Beste Visum für Angehörige Anwälte in Frankfurt am Main

1. About Visum für Angehörige Law in Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland

The Visum fur Angehörige, or family reunification visa, enables non-EU family members of a German resident or citizen to join them in Frankfurt am Main. In practice, you typically apply for a visa at a German consulate abroad or via the local Ausländerbehörde once you are in Germany, depending on your status. The process hinges on federal law and state implementation rules handled by Hessen’s authorities when you are based in Frankfurt.

The core framework is the Federal Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthG) and its implementing regulations, together with EU rights from Directive 2004/38/EC. Local administrative steps are carried out through the Hessian and Frankfurt am Main offices, including document checks, language expectations, and housing requirements. A lawyer can help you navigate document compilation, deadlines, and potential exceptions.

EU law and German federal law set the baseline for family reunification, but local practice varies by city and state, affecting appointment wait times and document specifics.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may benefit from legal counsel in concrete, real-world scenarios common to Frankfurt am Main and Hessen. Below are 4-6 precise situations where expert help is valuable.

• You face a denial or silence from the Ausländerbehörde in Frankfurt after submitting a Familiennachzug application, with unclear next steps. A lawyer can assess if you should file a Widerspruch (appeal) and what evidence is required.
• Your partner holds a German residence permit but your application lacks the language or integration prerequisites required for family reunification. An attorney can advise on waivers, exceptions, or a plan to meet the criteria efficiently.
• Housing or financial proof is disputed by the local authority in Frankfurt, threatening approval. A lawyer can organize verified documents, translation standards, and formal submissions to meet requirements.
• You face delays due to scheduling backlogs for visa interviews or appointments in the Hessen region. An attorney can help escalate the case, coordinate with authorities, and prepare for hearings.
• You need to navigate steps for a minor child’s reunification, including guardianship documents and consent forms that may require court or administrative approval. Legal counsel can align documentation with German family law and immigration rules.
• You want to transition from a family reunification visa to a longer-term residence permit or German citizenship. A lawyer can outline the correct path, timelines, and the documents needed for each stage.

3. Local Laws Overview

Frankfurt am Main applies federal rules on family reunification, complemented by Hessen’s implementation practices. The key laws and implementing regulations are:

• Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - the Federal Residence Act that governs stay, family reunification, and related permissions. It provides the legal basis for visas and residence permits for family members, including spouses and minor children. Text on Gesetze im Internet.
• Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) - the implementing regulation detailing procedural aspects, document requirements, and processing steps for residence permits and family reunification. Text on Gesetze im Internet.
• EU-Richtlinie 2004/38/EC (Citizens Rights Directive) - provides the EU-wide framework for family members exercising rights to join a union citizen or a lawful resident, implemented in Germany through AufenthG. EU Directive 2004/38/EC.

Recent changes and practical considerations in Hessen and Frankfurt include updates to language requirements, proofs of living space, and health insurance expectations for family members. Local practice can influence appointment timing, document translation standards, and the handling of exceptions for certain nationalities. For the most current guidance, consult the official sources listed below.

In Germany, family reunification is primarily a federal matter, but state and city offices determine specific document standards and processing timelines for applicants in Frankfurt.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a Visum für Angehörige in Germany?

The visa allows spouses and minor children of German residents or citizens to join their family member in Germany. It is the first step toward a residence permit and long-term stay, subject to meeting documentation and eligibility criteria.

How do I start a Familiennachzug application while in Frankfurt am Main?

Apply through the German consulate in your home country if still abroad, or via the Ausländerbehörde in Frankfurt if you already have a right to reside in Germany. Prepare identity documents, proof of relationship, housing, and health insurance.

Do I need German language skills for family reunification in Frankfurt?

Often a basic language requirement (A1) applies for spouses and some partners, but waivers or exceptions may exist based on nationality or specific circumstances. A lawyer can verify your case and propose alternatives.

What documents are typically required for a Familiennachzug visa?

Common documents include passports, birth/marriage certificates, proof of residence for the sponsor, health insurance, evidence of adequate living space, and sometimes language certificates or income statements.

How long does the processing usually take in Frankfurt am Main?

Processing times vary with workload and completeness of documents. It can take several weeks to months, and delayed or missing information can extend the timeline. A lawyer can help anticipate milestones and reduce delays.

Do I need a lawyer to handle family reunification, or can I apply myself?

You can apply yourself, but complex cases in Frankfurt often benefit from legal counsel. An attorney helps with document preparation, jurisdictional rules, and timely responses to requests from authorities.

Is it possible to appeal a visa denial in Hessen?

Yes, you can usually file a Widerspruch (appeal) or seek a court review. An immigration lawyer can determine the best legal strategy and manage deadlines and evidence.

What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit for family members?

A visa is typically a temporary entry document issued abroad, while a residence permit allows longer stays and may enable work rights. A lawyer can explain conversion options and timelines in Frankfurt.

Can a family member’s visa be denied due to insufficient housing?

Yes, housing size and suitability are common criteria. A lawyer can help assemble appropriate tenancy agreements, occupancy calculations, and endorsements from authorities if needed.

Where should I file documents for the Frankfurt area?

Documents typically go to the local Ausländerbehörde in Hessen or the German consulate abroad, depending on your location and status. A lawyer can guide you to the correct office and filing route.

Should I translate all documents, and who can certify translations?

Most documents must be officially translated. Translations should be done by a recognized translator; some offices accept bilingual copies with certified translations. A lawyer can recommend reputable translators in Frankfurt.

Do minor children require a separate visa for family reunification?

Minor children generally require the appropriate visa or residence permit as part of the family reunification process. An attorney can coordinate documentation for each child and ensure compliance with German rules.

5. Additional Resources

These official sources provide authoritative guidance on Visum fur Angehörige, family reunification, and related procedures in Germany and Hessen.

• Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) - Federal information on residence and family reunification procedures, eligibility, and steps for applicants. BAMF
• Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) - Visa and consular services information for entering Germany, including family reunification pathways. Auswärtiges Amt
• Frankfurt am Main - Ausländerbehörde - Local guidance for residents of Frankfurt on residence matters, including family reunification procedures and appointment scheduling. City of Frankfurt
• European Union - EU Family Reunification Rights - Official EU guidance on rights to join family members of EU citizens or residents. EU Legal Portal
• Gesetze im Internet - AufenthG und AufenthV - Official German texts of the Residence Act and implementing regulations. Gesetze im Internet

6. Next Steps

1. Define your goal and gather basic information about the family member and sponsor in Frankfurt. Note the visa category you will pursue and potential timelines.
2. Identify a local immigration lawyer in Frankfurt who focuses on Familiennachzug and has experience with Hessen procedures. Request a preliminary assessment and fee estimate.
3. Collect core documents for both the sponsor and family member, and obtain translations and certifications as required by the local office.
4. Schedule an initial consultation with the lawyer to review your documents, discuss waivers or exceptions, and prepare a case plan tailored to Frankfurt am Main.
5. Submit the visa or residence permit application through the appropriate authority (consulate or Ausländerbehörde) with the lawyer overseeing the filing package.
6. Monitor the application timeline, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, and arrange for any required interviews or appointments in Frankfurt or Hessen.
7. Prepare for post-approval steps, including converting a visa into a longer-term residence permit or planning for permanent residency or citizenship if applicable.