Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Parchim

About Dependent Visa Law in Parchim, Germany

Dependent visas in Parchim are governed by German federal law, primarily the Residence Act known as Aufenthaltsgesetz. The goal is to allow close family members to join a person who is lawfully living in Germany. This is often called family reunification. If your family member is a German citizen or a non-EU national with a valid residence title in Parchim, their spouse or registered partner, minor children, and in specific cases parents or guardians of a minor child in Germany may qualify to join them. The district immigration authority for Parchim is the Ausländerbehörde of Landkreis Ludwigslust-Parchim, which processes residence permits after arrival. If the family member is still abroad, the process starts with a national visa application at a German embassy or consulate in the home country.

Common requirements include a valid passport, proof of the family relationship, adequate housing, secured livelihood without relying on certain public benefits, and health insurance. Spouses usually need proof of basic German language skills at level A1 unless an exemption applies, for example where the sponsor holds an EU Blue Card or in some hardship or impossibility situations. Children under 16 do not need German language skills. After entry with a national visa, dependents must register their address in Parchim and then obtain a residence permit card from the Ausländerbehörde.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Family reunification law is detailed and document heavy. A lawyer can help you avoid errors and delays. People often seek legal help in Parchim for situations such as complex or unusual family constellations, stepchildren or shared custody across borders, previous visa refusals or document doubts, borderline income or housing situations, self-employed sponsors whose income proof is scrutinized, requests for language requirement waivers for spouses, recognition and legalization of foreign marriage or birth certificates, name differences or translation issues, cases involving refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and changes of purpose where a visitor or student in Germany wishes to switch to a dependent status. A lawyer can also communicate with the Ausländerbehörde Ludwigslust-Parchim and the embassy, prepare you for interviews, and file appeals if needed.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration is regulated at the federal level, but practical steps in Parchim follow local procedures. Family reunification is based on sections 27 to 36 of the Residence Act and related regulations. In the Parchim area, you will interact with two key offices. First, the Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt handles address registration within about 14 days of moving in. Second, the Ausländerbehörde Ludwigslust-Parchim handles residence permits, extensions, and work authorization endorsements. Appointments are usually required, and processing times depend on workload. Plan ahead because family visa processing at embassies can take several months, and local card production for the residence permit also takes time.

Standard eligibility items are checked locally. These include secure livelihood, meaning you can cover living costs and health insurance without certain social benefits. Adequate housing is required and is assessed by looking at rental contracts and household size. Health insurance must be valid in Germany for the entire family. Spouses are generally expected to be at least 18 years old. Certificates from abroad often need to be legalized or carry an apostille and translated by a sworn translator. The Ausländerbehörde may request additional documents if there are doubts about identity, marital status, or custody.

Special rules apply to some groups. Spouses of EU Blue Card holders typically do not need to show A1 German skills before entry. Recognized refugees may have eased requirements under certain conditions, especially for nuclear family reunification filed within time limits. Children under 16 can usually join parents without language proof, and children aged 16 to 18 may need to show that they can integrate, for example with prior schooling in German. After arrival, the dependent family member may be granted permission to work. The exact wording on the residence card determines work rights. Integration course participation can be required or advised and may help with future extensions or permanent residence.

Fees apply at different stages. National visas generally have a fee, and the residence permit card has a fee when issued or extended. Fee reductions may exist for certain categories such as minors. Keep all appointment confirmations, immigration letters, and receipts together, as you may need them for subsequent steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for family reunification in Parchim

Eligible family members typically include a spouse or registered partner, unmarried minor children, and parents or legal guardians of a minor child who lives in Germany. Other relatives, such as adult children or parents of adult sponsors, are only possible in rare hardship cases.

Do spouses need to prove German language skills

In most cases a spouse must present an A1 German certificate before the visa is issued. Exemptions can apply, for example if the sponsor holds an EU Blue Card, if the spouse is highly qualified, if language learning is not possible or not reasonable due to health or accessibility reasons, or if the spouse already speaks German. The Ausländerbehörde or the embassy reviews exemption claims.

How much income is required to sponsor a family member

The law requires a secured livelihood. There is no single nationwide number, because the calculation uses net household income, rent, health insurance, and family size. In practice the Ausländerbehörde checks pay slips, employment contracts, tax information, and rental contracts. If your budget is tight, legal advice can help you present a complete calculation and lawful allowances.

What counts as adequate housing in Parchim

Adequate housing means that the home is suitable for the number of occupants and meets local standards for living space and facilities. The Ausländerbehörde usually asks for a rental contract and sometimes proof of living space. There is no universal square meter rule in the law, so you should be prepared to show that each person has reasonable space and that the dwelling is properly equipped.

Can my spouse or adult dependent work after arrival

In many family reunification cases, spouses receive open access to employment once the residence permit is issued. The exact work authorization will be printed on the residence card. Check the entry stating whether employment is permitted. If it is missing or restricted, you can request an amendment.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary. The embassy stage for the national visa can take several weeks to several months, depending on workload and security checks. After entry, scheduling and producing the residence permit card in Parchim adds more time. Start early, keep documents ready, and respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

Do foreign marriage or birth certificates need legalization

Often yes. Many countries require an apostille or consular legalization. Certified translations into German are required in most cases. If documents are difficult to obtain, seek legal guidance on alternative proofs or affidavits accepted by German authorities.

Do I need an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde in Parchim

Yes, appointments are typically required for filing and for collecting the residence permit card. The district authority for Parchim is the Ausländerbehörde Ludwigslust-Parchim. You can usually request appointments online, by email, or by phone. Bring your passport, biometric photos, registration certificate, proof of insurance, and all supporting documents.

What if the sponsor receives public benefits

Family reunification generally requires that the sponsor does not rely on certain basic social benefits. There are exceptions, for example for reunification with German citizens or recognized refugees within specific time frames. If benefits are involved, it is best to have a lawyer assess whether an exception applies and how to document it.

Can I bring my parents to live with me in Parchim

Parents can usually join only if the child in Germany is a minor and they have custody, or in exceptional hardship cases. Routine parent reunification to adult children is not generally available. Consider other residence options or consult a lawyer to evaluate hardship criteria.

Additional Resources

Ausländerbehörde Ludwigslust-Parchim. The district immigration authority handling residence permits, extensions, and work authorization for Parchim residents.

Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt Parchim. The residents registration office for address registration after arrival and for certificates needed in immigration files.

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees known as BAMF. Provides information on integration courses, language programs, and general guidance on residence and family reunification.

Federal Foreign Office known as Auswärtiges Amt. Publishes visa requirements and the national visa application process that starts at embassies and consulates.

Migration counseling services such as Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, and DRK. They offer free or low cost counseling on integration, language, and practical settlement issues.

Standesamt Parchim. The civil registry office that can assist with marriage registration matters and recognition issues related to civil status where applicable.

Next Steps

First, identify the eligible family relationship and verify the current status of the sponsor in Parchim. Collect core documents early, including passports, marriage or birth certificates with apostille or legalization, certified translations, rental contract, proof of income and employment, proof of health insurance, and confirmation of address registration for the sponsor. If a spouse needs A1 German, book a test date and collect proof of enrollment or certificates.

If the family member is abroad, complete the national visa application at the responsible German embassy or consulate and prepare for an interview. In some cases, the Ausländerbehörde Ludwigslust-Parchim can issue a pre-approval that helps speed up the visa. If the family member is already in Germany with a lawful status, ask the Ausländerbehörde whether a change of purpose is possible and what evidence is needed.

Upon arrival in Parchim, register the address promptly and book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde for the residence permit. Bring biometric photos and be ready to provide fingerprints for the residence card. Check the residence permit for the correct validity and work authorization once issued.

If you face obstacles such as missing documents, language requirement issues, borderline income, or a previous refusal, consult a lawyer experienced in German family immigration. A lawyer can prepare submissions, request exemptions or waivers, coordinate with the Ausländerbehörde and the embassy, and file appeals or objections within deadlines if needed.

Keep copies of everything you submit and every letter you receive, track timelines, and respond quickly to any authority request. Careful preparation and early action are the best ways to achieve a smooth family reunification process in Parchim.