Germany Family Reunion Visa 2026: Who Can Apply?

#Introduction

Germany attracts thousands of international students every year with the educational and career opportunities it offers. For many who dream of settling in Germany, this process is not just an individual step, but an important decision that shapes the future of the entire family. Especially for those who are already students or starting a new job in Germany, establishing a complete family life by bringing their spouse and children is one of their biggest desires. This is where the family reunification visa Germany process comes into play.

However, this process can bring with it many questions and difficulties. "How can my spouse and children come to Germany?", "Which documents are required?", "What are the language requirements?", "How do I ensure financial security?", "Is the process different for married students?" are some of the main concerns occupying the minds of applicants. As ApplyToGerman (AlmanyaUni), in this article, we will cover the family reunification visa Germany application process from start to finish in detail, providing a comprehensive guide focusing on the challenges faced by married students and families. Our goal is to guide you in realizing your dreams in Germany with your family and to make the process as transparent as possible.

#What is a Family Reunification Visa Germany? Who Can Apply?

A family reunification visa is a type of visa that allows a person legally residing in Germany to bring their spouse and/or minor children from Turkey to Germany. This visa may vary depending on the status of the family member in Germany (the reference person). Generally, individuals with one of the following statuses in Germany can apply for family reunification:

• German Citizens: The process is generally easier for spouses or parents who are German citizens.
• EU/EEA Citizens: Citizens of other EU/EEA countries living in Germany can also apply for family reunification.
• Blue Card Holders: The family reunification process is advantageous for EU Blue Card holders.
• Workers and Skilled Workers: Skilled workers with a residence permit working in Germany.
• Students: Students pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees in Germany can also bring their spouses and children if they meet certain conditions. This group is one of the main focuses of our article.
• Researchers and Scientists: Individuals conducting research or scientific work in Germany.

Although different documents and conditions are required for each situation, the basic principle is that the reference person in Germany must have a legal residence permit and be able to support their family.

#The Process for Students to Bring Spouses and Children to Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

For married individuals who are students in Germany or planning to go to Germany on a student visa, the process of bringing their spouse and children involves some special conditions and points to consider. This is one of the "problem areas" for many students and often leads to confusion.

#1. Basic Requirements and Documents

When applying for a family reunification visa Germany as a student, you must meet the following basic requirements and provide the following documents:

• Valid Residence Permit: You must have a valid residence permit as a student in Germany. If your visa has not yet been converted into a residence permit or its duration is limited, you may need to discuss this with the consulate.
• Sufficient Accommodation Space: You are expected to have a sufficiently large home in Germany where you can live with your family. This is documented by a rental agreement (Mietvertrag). Questions from the community such as "Should a four-person family with 2 parents and 2 children rent at least a three-room apartment in Germany?" show how important the accommodation requirement is. Although there is no official rule, minimum square meter standards per person and the habitability of rooms are important in Germany. Generally, for a two-person family, at least 45-50 square meters are expected, with an additional 10-15 square meters for each additional person. While there is no strict rule for children to have separate bedrooms, it is recommended for living standards. The local Ausländerbehörde may have different expectations in this regard.
• Health Insurance: Spouses and children coming to Germany must have valid health insurance in Germany. The AT11 form (overseas medical assistance document) obtained from Turkey may be accepted in certain situations, but statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) or private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung) in Germany are generally preferred. You should contact the relevant institutions to get information about the renewal process and validity of your AT11 insurance.
• Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificates: Your marriage and the existence of your children must be proven with official documents (international marriage certificate, birth certificates). These documents are required to be Apostilled and translated into German.

#2. Language Proficiency: A1 Level and Exceptions

A1 language proficiency is one of the most important requirements for a family reunification visa Germany and can be challenging for many applicants. The person coming to Germany as a spouse is required to provide an A1 level language certificate (issued by institutions such as Goethe-Institut, Telc, or ÖSD) demonstrating basic German language skills.

Why is the A1 requirement in place? Germany expects spouses to be able to communicate at a basic level and adapt to daily life when they arrive in the country, in order to promote integration.

Exceptions to the A1 Language Requirement: Although the A1 requirement is a general rule, in some cases this requirement may not be sought:

• If the Spouse in Germany is a German Citizen: If the spouse in Germany is a German citizen, the A1 language requirement may not be sought from the other spouse.
• Highly Qualified Individuals: If the spouse in Germany is an EU Blue Card holder or a highly qualified worker (for certain professional groups and income levels), an exemption from the language requirement may apply. This usually does not apply to students.
• Health Condition: Individuals who are unable to learn German due to a serious health problem may be exempt if they can prove this with medical reports.
• Clearly Impossible Situations: An exception may be made when it is proven that access to a language course in Turkey is impossible or very difficult (usually applicable to very rural areas).
• Spouses Who Will Pursue University Education in Germany: If your spouse also plans to come to Germany and pursue university education and has a university admission letter, the A1 requirement may not be sought. However, this situation requires a good understanding of the differences between a student visa and a family reunification visa.

Language requirement for children: There is no language requirement for minor children.

#3. Financial Security: The Biggest Problem Area for Students

Proving that a person who is a student in Germany can also support their spouse and children is one of the most critical and challenging stages of the process. The reference person in Germany must demonstrate that they have sufficient income to cover all living expenses (rent, food, insurance, education, etc.) for themselves and their family.

How to Ensure Financial Security?

• Sperrkonto (Blocked Account): This is the most common method for students. A student in Germany is required to show a certain monthly amount (currently around 992 Euro, this figure may change, current information should be checked on the consulate or German Foreign Office website) in a blocked account for their own living expenses. When applying for family reunification, this amount must also be shown separately for each family member. This means that for a student spouse + 1 child, approximately 3 times the amount (around 2800 Euro) may be required monthly in a blocked account. This requires significant savings.
• Verpflichtungserklärung (Declaration of Commitment): This is an official document obtained from the Ausländerbehörde by a third person living in Germany (usually relatives or friends) stating that they will cover all expenses for you and your family. The person providing this document must have sufficient income and credit score in Germany. The question from the community "do you have any information about the possibility of getting a visa if we request this from my spouse's father and apply for a visa this way?" emphasizes the importance of this issue. Yes, if your spouse's father lives in Germany and has sufficient income, he can obtain this document and it can increase the likelihood of getting a visa. This document is very important, especially for individuals who do not yet have a regular job or sufficient income in Germany (e.g., those receiving assistance from the Jobcenter).
• Your Own Income: If you have a legal work permit as a student in Germany and earn sufficient income through this, it can also be accepted as financial security. However, student work limits and the income earned may often not be sufficient to support the entire family.
• Jobcenter Assistance: The situation is a bit more complex for people living in Germany and receiving social assistance from the Jobcenter. The question "if I tell the Jobcenter that my spouse is coming when renting a house, will they allow me to rent a house accordingly?" summarizes this situation. The Jobcenter takes into account the number of your family members when paying rent, but when applying for a family reunification visa, the reference person in Germany (you) is expected to prove that you can support yourself. Receiving assistance from the Jobcenter can be a negative factor in terms of financial security for a visa application. In this case, providing additional guarantees such as a Verpflichtungserklärung would be beneficial.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#How did those who arranged their rental agreement beforehand do it, and how much does it cost?

Finding a home in Germany can be a challenging process, especially before arriving from Turkey. Some students start the process by arranging temporary accommodation through friends in Germany or universities (e.g., short-term apartment rental or temporary spot in a student dormitory). Then, after arriving in Germany, they look for a larger home where they can live with their families. Housing costs vary greatly depending on the city, size, and amenities. Rental costs are quite high in large cities (München, Hamburg, Berlin), while they may be more affordable in smaller cities. For a 2-bedroom apartment, you can expect an average of 800-1500 Euro (excluding Nebenkosten - utility costs). The deposit (Kaution) is usually 2-3 months' rent.

#My spouse is a German citizen but is in Turkey for education (student). We were going to apply for a 3-month family visit visa to Germany, but the person I consulted at the German Consulate said the probability of getting it was low (because my spouse does not have a formal regular income statement). They said they had no information about the Verpflichtungserklärung document. Do you have any information about the possibility of getting a visa if we request this document from my spouse's father and apply for a visa this way?

Yes, the Verpflichtungserklärung (Declaration of Commitment) is an official document obtained by a third person living in Germany with sufficient income (in this case, your spouse's father), stating that they will cover all expenses for the person coming to Germany. This document is very important for providing financial security in a visa application, especially if the reference person in Germany (your spouse) does not have a regular income or if it is insufficient. Your spouse's father can obtain this document from the Ausländerbehörde, and if it is included in the visa application, the probability of getting a visa increases significantly. It is surprising that the consulate officer had no information about this document, but it is widely used in visa processes.

#For a four-person family with 2 parents and 2 children renting a house in Germany, should it be at least a three-room house (separate children's bedroom)? Is there an official rule for this? Is there a rule for Anmeldung or other official matters afterwards?

There is no strict official rule such as "it must be a three-room house." However, in Germany, the Ausländerbehörde or local administrations require "sufficient living space" (ausreichender Wohnraum) during family reunification and residence registration (Anmeldung) processes. This generally refers to the square meters per person and the habitability of the rooms. Generally accepted standards are:

• At least 12-15 square meters per adult.
• At least 10 square meters per child.
• While it is not a mandatory rule for children to have separate bedrooms, it is recommended for a healthy living environment. For a four-person family, at least 60-70 square meters and a 3-room apartment (living room + 2 bedrooms) are generally considered sufficient. However, this can vary from Bundesland to Bundesland or even from city to city. It is advisable to get the most accurate information from the Ausländerbehörde of the city where you will reside.

#My spouse was called by the foreign police for a family reunification visa in Germany and asked to bring the rental agreement and passport. Has anyone encountered this situation?

Yes, people may encounter this situation. During the residence registration (Anmeldung) and residence permit application processes for individuals coming to Germany with a family reunification visa, the Ausländerbehörde or sometimes the local Polizei may check the accuracy of the residence address and whether the family reunification conditions are still met. The rental agreement (Mietvertrag) and passport are basic documents requested during these checks. This is usually a routine verification process and not a cause for concern, but it is important to submit the requested documents completely.

#Approximately how long is the waiting period after the appointment? I am a German citizen, my spouse is a Turkish citizen, but I do not yet have an income, job, etc. in Germany. If I tell the Jobcenter that my spouse is coming when renting a house, will they allow me to rent a house accordingly?

While being a German citizen facilitates the family reunification process for your spouse, your lack of income or a job in Germany can pose a problem in terms of financial security. Although the language requirement is not sought for spouses of German citizens, the requirement to support oneself applies.

• Visa Waiting Period: The visa waiting period after the appointment varies depending on the consulate's workload and the complexity of the application. Although the process is generally faster for spouses of German citizens, it can still take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
• Jobcenter and House Rental: If you are receiving assistance from the Jobcenter and inform them that your spouse is coming, the Jobcenter may approve renting a larger house based on your family size. However, during the family reunification visa application, you are expected to prove that you can support your spouse and yourself without Jobcenter assistance. In this case, providing an additional financial guarantee document such as a Verpflichtungserklärung obtained by your spouse's father will significantly increase your chances of visa approval. Assistance received from the Jobcenter may not be directly accepted as financial security in the visa application.

#My AT11 insurance is about to expire. How does the renewal process work, and what happens if I don't receive the document by the time the insurance expires? What documents are required for my family to get AT11 on my behalf, and which postal service can they use to send it?

AT11 insurance is a document issued by the SGK in Turkey and is valid for certain periods in Germany.

• Renewal Process: You need to apply to the SGK unit in Turkey for renewal before your AT11 document expires. The process is carried out with the documents specified by the SGK (student certificate, residence certificate, etc.).
• If You Don't Receive the Document: If you do not receive the new document when your insurance expires, you will be uninsured if you do not have statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) or private insurance in Germany. This situation is not legal in Germany and prevents you from benefiting from health services. Therefore, it is vital to start renewal procedures well before the expiration date or to make an alternative insurance plan.
• Your Family Getting AT11 on Your Behalf: For your family to obtain an AT11 document on your behalf, they generally need a power of attorney issued in your name and other documents requested by the SGK (your student certificate, passport photocopy, etc.). It is best to learn the full list of these documents and how the power of attorney should be from the SGK Directorates in Turkey. Regarding which postal service they can use to send the documents, reliable cargo companies (DHL, UPS, PTT Kargo, etc.) can be preferred.