Germany Dependant Visa (Family Reunion Visa) – Requirements & Application Guide

The Germany Dependant Visa helps families stay together by allowing spouses, children, and in some cases parents, to join their loved ones in Germany. It offers stability, security, and opportunities for dependants to build their lives alongside the main visa holder.

Key Highlights:

• Enables families to live together in Germany with legal residence rights.
• Spouses are often permitted to work, creating career opportunities.
• Children gain access to Germany’s high-quality education system.
• Dependants are covered by German health insurance, ensuring care and protection.
• The visa can lead to a long-term residence permit, aligned with the sponsor’s status.

What is a Germany Dependant Visa?

The Germany Dependant Visa, officially referred to as the Family Reunion Visa, is a residence visa that enables close family members to join their loved ones who are already residing in Germany. It applies to spouses, registered partners, and unmarried minor children of German citizens or foreign nationals with valid residence permits.

Often called the Germany Spouse Visa or Family Reunion Visa, this permit upholds the principle of family unity by allowing families to live together. Once granted, dependants can enter Germany and later obtain a residence permit that corresponds to the sponsor’s legal status.

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Who Can Apply for a Germany Dependant Visa?

The Germany Dependant Visa is designed to keep families together by allowing certain close relatives to join their loved ones living in Germany. Eligible applicants include:

• Spouse or Registered Partner – of a German citizen or a foreign national holding a valid residence permit in Germany.
• Minor Children Under 18 – including biological, adopted, or stepchildren who are unmarried.
• Parents of Minor German Citizens – in cases where the child lives in Germany and requires parental care.

Note: It is important to note that the rules may differ depending on whether the sponsor is a German or EU citizen, or a non-EU national. For example, joining a German or EU citizen often involves fewer requirements compared to joining a third-country national residing in Germany.

• When joining a German citizen or EU citizen, requirements such as financial proof or accommodation may be less strict, as EU law prioritizes family unity.
• When joining a non-EU national resident, applicants must often meet stricter conditions, including proof of sufficient income, accommodation, and sometimes language skills.

Eligibility Criteria for a Germany Dependant Visa

To qualify for a Germany Dependant Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements that demonstrate their ability to live in Germany under secure and stable conditions. Key eligibility criteria include:

• A1 German Language Proficiency – Spouses or registered partners are generally required to provide proof of basic German language skills. Exceptions may apply for highly skilled workers, EU Blue Card holders, or cases where learning German is not reasonably possible.
• Proof of Accommodation – The sponsor in Germany must show that there is adequate living space for the entire family, typically through a rental agreement or housing confirmation.
• Financial Stability – The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income or resources to cover the living expenses of dependants without relying on public funds.
• Valid Residence Status of Sponsor – The family member residing in Germany must hold a valid residence permit or be a German citizen.

Required Documents for a Germany Dependant Visa

When applying for a Germany Dependant Visa, applicants must prepare and submit a complete set of supporting documents. Providing accurate, translated, and legalized documents helps ensure smooth processing and reduces the risk of delays. The essential documents include:

• Completed Application Form – Filled online through the VIDEX platform.
• Valid Passport – Issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
• Two Biometric Passport Photos – Recent and compliant with German photo standards.
• Marriage or Birth Certificates – Officially legalized and translated into German, proving family relationship.
• Proof of Accommodation – Such as a rental agreement or housing confirmation from the sponsor.
• Proof of Income and Employment – Salary slips, employment contract, or other financial evidence from the sponsor.
• Health Insurance Coverage – Valid insurance proof for the dependant’s stay in Germany.
• German Language Certificate – For spouses or partners, typically A1 level, issued by a recognized institution.

Application Process for a Germany Dependant 

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

Book a visa appointment at the competent German Embassy/Consulate for your place of residence. Appointments are mandatory and may have lead times, so plan early.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application (VIDEX)

Fill out the visa application form online via the VIDEX system. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents, then print and sign the completed form.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Assemble all documents in the required order: valid passport, biometric photos, proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates, legalized and translated as needed), proof of accommodation, sponsor’s income/employment, health insurance, and (where applicable) A1 German certificate.

Step 4: Submit Your Application & Biometrics

Attend your appointment in person to submit the application, pay the fee, and provide fingerprints/biometrics. Incomplete files may be refused or delayed, so verify that all documents are included.

Step 5: Processing & Authority Review

Your file is forwarded to the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany for verification and approval. Processing times vary by post and case complexity; additional documents may be requested.

Step 6: Receive the Visa

If approved, the visa is stamped in your passport as a national (D) visa. Upon arrival in Germany, register your address and apply for a residence permit with the Ausländerbehörde to finalize your stay status.

Processing Fees for Germany Dependant Visa

Note: Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.

Processing Time for Germany Dependant Visa

The processing time for a Germany Dependant (Family Reunion) Visa is typically up to 12 weeks once a complete application with all required documents has been submitted. This timeline is based on official guidance from German embassies and consulates.

However, actual processing may take longer in some cases. The duration can vary depending on:

• The workload of the German embassy or consulate where the application is submitted.
• Verification requirements carried out by the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany.
• The need for document checks, translations, or legalizations.

Applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance and ensure that all documents are accurate, legalized, and translated if necessary. Submitting a complete application helps reduce delays and allows for smoother coordination between the embassy and the authorities in Germany.

Key Considerations for the Germany Dependant Visa

When applying for a Germany Dependant (Family Reunion) Visa, there are several important points applicants should be aware of:

• Language Requirement – In most cases, spouses or partners must demonstrate basic German language skills at the A1 level. This requirement ensures better integration and communication in daily life.
• Exemptions for Certain Applicants – Dependants of highly skilled professionals, such as EU Blue Card holders or researchers, may be exempt from the A1 language requirement. Exemptions also apply in situations where learning German is unreasonable due to health or special circumstances.
• Right to Appeal – If an application is refused, applicants have the legal right to appeal the decision. This can be done through an administrative remonstration with the embassy or, if necessary, by pursuing legal remedies through the courts in Germany.

Note: These considerations help applicants understand both the obligations and protections available during the visa process.

Benefits of the Germany Dependant Visa

The Germany Dependant (Family Reunion) Visa offers several advantages to eligible family members, ensuring security and long-term settlement opportunities. Key benefits include:

• Family Reunification – Allows spouses, registered partners, children, and in some cases parents, to join their family members in Germany and live together.
• Right to Residence – Dependants receive a residence permit that corresponds to the status of the sponsoring family member.
• Education Opportunities – Children are entitled to attend Germany’s schools and benefit from its high-quality education system.
• Access to Employment – In many cases, spouses and partners are permitted to work in Germany once their residence permit is granted.
• Pathway to Permanency – Dependants may eventually qualify for permanent residency and later German citizenship, provided they meet the residence and integration requirements.

Why Choose Y-Axis for Germany Dependant Visa?

Applying for a Germany Dependant Visa can be complex, involving strict documentation requirements, language proof, and consular procedures. Y-Axis provides end-to-end support to help families successfully reunite in Germany.

With Y-Axis, you can get:

• Expert Guidance on Documentation – Professional assistance in preparing, reviewing, and translating documents to meet German embassy standards.
• Language Test Preparation – Tailored support for spouses and partners preparing for the mandatory A1 German exam, increasing chances of success.
• Seamless Application Support – Help with completing forms, filing applications, and scheduling embassy or consulate appointments.
• Appeals and Reapplications – Guidance in case of refusals, including preparing remonstrations or reapplications to improve approval chances.
• End-to-End Assistance – From the first consultation to visa stamping, Y-Axis ensures a smooth process with personalized attention at every step.