligibility for Familiennachzug, including spouses and minor children, and the conditions for granting a residence permit. It covers criteria such as relationship proof, housing, health insurance, and financial means. The core sections relevant to family reunification are §§ 27-36.
• Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) - provides implementing details for the AufenthG, including specific document requirements, proof of financial capability, and housing standards required by the authorities. The current implementing provisions guide how Berlin processes applications and verifies information.
• Recent practice notes and updates - Berlin follows nationwide changes to the AufenthG and AufenthV, as well as evolving integration prerequisites such as language expectations and housing conditions. Always verify current requirements with the local Ausländerbehörde and official federal references.

Practical implications in Berlin include submitting a complete package with evidence of family relationship, adequate living space, health coverage, and sufficient income or means. The exact documentation can vary by family type (spouse vs child) and the sponsor’s current residence status. For up-to-date statutory text, consult the official law repositories noted below.

Formal rules for family reunification are set out in the German AufenthG and AufenthV and are applied by Berlin's immigration offices in line with federal guidelines.

Sources: Aufenthaltsgesetz § 27, Aufenthaltsverordnung, BAMF - Family reunification

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Familiennachzug and who qualifies in Germany?

The Familiennachzug is the process for bringing spouses and minor children to join a resident in Germany. It generally covers spouses and minor and unmarried children, with certain conditions based on the sponsor's status and the family relationship.

How do I start the visa application for family reunification in Berlin?

Begin by confirming eligibility with the German consulate or the Berlin Ausländerbehörde. Collect standard documents such as proof of relationship, passports, and evidence of housing and health insurance. A lawyer can help organize the package for submission.

What documents are required to apply for a spouse's Familiennachzug?

Common documents include a valid marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, passports, proof of address in Germany, health insurance, and evidence of sufficient living space. Depending on circumstances, additional translations and legalization may be needed.

How long does the Berlin family reunification process typically take?

Processing times vary widely by case and consulate workload. A typical national visa process may take several weeks to months. Berlin authorities may add administrative time for checks and document validation.

Do I need German language knowledge for family reunification in Berlin?

A1 level language knowledge is commonly required for spouses in many cases, with exceptions for certain situations. Language proof is often part of the visa process, but Berlin's Ausländerbehörde can assess individual circumstances.

What are the costs involved in applying for a Familiennachzug visa?

Visa application fees and residence permit fees apply. The exact amounts vary by case and can be updated by authorities. Check the consulate's fee schedule and the Berlin service portal for current charges.

Can a same-sex partner apply for family reunification in Berlin?

Yes. German law allows same-sex couples to pursue the Familiennachzug under the same conditions as opposite-sex couples, subject to meeting the required proofs and documents.

Where do I submit the application for family reunification in Berlin?

Applications may be submitted at the German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country for the visa, and at the Berlin Ausländerbehörde after arrival for the residence permit. The exact office depends on status and stage of processing.

What happens if my application is denied in Berlin?

You typically receive a written decision detailing the reasons for denial. You may have the right to appeal or request reconsideration within a specified deadline. An attorney can help with the appeal strategy and compilation of additional evidence.

Is there a difference between a visa and a residence permit for family in Berlin?

Yes. A visa (national visa) allows entry to Germany for a specific purpose, while a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) authorizes longer stays in Germany. Family reunification usually involves both visa processing abroad and later issuance of a residence permit in Germany.

Should I use a lawyer or not for my Familiennachzug case?

A lawyer helps with document completeness, cross-border coordination, and communications with authorities. This is especially helpful when relationships or income proofs are complex or language barriers exist.

Do I need to renew the residence permit after it is granted?

Yes. Most family residence permits require periodic renewal, with updated proof of housing, health insurance, and income. An attorney can help manage renewal timelines and required documents.

5. Additional Resources

• Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) - Official information on migration, residence permits, and the Familiennachzug process. Function: national guidance and procedural standards. Link: BAMF - Family reunification (EN)
• Gesetze im Internet - Official repository of German law, including AufenthG and AufenthV texts used for family reunification. Function: primary legal texts. Links: Aufenthaltsgesetz § 27, Aufenthaltsverordnung
• Deutsche Rechtsportale and Government Guidance - General official guidance and updates on immigration and family reunification. Function: supplementary explanations and official notices. Link: BAMF - Family reunification (EN)

6. Next Steps

1. Step 1: Conduct a preliminary eligibility check for Familiennachzug based on your sponsor’s status and family relationship. Allocate 1-2 weeks to gather core documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, passports, and proof of housing.
2. Step 2: Choose a Berlin-registered immigration attorney or a law firm with direct experience in Familiennachzug cases. Schedule an initial consultation within 2-3 weeks to review documents and strategy.
3. Step 3: Prepare a detailed document package with translations and, if needed, legalization. Your lawyer can help tailor the file to Berlin's requirements and flag potential issues early.
4. Step 4: Submit the national visa application at the appropriate German consulate or embassy, while coordinating any in-country steps with the Berlin Ausländerbehörde for the subsequent residence permit.
5. Step 5: Monitor processing times and respond promptly to additional information requests from the consulate or the Ausländerbehörde. Maintain open communication with your attorney to avoid delays.
6. Step 6: Upon visa approval and arrival in Germany, apply for the residence permit at the Berlin Ausländerbehörde. Schedule and attend the appointment with your attorney if possible to ensure all documents are complete.
7. Step 7: After residency is granted, track renewal dates and any evolving language or integration requirements, and plan for long-term residency or citizenship pathways as applicable.