1. About Visum für Angehörige Law in Deutschland
The Visum zur Familienzusammenführung, commonly referred to as Visum für Angehörige, enables non‑EU family members to join a relative living in Germany. The legal framework is primarily the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) with implementing rules in the AufenthV. The aim is to maintain family unity while ensuring Germany’s immigration and integration standards.
Qualifying relatives typically include spouses, registered partners, and minor children; in some cases dependent adult children may qualify as well. The visa is issued for a long‑term stay and usually leads to a residence permit after entry, subject to meeting ongoing requirements such as housing, livelihood, and health insurance. Documentation, language expectations, and income proofs are common touchpoints during the application process.
Legal basis and practical guidance are available from official sources, including the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the German legislature. See the official law texts and guidance here: Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) on Gesetze-im-internet.de and the BAMF Familiennachzug page.
Processing times for family reunification visas vary by consulate and applicant country, often taking several months.
Source: BAMF - Familiennachzug
2. Why You May Need a Lawyer
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Scenario 1: Your spouse receives a visa denial at the German consulate abroad. A lawyer can review the grounds for refusal, gather missing documents, and help prepare an appeal or a new application. Delays and procedural errors are common causes of refusals.
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Scenario 2: Complex family structures or non standard relationships. If the relationship or status changes (for example, registered partnerships or non traditional family ties), a lawyer can interpret §28 AufenthG implications and ensure the correct category is pursued.
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Scenario 3: Proof of livelihood and housing is contested by authorities. An attorney can help assemble evidence of sufficient income, employment contracts, and living space that meet jurisdictional thresholds in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg.
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Scenario 4: Language and integration requirements create barriers. A lawyer can map out language prerequisites (A1 or other exemptions) and coordinate with the applicant and sponsor to prepare the necessary German language certificates.
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Scenario 5: You need to appeal or file for administrative remedies after a negative decision. An attorney understands deadlines, appeal pathways, and how to preserve rights during the reconsideration phase.
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Scenario 6: Documents from abroad require translation and legalization. A lawyer can coordinate certified translations, apostilles, and recognized documents to avoid processing delays.
3. Local Laws Overview
The main legal framework for family reunification is the Aufenthaltsgesetz AufenthG. Key provision: § 28 governs who can be brought to join a family member in Germany, including spouses, registered partners and minor children, as well as basic requirements like living space and livelihood. See the official text: § 28 AufenthG - Family reunification.
The AufenthV, or Residence Ordinance, provides the procedural details for visa issuance, required documents, and deadlines tied to the AufenthG. It complements § 28 by specifying how consulates process the visa and what evidence must be presented. See AufenthV - Residence Ordinance.
In addition, the German authorities emphasize language and livelihood prerequisites as part of the family reunification process. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) outlines typical requirements, including basic German language knowledge (A1) and proof of sufficient health insurance and housing. See BAMF guidance here: BAMF - Familiennachzug.
Recent updates to the framework in practice have focused on aligning processing procedures with EU standards and improving transparency for applicants. For specifics on current rules and any temporary measures, consult BAMF and the official laws directly.
The legal framework for family reunification is regularly updated to reflect migration trends and integration objectives.
Source:
BAMF - Familiennachzug and
AufenthG on Gesetze-im-internet.de.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Visum zum Familiennachzug in Germany?
The visa enables a non‑EU family member to join a relative living in Germany for long term residence. It initiates the process toward a German residence permit after entry, subject to ongoing requirements such as livelihood and housing.
How do I apply for a Visum zur Familienzusammenführung?
Start at the German consulate or embassy in the applicant's country of residence. Submit completed forms, marriage or birth certificates, proof of relationship, health insurance, and evidence of housing and income. Translation and legalization may be required.
When can I start the Familiennachzug process?
You can typically begin once your relative in Germany has a valid residence status and sufficient living space. Processing times vary by consulate and country of origin and can take several months.
Where do I submit my Visum application for Familiennachzug?
Submit the application at the German diplomatic mission responsible for your country of residence. In some cases a consulate appointment is required for biometric data collection and interviews.
Why might my Familiennachzug visa be refused in Germany?
Common grounds include insufficient income or living space, inadequate health insurance, missing documents, or failure to meet language or integration requirements. A lawyer can identify procedural gaps and assist with possible remedies.
How long does the Familiennachzug process typically take?
Processing times vary, but applicants should expect several months from submission to decision. Delays often occur due to document verification or translation requirements.
Do I need German language knowledge for the visa?
In many cases applicants must demonstrate basic German language ability (A1) or have a clear exemption. Language requirements aim to support integration after arrival.
Can I apply for a Familiennachzug visa from inside Germany?
Usually you apply from outside Germany. Some specific situations allow changes of status or extensions inside Germany, but the standard path is a visa abroad prior to entry.
How much does the Visum zur Familienzusammenführung cost?
Visa fees apply and vary by consulate, but a long stay visa commonly costs around the basic visa fee. Check the current fee on the consulate website before applying.
What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit in this context?
The visa is the entry document issued at a German embassy or consulate. After arrival in Germany, you apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) to reside long term and work, subject to fulfilling conditions.
Do I need a lawyer to assist with the Familiennachzug application?
A lawyer can help verify documents, interpret complex requirements, and prepare appeals if needed. While not required, professional guidance reduces errors and delays.
Can dependent family members with health issues still qualify for Familiennachzug?
Health considerations are evaluated on a case by case basis. Generally, applicants must show that health conditions do not prevent them from meeting livelihood and housing requirements, but exceptions can apply.
5. Additional Resources
6. Next Steps
- Step 1 - Assess eligibility Confirm the relationship, sponsor status in Germany, and whether the applicant falls under spouses, registered partners or minor children. Estimate required living space and income early to avoid delays. Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- Step 2 - Gather documents Compile passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of relationship, proof of health insurance, and evidence of housing and income. Arrange certified translations and ensure apostille where necessary. Timeline: 2-6 weeks
- Step 3 - Check language and integration requirements Verify whether A1 language proof is needed and plan language courses if required. Gather any integration certificates or prior language assessments if available. Timeline: 2-3 months
- Step 4 - Decide on legal assistance Consider consulting a qualified immigration attorney or solicitor to assess risk areas and prepare for potential appeals if needed. Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- Step 5 - Submit the visa application Schedule and attend the appointment at the German consulate, submit all documents, and respond to additional requests promptly. Timeline: 1-3 months for appointment; processing varies
- Step 6 - After visa approval, plan travel and residence Upon visa issuance, travel to Germany and apply for the Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) at the local Ausländerbehörde. Timeline: arrival and permit processing 4-12 weeks
- Step 7 - Manage potential post‑approval steps If approved, monitor the residence permit status and complete any required integration steps or renewals. If denied, consult with counsel about options for appeal or reconsideration. Timeline: ongoing
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