Residence permit for the purposes of family reunion to a German spouse
General information
It is possible for a residence permit to be issued for family reunion with a German spouse. The residence can only be issued if both spouses are over 18 years of age.
Legal basis
§ 28 Section 1, Number 1 Residence Act
Documents/ forms to be submitted
You can submit this application completely online. If you are not able to use the online application, please use the "Residence permit application/Application for renewal of a temporary residence permit" (PDF 227 KB) and submit the documents by mail.
First issue
- Notice of marriage, first issue (see below)
- Visa for the purpose of family reunion (copy)
- Valid passport (copy)
- Identity document of the spouse (personal ID card/passport) (copy)
- Marriage certificate (in the case of marriages conducted abroad with German translation as well as apostille/legalisation - certificates issued by the EU regarding civil status do not need an apostille.) (copy)
- Rental contract (copy)
- Language certificate for German A1 (copy)
- Proof of having secured living costs (for example, work contract with 3 current pay slips) (copy)
Extension
- Notice of marriage in the case of extension (see below)
- Valid passport (copy)
- Rental contract (only if the address has changed) (copy)
Process and procedure
Please submit your application and related documents via online application. You will be invited to collect your biometric data after a decision has been made on your application. After the decision about your application, you will be invited to have your biometric data recorded.
Costs and fees
- Issue: 100 euros
- Extension: 93 euros
If you receive benefits from the Jobcenter (unemployment benefit II) or the Social Office (social assistance according to the Social Security Act XII), you may not need to pay the fees. You need to submit your current benefits letter (Leistungsbescheid) for this.
Payment possibilities:
- Paying by cash
- Paying by EC card
Paying by credit card possible