Germany Dependant Visa – Complete Guide for UK Residents

For UK residents planning to join family in Germany, this guide explains the application process for a German Dependant Visa, which allows you to live, work, or study with your loved ones during their stay.

• In 2024, Germany issued over 40,000 dependant visas globally.
• The typical processing time is three to six months and varies with the relationship.
• Approved spouses and registered partners can work in Germany.
• Children under 18 can attend public schools in Germany without tuition fee.
• Most spouses must show they know basic German (A1 level) unless they meet an exception.

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What is a Germany Dependant Visa?

A Germany Dependant Visa is a long-term visa that allows immediate family members of legal residents or citizens in Germany to live with them. This visa is usually given to spouses, registered partners, and minor children of foreign nationals who are working, studying, or living in Germany.

It helps families stay together and ensures that dependants can legally live in Germany as long as the primary visa holder. Dependants may also be allowed to work, study, and use public services in Germany, which varies based on the relationship and type of visa.

Why Apply for a Germany Dependant Visa?

A Germany Dependant Visa lets families reunite and live together legally if a member works, studies, or lives in Germany. It gives spouses, partners, and kids a safe, legal way to join their relatives and share in Germany's social, economic, and cultural life.

• Gives close family members legal residency in Germany.
• Lets spouses or partners work in Germany without new permits.
• Gives dependant access to public schools and healthcare.
• Improves family stability and support while abroad.
• Could lead to permanent residency for the whole family later.

Types of Germany Dependant Visas

Germany provides several visa types for dependants, based on their relationship to the sponsor and the sponsor's status. The primary types of Germany Dependant Visa are:

• Spouse or Registered Partner Visa
• Dependant Child Visa
• Visa for Other Family Members

Spouse or Registered Partner Visa

The Germany Spouse or Registered Partner Visa lets a legally married spouse or registered life partner of a foreign national living in Germany come live with them for a while. This visa falls under Germany’s family reunification program and is for cases where the sponsor is a German citizen, EU national, or a third-country national with a valid residence permit.

Individuals applying need to show proof of an actual and legally accepted relationship and usually need to have basic German language skills (A1 level). If approved, spouses or partners can usually live and work in Germany as long as their sponsoring partner's residence permit is valid.

Dependant Child Visa

The Germany Dependant Child Visa is a permit that allows unmarried children under 18 to live with their parents in Germany. It helps families stay together, letting children live with their parents, study in Germany, and access healthcare.

To get this visa, the parent in Germany needs to have a valid residence permit, sufficient money and housing, and proof that they are related to the child, like a birth certificate. Once approved, children can go to public schools and get medical care. This shows Germany cares about childre well-being and education.

Visa for Other Family Members

The German visa for other family members is a specific type of family reunification visa. It is for relatives outside the immediate family, like adult children, parents, grandparents, or other Dependants. This visa is only given in unusual situations, usually for humanitarian reasons, medical needs, or cases of great difficulty.

Individuals applying must show credible proof that they are required in Germany for the emotional, physical, or financial support of the family member who lives there. The dependants can apply for work permits for legal employment in Germany.

Who Can Apply for a Germany Dependant Visa from the UK?

To be eligible for a Germany Dependant Visa, those living legally in the UK can apply to live with a close family member in Germany. This includes UK citizens and foreign people who have permission to live in the UK. Those who can apply are usually spouses, registered partners, and unmarried children under 18 of German citizens; EU citizens who live in Germany; or people from other countries who have permission to live in Germany.

Candidates applying must prove they have a legal family relationship with their sponsor in Germany, as a spouse, registered partner, or Dependant child. They also need to have legal permission to live in the UK, like citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, or a valid visa. It is vital to meet the requirements and submit all documents completely and correctly for the application to go well.

Germany Dependant Visa Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to apply for Germany Dependant Visa are given below.

• Be the legal spouse, registered partner, or dependant child (under 18) of a legal resident of Germany.
• Provide official documents to prove the relationship (like a marriage or birth certificate, or partnership registration).
• Have a valid passport and a UK residence permit, if needed.
• Your sponsor must demonstrate that they have adequate income and suitable housing in Germany.

Spouses may need to show basic German language skills (A1 level).

 

Germany Dependant Visa Requirements

The documents required to apply for a Germany Dependant Visa are given below.

• A filled-out visa application form.
• A valid passport, along with recent biometric photos.
• Proof of your relationship, like marriage or birth certificates.
• Evidence of your sponsor's status, such as their residence permit, work contract, and health insurance info.
• Your sponsor's income proof and rental contract.
• If needed, a basic German language certificate (A1 level).
• Official translations for any documents that are not in German or English.

Germany Dependant Visa Fees

Detailed information about the fees for Germany Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Category	Applicant Type	Fee (EUR)
Spouse or Registered Partner Visa	Adult	€ 75
Dependant Child Visa	Child under 18	€ 37.50
Other Family Members Visa	Adult	€ 75
Other Family Members Visa	Child under 18	€ 37.50
Biometric Collection (if required)	All applicants	Included

Germany Dependant Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Germany Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Average Processing Time
Spouse or Registered Partner Visa	3 to 6 months
Dependant Child Visa	3 to 5 months
Other Family Members Visa	4 to 8 months

How to Apply for a Germany Dependant Visa from the UK?

The process to apply for a Germany Dependant Visa from the UK is given below.

Step 1: Determine the type of Germany Dependant Visa you want to apply for.
Step 2: Organize the required documents to apply for the German Dependant Visa.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled visa application form.
Step 4: Attend the visa interview and submit the biometric information.
Step 5: Receive your Germany Dependant Visa.

Germany Dependant Visa Validity and Conditions

• The visa's validity extends to a year, matching the sponsor's residence permit duration.
• Renewal is possible as long as the sponsor remains a resident.
• Spouses or registered partners usually get complete work rights, and children are allowed to create bank and health accounts.
• To keep the visa active, you need to have valid health insurance and follow German laws.

Can Dependant Visa Holders Work or Study in Germany?

Yes, dependant visa holders can work or study in Germany. Spouses or partners generally have open access to the German job market and can work without needing a special permit. Children who are Dependants can attend kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools without tuition. For university studies, a student visa or permit might be needed, depending on the program and how long they plan to stay.

Tips for a Successful Germany Dependant Visa Application

• Offer detailed proof of your relationship through photos and communication logs.
• Show proof of the sponsor’s income and stable housing.
• Get an A1 level German language certificate.
• Supply certified translations for documents not in English or German.
• Begin the application process early, about 3–6 months before you plan to travel.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a top immigration and visa consultancy that has been helping people move to new countries for more than 25 years. We give customized support to make sure everything is done right, from getting the documents together to sending in the application.

Our services include:

• Help figuring out if you are able to apply and what kind of visa you need.
• Guidance for getting your documents ready and making sure you have everything.
• Assistance in filling out forms and checking your application.
• Language courses to help you learn German (A1 level).
• Providing support after you get your visa, like giving advice on moving and settling in.