Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Stade

About Dependent Visa Law in Stade, Germany

In Germany, a dependent visa is commonly called family reunification. It allows certain family members to join a person who is already living in Germany with lawful status. In Stade, which is in the state of Lower Saxony, the local immigration authority that processes residence permits for dependents is the Auslaenderbehoerde of Landkreis Stade. If the family member is still abroad, the process usually starts with a national visa application at the German embassy or consulate in the country of residence. After arrival in Stade, the family member applies for a residence permit as a dependent.

German law provides for family reunification for spouses or registered partners, minor children joining their parents, and parents joining an unaccompanied minor. The exact rules and documents depend on the status of the sponsor in Germany, such as German citizen, EU citizen, Blue Card holder, skilled worker, student, or person with protection status.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many applications are straightforward, but legal help can be crucial in more complex situations. A lawyer can assist if documents are missing or hard to obtain, if your marriage or birth certificates need legalization or apostilles, or if there are doubts about document authenticity. Legal support is also valuable if a spouse cannot meet the basic language requirement, if income or housing is borderline, or if you need to show special hardship to qualify for an exception.

You may also benefit from legal advice if there is a previous visa refusal, past overstays, a criminal record, or if a child is involved and custody or consent from the other parent is required. Special categories such as family members of refugees, holders of subsidiary protection, or EU citizens have different rules. If an authority refuses your application, a lawyer can guide you through remonstration or court proceedings and help manage deadlines and evidence. Local practitioners know how the Auslaenderbehoerde in Stade applies federal rules in practice and how to prepare for embassy interviews.

Local Laws Overview

Family reunification in Germany is regulated mainly by the Residence Act, sections 27 to 36, along with related regulations. In Stade, the local Auslaenderbehoerde applies these federal rules. Key points include who qualifies as a family member, whether the sponsor has the right residence status, and whether general requirements are met. These typically include a secure livelihood without reliance on certain public benefits, adequate health insurance, valid passports, and adequate living space. Adequate living space is assessed case by case according to local standards. Many documents must be translated by sworn translators, and foreign civil status documents often need legalization or an apostille.

Spouses usually must be at least 18 years old and may need to show basic German language skills at level A1 before entry. There are exceptions for well qualified sponsors such as EU Blue Card holders, for highly skilled workers, and in hardship cases. For recognized refugees, some requirements like language may be waived. For spouses of German citizens, the livelihood requirement is generally not applied as a strict condition, but authorities will still review health insurance and living space.

If the sponsor is an EU or EEA citizen living in Germany, family members who are not EU citizens usually receive a residence card under freedom of movement rules. If the sponsor is a student, family reunification is possible for spouses and minor children if the student can support the family and provide housing and insurance. For Blue Card holders and many skilled workers, spouses are typically granted the right to work upon arrival.

The process often has two stages. First, the family member abroad applies for a national visa for family reunification. The mission abroad consults the Auslaenderbehoerde in Stade before a decision. Second, after entry, the family member registers their address and applies for a residence permit card with biometrics. Processing times can vary and may take several months. Fees apply for the visa and for the residence permit. If an application is refused by a mission abroad, one can usually file a remonstration. If an application is refused in Germany, court action may be possible. A local lawyer can advise on the correct procedural route in Lower Saxony.

Family members often have access to integration courses, and many dependent residence permits include permission to work. If a marriage ends, a spouse may in some cases keep an independent right of residence after a period of lawful cohabitation in Germany or in hardship situations. Always check individual circumstances early to avoid gaps in status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for family reunification in Stade

Typically spouses or registered partners, minor unmarried children joining their parents, and parents joining an unaccompanied minor qualify. Other relatives only in exceptional hardship cases. The sponsor in Stade must have a qualifying residence status, such as German citizen, EU citizen, Blue Card holder, skilled worker, student, or protection status holder.

Do spouses need German language skills before entry

In many cases spouses must show basic German at A1 level before the visa is issued. There are exceptions, for example for spouses of EU Blue Card holders, for certain highly skilled workers, for spouses who cannot reasonably learn the language abroad, and for some protection cases. Embassies and the Auslaenderbehoerde will assess whether an exception applies.

How much income do we need to show

You must usually prove a secure livelihood without relying on certain public funds. The exact amount depends on family size, rent, health insurance, and the sponsor status. Pay slips, an employment contract, and a rent contract or proof of housing are standard. A lawyer can estimate whether your income meets local expectations in Stade.

Is health insurance required

Yes. In Germany, health insurance is mandatory. Family members must be covered by statutory public insurance, family co insurance if available, or private insurance that meets German standards. Proof of coverage is part of the application.

Can the dependent work in Germany

Often yes. Spouses of German citizens, EU Blue Card holders, and many skilled workers are granted unrestricted access to employment. Other spouses may need their permit to include a note that employment is permitted. Children of school age can attend school. Always check the wording on the residence permit.

How long does the process take

Time lines vary by embassy workload and local processing. It is common for the visa stage to take several weeks to several months. After arrival, the residence permit card may take additional weeks. Apply early, keep documents current, and respond quickly to any requests.

What documents are usually required

Expect to provide passports, marriage or birth certificates, proof of housing and income, health insurance proof, registration of the sponsor in Stade, photographs, and language certificates if required. Foreign documents often need legalization or apostille and certified German translations.

Where do we apply

If the family member is abroad, apply for a national visa for family reunification at the German embassy or consulate responsible for the place of residence. After arrival in Stade, register the address and apply for the residence permit at the Auslaenderbehoerde of Landkreis Stade.

What if our application is refused

You can usually file a remonstration with the mission abroad for a visa refusal and provide additional evidence. If a refusal occurs in Germany, there may be options for court proceedings. Deadlines are short. Seek legal advice promptly to choose the correct strategy and protect your rights.

Do we need to show specific apartment size

You must show adequate living space for your family according to local standards. Authorities look at the number of rooms, square meters, and household members. There is no single nationwide number for every case. Present your lease and a landlord confirmation if available.

Additional Resources

Auslaenderbehoerde Landkreis Stade for residence permits after arrival in Stade. Einwohnermeldeamt in Stade for address registration. Standesamt in Stade for questions on recognition of marriages. German embassies and consulates for national visa applications. Federal Office for Migration and Refugees for integration courses and general guidance. Welcome Center Niedersachsen for information on working and living in Lower Saxony. Local migration counseling services such as Caritas, Diakonie, and Jugendmigrationsdienste for free advice and language support.

Next Steps

Start by identifying the sponsor status and the eligible family members. Gather civil status documents early and arrange any needed legalization, apostille, and certified German translations. Check income, housing, and insurance. If a spouse needs A1 German, enroll in a course and book a test well in advance.

If the family member is abroad, book an embassy appointment and prepare a complete application package. The sponsor in Stade should be ready to respond to the Auslaenderbehoerde with confirmation of income, housing, and insurance. Keep copies of everything you submit and note all deadlines.

If your situation involves complexities such as prior refusals, custody issues, health or hardship concerns, or tight finances, consult a lawyer experienced in family reunification in Lower Saxony. A lawyer can assess risks, request applicable exceptions, communicate with the Auslaenderbehoerde in Stade, and represent you in any appeal. Acting early reduces delays and improves the chance of a smooth reunification.