EU Family member residency in Germany
EU Family Member Residency in Germany is for those who are living in one of the EU countries and want to move to Germany with family members. Whether you’re bringing your spouse to Germany (if you are already in Germany), a registered partner, or dependent children, understanding the process of obtaining a residence card is crucial.
In this Blog
In this blog post, we will take you through the steps involved in moving to Germany as an EU family member and applying for a residence card in Germany as the spouse of an EU national. Let’s discuss each step one by one:
Step 1: Gathering Required Documents
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents for the application process. These documents are important to get EU family member residency or a residence card in Germany. This includes:
1. A completed application form (available from the local immigration office). It is also called “Angaben zur Ausstellung einer Aufenthaltskarte”.
2. Valid passports for all family members.
3. Marriage certificate or proof of partnership for spouses or registered partners.
4. Proof of your EU family member’s residence in Germany.
5. Current passport size picture.
6. Proof of proper relationship with the EU citizen (such as joint bank accounts, lease agreements, or utility bills)
7. Proof of your EU Spouse residency in Germany (such as a rental contract or employment contract). Try to include salary slips for last three month of your spouse.
Step 3: Registering Residence in Germany
When you reach Germany, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) within 90 days. During this registration process, you’ll provide your personal information and address in Germany.
If your partner is already in Germany, then you have to register yourself at the same residence address by visiting the local office with your spouse.
Step 4: Applying for a Residence Card
After registering your residence, the next step is to apply for a residence card (Aufenthaltskarte) at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Submit your application along with all required documents, including proof of your relationship with the EU citizen residing in Germany.
Attend the appointments at the Foreigners’ Registration Office and provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photo. Find your immigration offices by city in Germany
Important note for applying for a residence card
When you apply for the residence card, you and your spouse or partner should both visit the local Foreigners’ Registration Office together. When you submit your file at that time, the office may ask some questions about your marriage, social life, etc. Don’t worry, this is a standard procedure that you both have to follow. In an interview where they ask something, try to answer confidently and honestly without any hesitations.
Step 5: Waiting for Processing
Once you’ve submitted your application for EU family member residency in Germany, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed. Processing times can vary depending on various factors. However, in most cases, it will take up to 3 months to get a residence card based on an EU family member.
Step 6: Receiving Your Residence Card
Receive your residence card as an EU family member in Germany. The card is valid for a specific time, probably five years, which allows you to work independently and continue your life in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average processing time to obtain a German residence card based on an EU family member?
The average processing time for obtaining a residence card is around 3 months from the day you submit your application at the local immigration office in your city. While you may receive your residence card earlier in some situations, it typically takes around 8 weeks overall.
Is it important for the spouse to have employment in Germany?
If you are moving to Germany as the spouse of an EU citizen, it’s essential for your spouse to have a job. This demonstrates to the immigration office that you can support yourselves financially and contribute to society by paying taxes properly.
What questions are typically asked by the local immigration office in Germany for EU family members?
The questions asked by the immigration office can vary, but generally, they inquire about your social life and details related to your marriage, such as where and how you got married. If your spouse is not a national of an EU country, they may ask additional questions about your married life. The purpose is to ensure that all information provided is accurate and in order, which is a common practice.
What are the most frequently asked questions during a spouse interview for EU family members in Germany?
The questions asked during a spouse interview can vary depending on the immigration officer, but some common ones include:
- How do you get married, and where?
- How and when did you meet your spouse?
- Can you describe your relationship history and how it developed?
- Have you lived together before? If so, where?
- Do you have any children together?
- How do you and your spouse support yourselves financially?
- Do you share bank accounts or assets?
- Where do you plan to live in Germany?
- Can you provide details about your accommodation arrangements?
- Can you provide documentation to support your relationship, such as photographs, letters, or joint accounts?
- Do you have any additional documents to support your application for a residence permit?
How many pictures are needed for the immigration office?
In general, you need to have at least one picture with you at the immigration office. When you take pictures for immigration purposes, you usually receive four copies. So, we suggest you bring all these pictures with you. In most cases, they only need one picture, but if they ask for more, you can easily provide them.
Can non-EU family members of EU citizens obtain long-term residence?
Yes, if your spouse is a non-EU citizen and applies for a residence card on your behalf in Germany, they can receive a residence card valid for five years.
Can I work with an EU family member residence card in Germany?
Yes, you are allowed to work freely in Germany if you receive an EU family member residence card or spouse residency.
What is the cost of applying for an EU family member residence card in Germany?
If you are the spouse of an EU citizen applying for a residence card in Germany, you do not need to pay any fees. Spouses of EU family members are exempt from paying application fees for residence permits or cards.
How do I get an EU family member residence card in Germany?
The process of getting an EU family member residence card is given below:
- Check your eligibility.
- Complete your documents.
- Register yourself in Germany.
- Apply for a residence card by visiting the local immigration office.
- Wait for processing and any additional procedures, such as providing additional documents or interviews (in some cases).
- Collect your residence card.
Can I apply for permanent residency in Germany if I have an EU family member residence card?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in Germany if you complete your 5 years of residency in Germany as an EU family member or spouse of an EU family member. When you apply for the first time, you receive a 5-year residence card. After completing these five years properly, continuing to stay and work in Germany, and meeting all requirements, you can apply for a permanent residence card after the expiration of your initial 5-year residence card.
Is it easy to get permanent residency as the spouse of an EU family member?
Yes, you can easily obtain a permanent residence card if you have lived continuously with your spouse in Germany for five years and have been working there properly. Meeting this basic requirement makes you eligible for permanent residency (PR) in Germany. Therefore, if you fulfill this requirement, you should apply for permanent residency without any hesitation.
What are the basic requirements for a spouse visa for Germany as an EU family member?
The basic requirement is that your spouse must be working in Germany and have a valid work contract, along with a housing contract or proof of accommodation. It’s essential that your spouse is paying taxes properly. If your spouse has recently moved to Germany and you wish to join them, then your spouse must have a job with a tax history. Therefore, if you intend to move as a dependent, your spouse must have been working, paying taxes for at least 3 to 6 months (though not mandatory, it’s beneficial), and have a suitable residence where you’ll move as well.
Can I do business in Germany if I have an EU family member’s residence card?
Yes, you are free to do any job or start your own business in Germany with an EU family member residence card. You can open your own company and operate your business in Germany without any problems. Learn more about business in Germany.
Can I call my family to Germany if I have an EU family member residence card?
You can invite your family if you meet the requirements, such as having a proper job, accommodation, and being financially capable to support your family members in Germany. For example, if you want to call your spouse, father, or even brother to Germany, you need to fulfill the basic requirements. Once you meet these requirements, you can send an invitation letter to your family in your home country. They can then apply for a short-term visit visa or a visit visa to Germany.
What are the other options to invite family members to Germany?
If you have an EU family member residence card and want to bring your brother to Germany, you can consider applying for a visit visa. However, if the visa is rejected for any reason, there are some alternative options:
Germany job seeker visa (if your family member is a skilled individual).
Germany Business visa (in case of running a business in Germany).
Can I bring my spouse to Germany if I don’t have a job?
Yes, you can bring your spouse to Germany even if you’re not currently employed. However, it’s essential to ensure that you have sufficient financial resources to support both yourself and your spouse during your stay in Germany. Additionally, you’ll need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance coverage for both of you.
Can I apply for EU residence in Germany if my spouse is a student or pensioner?
Yes, you can still apply for EU residence in Germany even if your spouse is a student or pensioner. As long as you meet the other requirements and can demonstrate adequate health insurance coverage and financial means to support yourselves, you can apply for EU residence in Germany.
Besides Germany, which is the best country to apply for an EU family member residence card?
You can apply for an EU family member residence card in any European Union (EU) member country if you are the family member of an EU citizen. However, if you’re seeking an alternative to Germany, then Denmark is best option for you. Read more about the process and requirements for obtaining an EU family member residence card in Denmark
Disclaimer
While we make an effort to offer accurate and current information, it is advisable to independently verify the details on the official German immigration website for absolute accuracy and clarity.
Our blog’s objective is to offer helpful information and direction for completing the EU family member residence card application process. It is important to rely on the official resources and procedures outlined by the relevant immigration authorities to ensure the most precise and up-to-date information for your application.
What do we hope from you?
We hope that this blog post helps you understand the process of applying for and getting the EU Family Member Residence Card in Germany.
If you have any questions to ask, you are welcome to leave a comment below or get in touch with us at support@migratewisdom.com.
