Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Kitzingen

About Dependent Visa Law in Kitzingen, Germany

In Germany, a dependent visa is usually referred to as family reunification. It allows eligible family members to join a person who is already lawfully residing in Germany. In Kitzingen, which is part of the Bavarian administrative region of Lower Franconia, applications are handled in coordination with the German mission abroad for the visa stage and the local Foreigners Authority for the residence permit stage after arrival. The legal basis is primarily the German Residence Act for family reasons and, for family members of EU or EEA citizens other than Germans, the Freedom of Movement Act. Typical beneficiaries include spouses or registered partners, minor children, and in specific situations parents of a minor German child.

The process usually has two steps. First, the family member applies for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Second, after entering Germany, they register their address and apply for a residence permit at the competent Foreigners Authority. In Kitzingen, this is generally the Ausländerbehörde at the Landratsamt Kitzingen for the district or the city office if you reside within the city. Requirements include a valid relationship, adequate housing, secure livelihood in many cases, health insurance, and in some situations proof of basic German language skills.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Family reunification can be straightforward when all requirements are clearly met, but many families face complexities. A lawyer can help in scenarios such as proving the validity of a foreign marriage, dealing with name discrepancies on documents, getting apostilles or legalizations, and arranging certified German translations. If there are prior divorces, custody issues for children, or questions about the child’s best interests, legal guidance can be crucial.

Other common reasons to seek counsel include requesting an exemption from the A1 German language requirement for spouses, calculating whether your income and housing meet the legal thresholds, or clarifying work rights for the joining spouse. If the sponsor holds a particular residence title such as an EU Blue Card, is a student, a researcher, or a recognized refugee, the rules can differ. A lawyer is also valuable if there is a past visa overstay, a criminal record, or a previous immigration refusal.

If your application is delayed or refused, a lawyer can advise on the correct remedy and deadlines. Visa refusals abroad usually involve a remonstration procedure with the embassy, while residence permit disputes inside Bavaria can involve filing at the competent administrative court. Deadlines are short and formal, so timely legal help can protect your rights.

Local Laws Overview

The key legal framework is the German Residence Act for family reasons. Important provisions include general family reunification rules, spousal reunification, reunification with German citizens, children joining parents, and residence for parents of a minor German child. Family members of EU or EEA citizens other than Germans are covered by the Freedom of Movement Act, which provides different rights and procedures.

Common requirements include a valid and recognized family relationship, sufficient health insurance, and adequate housing. For many third country cases there is also a secure livelihood requirement, meaning no reliance on certain public funds. Spousal reunification often requires basic German language skills at A1 level before entry. There are statutory exemptions, for example for spouses of EU Blue Card holders, researchers, recognized refugees, and where learning is not reasonable due to health or practical barriers. Children under 16 usually do not need German before entry, while those 16 and older must show strong integration prospects or advanced German.

Work rights for spouses are often granted. Spouses of EU Blue Card holders have unrestricted access to employment. For other sponsors, the exact wording on the residence permit controls, and the local authority can advise. After arrival and registration, family members may be assigned or invited to an integration course. Over time, many family members can qualify for permanent residence if they meet the general conditions such as duration of stay, language, livelihood, and integration. Local processing in Kitzingen follows Bavarian practice, with the Foreigners Authority coordinating closely with the German mission abroad on background checks and document verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for family reunification in Kitzingen

Eligible family members typically include spouses or registered partners, unmarried minor children, and in defined cases parents of a minor German child. Extended family members may qualify only in exceptional hardship cases. Family members of EU or EEA citizens other than Germans follow EU free movement rules.

Do spouses need to prove German language skills

For most third country spousal reunifications an A1 German certificate is required before entry. Exemptions apply, for example for spouses of EU Blue Card holders, researchers, recognized refugees, and where language learning is not reasonably possible. Family members of EU or EEA citizens other than Germans do not need pre entry German under free movement rules.

What income and housing do we need to show

Many reunification cases require secure livelihood without certain public benefits and adequate housing for the family size. Adequate housing means enough living space and a proper rental agreement. The Foreigners Authority will assess net income, rent, family size, and insurance to decide if the requirement is met. For reunification with a German citizen, strict livelihood requirements are not applied in the same way, but practical ability to house and support the family is still considered.

How long does the process take

Processing varies. Embassy visa decisions often take 8 to 12 weeks or longer, especially when document verification is required. After arrival, the residence permit appointment and card production can take several more weeks. Planning ahead is important.

Can my spouse work in Germany after joining me

In many cases, yes. Spouses of EU Blue Card holders have unrestricted access to work. Other spouses often receive a residence permit that permits employment. Always check the annotation on the residence permit, and if needed ask the Foreigners Authority in Kitzingen to confirm or update the permission.

What documents are usually required

Common documents include valid passports, marriage or birth certificates, proof of custody for children, proof of housing, proof of income and health insurance, and language certificates where required. Foreign civil status documents often need legalization or an apostille, plus certified German translations.

What if my visa application is refused

You can usually file a written remonstration with the embassy within a short deadline, explaining why the decision should be reconsidered and adding evidence. If the residence permit is refused inside Germany, court action may be necessary. Because deadlines are strict, seek legal advice quickly.

What happens if we separate or divorce after arrival

Family residence permits depend on living together. After three years of marital cohabitation in Germany, a spouse can often obtain an independent right to stay. There are protections in hardship situations such as domestic violence. Seek advice to understand your options and documentation needs.

Can children over 16 join their parents

It is possible but more demanding. Children who are 16 or older must generally show advanced German or very good integration prospects. Evidence can include language certificates, school records, and ties to Germany.

Can I travel in the Schengen Area

With a national visa for family reunification or a valid German residence permit card, you can usually visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Always carry your passport and your residence document and check any specific entry rules before traveling.

Additional Resources

Local Foreigners Authority at the Landratsamt Kitzingen handles residence permits and many family reunification matters after entry. The city registration office in Kitzingen handles address registration and the residence certificate that you will need for your permit appointment. German missions abroad handle the visa stage for family members outside Germany.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides information about integration courses and language support. Migration counseling services for adult immigrants and youth migration services are offered locally by organizations such as Caritas, Diakonie, and AWO. Recognized test providers such as Goethe Institut or telc offer A1 German exams in many countries. Use sworn translators for certified German translations and confirm with the authority which form of legalization or apostille is required for your documents.

Next Steps

First, identify the sponsor’s status and the legal route. The rules differ for sponsors who are German citizens, EU or EEA citizens other than Germans, EU Blue Card holders, students, researchers, or recognized refugees. This determines language, income, and work rights for the joining family member.

Second, gather core documents early. Obtain marriage and birth certificates in the correct form, arrange apostilles or legalizations if required, and order certified German translations. Collect recent payslips, an employment contract, a rental contract, proof of adequate housing, and health insurance confirmations.

Third, book the visa appointment with the competent German mission abroad. Prepare for the interview and be ready to present originals and copies. The embassy will often consult the Kitzingen Foreigners Authority during processing, so your sponsor should also be ready to provide information locally.

Fourth, after arrival in Kitzingen, register your address within two weeks, then apply for the residence permit at the Foreigners Authority. Bring your passport, biometric photos, visa, registration certificate, and supporting documents. Ask about work authorization and integration course obligations.

Fifth, keep track of deadlines and validity dates. Start extension applications early, usually several weeks before your permit expires. If you receive a negative decision or a request for additional documents, react promptly and consider contacting a lawyer to protect your rights.

If you need legal assistance, prepare a brief timeline of your case, copies of all submissions and decisions, and a list of questions. A lawyer familiar with Bavarian practice and the Kitzingen authority can help you assess eligibility, avoid common pitfalls, and respond effectively to requests or refusals.