Germany Family Reunion Visa for Spouses
Germany family reunion visa is for those who are planning to join their spouse in Germany. if you are from them and want to start your visa application process from their home country but don’t know how to begin or what the basic requirements for a German family reunion or spouse visa are. Don’t worry, we will guide you through everything here. Here is the step-by-step process for you:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before scheduling your appointment at VFS Global or the relevant German Mission, make sure you have all the necessary documents in hand for the Germany family reunion visa for spouses application. Here’s a checklist of documents you’ll typically need:
Basic requirements for spouse visa
1. Complete application form and declaration form with correct information,
2. Travel insurance and a valid passport.
3. Spouse visa application payment receipt of 75 euros.
Other Important Documents to Submit
These are the additional supporting documents for the German spouse visa that you need to submit:
Personal Covering Letter: Write a letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay in Germany.
Additional Questionnaire: Complete any additional questionnaires provided by the visa application center (If applicable)
Spouse’s Passport Copies: Include copies of your spouse’s passport, following the same criteria as above.
Certificate of Residence (Meldebescheinigung): Obtain a certificate of residence for your spouse living in Germany, issued no more than six months before the application date.
Spouse’s Residence Permit: If applicable, include a copy of your spouse’s residence permit.
Proof of Marriage: Depending on the type of marriage, provide relevant documents such as marriage registration certificates, Nikahnama (for Islamic marriages), or marriage certificates issued by licensed authorities (e.g., a marriage certificate in the case of a civil marriage). If you are married in a church or court, then you have to provide relevant official documents from the respective office.
Marriage Pictures: You should also provide your marriage ceremony pictures and attach them to your application for a Germany family reunion or spouse visa. If there is any other evidence, like chat or calls, then prove it if you want to make a positive decision.
Birth Certificate: Include your birth certificate issued under the relevant registration act.
Valid Travel Doc: Attach documents such as a national ID of your country with your application.
Academic Degree Certificate: Include copies of academic degree certificates, if applicable.
Proof of German Language Proficiency: In most cases, you’ll need to demonstrate basic German language skills (A1 level). Acceptable certificates include “Start Deutsch 1” from Goethe-Institute or equivalents.
Additional Documents: Additional documents such as invitation letters, employment contracts, or lease deeds may be required. These documents were provided by your spouse, who lives in Germany.
Monthly alimony payments: If your spouse is an EU citizen but lives in Germany, then you have to provide proof of monthly alimony payments within the last two years.
Step 3: Application Submission
Schedule an appointment with VFS Global or the relevant German Mission and submit your application along with the required documents for a Germany family reunion visa for spouses. Remember to take both the original documents and copies as per the instructions.Learn in detail about appointment
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After you submit your family reunion visa application for Germany, it’s processed by German immigration. This takes at least three months. Avoid asking again and again during this time, as your inquiries won’t be answered by immigration.
Step 5: Follow-Up the process
Follow up on your application status and reply to them if they need more documents or information. If they want to interview you, go and answer their questions about your relationship, marriage, etc. It’s usually straightforward.
Step 6: Collect Family Reunion Visa
Get your visa sticker if you applied from abroad by visiting embassies or through VFS. If you apply in Germany, then you will receive a residence card. Typically, a family reunion visa for spouses is issued for up to 6 months from abroad. After arriving in Germany, you can apply for a temporary residence permit based on your spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an A1 German language certificate if my spouse is not German?
If your spouse belongs to another EU country, you do not need to obtain an A1 certificate. The same applies if your spouse holds an EU Blue Card or is recognized as an asylum seeker.
Does the German Embassy verify documents for family reunions or spouse visas?
Yes, the German embassy verifies the documents you submit, especially for family reunion or spouse visas for Germany.
Does the German Embassy charge for document verification?
Yes, the embassy charges for document verification, and the cost varies from country to country. For example, if you are applying from Pakistan, the verification fee is around 50,000 Pakistani rupees. In India, the fees may range from Rs 2,000 to over Rs 40,000, depending on the complexity and origin of the documents.
Do I need to translate my documents for a German spouse visa?
If your documents are not in German or English, you must translate them with official sworn translators. Submitting documents in any other language may cause issues, so it’s advisable to provide them in German or English only.
What is the application cost for family reunion or spouse visas in Germany?
Generally, the application fee is 75 euros. However, if your spouse is not German and belongs to another EU country, you are exempt from paying the application fee for your visa.
Should I get all my documents ready before scheduling my visa appointment?
No, we recommend waiting until your visa appointment is confirmed before obtaining new documents. Due to long waiting times, some documents may expire before your appointment date. Focus on gathering up-to-date documents closer to your appointment to avoid the hassle of obtaining them repeatedly.
What should I do if my marriage certificate or other documents expire before my visa appointment?
Wait until your appointment is confirmed before renewing any expiring documents, especially the marriage certificate. Once your appointment is secured, ensure you have the most current versions of all required documents to present during your visa application.
Why is it important to wait for the visa appointment confirmation before updating documents?
Long waiting times for visa appointments can lead to documents expiring before your scheduled appointment. By waiting for confirmation before renewing documents, you ensure that they remain valid throughout the visa application process. This will save you time and effort in obtaining them multiple times.
Can I update my documents after scheduling my visa appointment?
Yes, you can update your documents after scheduling your appointment, but we advise against it due to potential document expiration. It’s best to wait for confirmation of your visa appointment before obtaining new, up-to-date documents to avoid any inconvenience or complications.
Can I also go to Germany to get married?
Yes, you can apply for a visa and go to Germany to get married if you receive a marriage date from the marriage office in Germany. However, you have to submit additional documents to the embassy and consulate, such as marriage date confirmation and a letter of obligation.
What is the “confirmation of the marriage date” and where do I get it?
The “confirmation of the marriage date” is a document known as “Anmeldung zur Eheschließung,” issued by the German registry office (“Standesamt”). It confirms your intended marriage date and is a crucial piece of documentation for your visa application.
How do I obtain the “letter of obligation” mentioned in the requirements?
To obtain the “letter of obligation” or “Verpflichtungserklärung,” you’ll need to reach out to the responsible Aliens’ Authority in Germany. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance on obtaining this document.
Can I take my kids to Germany?
Yes, you are allowed to take kids to Germany based on a family reunion visa. Remember that you have to apply for the kids as well at the embassy or consulate if you want to take them with you.
Should I pay an application fee for kids?
Yes, you have to pay the fee for kids too, which is around half of the total fee. That means the adult fee is 75 euros. While the fee for children (between 0 and 17 years) is half, which is 37,50 euros.
Why do I need these additional documents to get married in Germany?
These additional documents are required to ensure that your marriage plans in Germany are legally recognized. The confirmation of the marriage date confirms your intended wedding date. While the letter of obligation serves as a commitment from a sponsor in Germany to cover any potential costs related to your stay in the country,. These documents are essential to processing your visa application smoothly.
What should be a proof of marriage?
Depending on the type of marriage, you need to provide relevant documents to validate your marital status. Here’s what you’ll need:
Marriage Registration Certificate: If you had a civil marriage, obtain the official marriage registration certificate issued by the relevant government authority.
Nikahnama: For Islamic marriages, include the Nikahnama, which is the marriage contract signed by the bride, groom, and witnesses.
Marriage Certificate from Licensed Authorities: If you got married through other licensed authorities, ensure you provide the relevant marriage certificate issued by them.
Church Marriage Document: If your marriage took place in a church, submit the appropriate documentation provided by the church.
Court Marriage Documents: For marriages conducted in court, include the official documents issued by the court office.
What other options can I pursue if my German spouse visa is rejected?
You can apply for other visas to Germany, such as:
What is the visa processing time for a Germany family reunion or spouse visa?
The official processing time is around 3 months. However, it might be prolonged in some situations. So we suggest you not to hurry and allow the embassy to proceed with your case properly.
Does Germany offer PR to spouse?
Yes, Germany offers PR to you if you have a spouse visa or permit only when you complete the requirements for Germany Permanent residency based on your spouse.
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 Germany Family Reunion Visa or spouse visa 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 help you to understand the process of applying for and getting a Germany family reunion visa for spouses.
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.
