Are there student dormitory options for families?

Yes, there are family dorms called Familienwohnung, but their numbers are limited, and the waiting period is long.

#Types of Family Dorms (Familienwohnung)

#Application

1. Apply to the Studierendenwerk in your city — select the "Familienwohnung" category in your application.
2. A marriage certificate and, if applicable, the child's birth certificate are required (sworn translation + Apostille).
3. You will be placed on a waiting list.

#Waiting Period

• Berlin, München: 12-24 months
• Köln, Frankfurt: 6-12 months
• Smaller cities (Bremen, Magdeburg, Halle): 1-3 months

#Cost

• 350-700 €/month (warm, generally not furnished)
• Rent increases if there is additional space/room per child

#Alternatives

• Social housing (Sozialwohnung): For low-income families, a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) document is required.
• Private rental apartment: Use the "Wohnung" filter on WG-Gesucht and ImmobilienScout24.
• Studentenwohnheim + adjacent room — a strategy to get a separate room for your spouse (not always permitted, check the dorm's policy).

If your spouse remains in Turkey, a Family Reunion (Familienzusammenführung) visa is required to bring them to Germany — this is a separate process.