Reuniting with your spouse or registered partner in Germany is very achievable when you follow a clear plan. This guide explains who qualifies, how the process works in 2025, which documents to prepare, how to handle the A1 German requirement and exemptions, real-world timelines, and what to do after arrival to secure your residence permit and start working.
What the Germany Spouse Visa Is (and who it’s for)
Name and type: A national “Category D” long-stay visa for family reunification (Visum zum Familiennachzug). It leads to a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) after entry.
Who can sponsor:
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German citizens
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EU/EEA/Swiss citizens exercising free movement in Germany
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Non-EU residents in Germany with valid permits (e.g., EU Blue Card, skilled worker, researcher, settlement permit)
Who can apply:
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Legally married spouses or registered civil partners
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The marriage/partnership must be valid where concluded and recognized in Germany
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The relationship must be bona fide (genuine)
Basic outcomes:
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After entry and residence permit issuance, the spouse typically receives full work rights
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Permit duration generally aligns with the sponsor’s status and can be renewed
Key Eligibility Requirements (Sponsor and Applicant)
Sponsor requirements:
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Legal residence in Germany (citizen, EU/EEA/Swiss with free-movement rights, or non-EU with valid residence permit)
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Financial stability: enough regular income to support the household without relying on public funds (local thresholds vary by city, rent, and family size)
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Adequate housing: many offices look for roughly 12 m² per adult (about 24 m² for a couple) as a guideline, verified via tenancy agreement or deed
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Health insurance: the family member must be insurable (statutory family coverage or private insurance)
Applicant requirements:
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Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, 2+ blank pages, valid beyond planned stay)
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A1 German language certificate in most cases (Goethe/telc/ÖSD), unless exempt
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Legalized/apostilled marriage/partnership certificate with certified German translation
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No grounds for refusal under public order/security/health rules
Common A1 exemptions:
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Spouses of certain highly qualified permit holders (e.g., EU Blue Card), researchers, IT specialists, or those with a university degree indicating high integration potential
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Spouses of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (free movement cases)
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Documented medical reasons preventing language learning
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Some German-citizen cases may be eased depending on local authority practice (always check your mission’s page)
Step-by-Step Application Process (Abroad → Germany → Residence Permit)
Gather documents:
Applicant: passport, biometric photos, completed national visa form (via VIDEX), A1 certificate if required, travel health insurance for initial entry, legalized/apostilled and translated marriage certificate.
Sponsor: passport/ID or residence permit copy, recent Meldebescheinigung, 3–6 months of payslips or other income proof, employment contract or tax assessments, tenancy agreement/deed, health insurance proof.
Relationship evidence (optional unless asked): time-spaced photos, visit stamps/boarding passes, joint bills.
Book a visa appointment:
Schedule with the German embassy/consulate (or via VFS/TLS where used). High-demand posts can have waits—book early.
Complete and print your application:
Fill VIDEX, print, sign; prepare originals plus one to two complete A4 copy sets (no staples).
Visa interview and fee:
Attend with all originals and copies; provide biometrics. Long-stay visa fee is generally €75 (often waived for EU/EEA family cases).
Processing and local checks:
The embassy sends your file to the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) in the sponsor’s city. Typical processing is 8–12 weeks, but it can vary.
Visa issuance and travel:
If approved, you’ll receive a D-visa sticker, typically valid 3–6 months with multiple entries.
After arrival in Germany:
Register your address (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt within 1–2 weeks; get your Meldebescheinigung. Apply for your residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde before the D-visa expires; bring updated documents, insurance proof, and biometrics. You’ll receive your residence permit card (eAT)—often 1–3 years initially, renewable.
Documents Checklist (Print and use)
Applicant (for the embassy/consulate):
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Completed, signed national visa form (VIDEX)
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Passport (valid; 2+ blank pages) and 2 recent biometric photos
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Legalized/apostilled marriage/partnership certificate + certified German translation
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A1 German certificate (Goethe/telc/ÖSD) or exemption proof
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Travel health insurance covering the entry period
Sponsor (as copies; originals may be inspected later):
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Passport/ID or residence permit copy; recent Meldebescheinigung (≤6 months)
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3–6 months of payslips; employment contract/confirmation; latest tax assessment if available
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Tenancy agreement or deed showing adequate space (landlord confirmation if requested)
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Health insurance proof indicating family coverage options
Joint/relationship evidence (if requested):
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Photos over time/locations (brief captions help)
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Travel records (boarding passes, visas, stamps)
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Joint bills, bank statements, or lease (if applicable)
Pro tip: One organized folder with originals and two neat copy sets plus a one-page index sheet speeds the appointment.
A1 German Requirement (what counts and how to prep)
Accepted certificates:
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Goethe-Institut: Start Deutsch 1 (A1)
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telc: telc Deutsch A1
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ÖSD: Zertifikat A1
(Certificates are generally expected to be recent—often within one year.)
Preparation plan:
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Target 60–120 guided hours plus self-study to reach A1
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Practice everyday scenarios: introductions, appointments, shopping, transport, directions
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Focus on speaking; short role-plays help
If you may be exempt:
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Collect clear proof (sponsor’s permit type, your university degree, medical documentation). Even if exempt, starting German early helps with jobs, admin, and integration courses.
Financial and Housing Proof (what officers expect to see)
Income sufficiency:
Offices compare household income to local needs rates plus rent and insurance. Many couples clear the bar with a full-time net income roughly in the low–to–mid €2,000s, but this varies by city and rent.
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Employees: payslips (3–6 months), job contract, bank statements
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Self-employed: latest tax assessment, business registration, accountant letter, bank statements
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Savings may supplement borderline income
Housing adequacy:
Tenancy agreement or deed indicating size and occupancy allowance; many offices accept ≈12 m² per adult as a guide. Landlord confirmation may be requested.
Health insurance:
If the sponsor is in statutory insurance, family members often qualify for family coverage after arrival; otherwise arrange private coverage.
Processing Times and Fees (2025 reality check)
Typical timelines:
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Embassy filing → local authority check: ~8–12 weeks
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Visa issuance → travel: within 3–6 months visa validity
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Arrival → residence permit: appointment availability varies (weeks to a few months); provisional confirmation may be issued while the card is produced
Fees you’ll encounter:
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National visa fee: generally €75 (often waived for EU family cases)
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Legalization/translation costs: vary by country
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Residence permit fee after arrival: varies by city and permit length
After Arrival: First 30–60 Days Checklist
Week 1–2:
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Register address (Anmeldung)
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Open a bank account (if needed)
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If on statutory insurance via the sponsor, submit family coverage application
Weeks 2–6:
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Ausländerbehörde appointment for the residence permit (bring passport, Meldebescheinigung, insurance, marriage certificate, sponsor’s updated documents)
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Integration course assessment (if recommended/required)
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Tax ID (usually auto-issued after Anmeldung) and start job search if desired
Work rights:
Family reunification permits usually allow unrestricted employment or self-employment; your eAT typically states “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet”.
Interview Tips and Common Questions
Typical questions: how/when you met, wedding details, time spent together, daily communication, where you’ll live, work plans, language plans, sponsor’s job and housing.
How to answer well: be concise and consistent with documents, keep it natural (don’t over-rehearse), and if you don’t know something, say so rather than guessing.
Frequent Issues (and how to fix them)
Long appointment waits: check neighboring consulates if allowed; monitor new slots; have a complete file ready to grab the first opening.
Weak financial proof: add savings statements; include a signed contract or employer letter; if self-employed, attach tax notice + accountant letter summarizing net income.
Language certificate problems: if your certificate is older/borderline, retake quickly at an accepted provider or document your exemption precisely.
Housing shortage in big cities: consider temporary accommodation and provide a tenancy commitment letter or sublease confirmation while you search.
Practical Templates You Can Copy
Embassy cover note (top sheet):
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Applicant name, passport number, appointment date
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Sponsor name, address in Germany, permit type
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Numbered checklist of enclosed documents (noting originals + copies)
Relationship evidence index:
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Section A: Photos with captions (date/place/people)
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Section B: Travel records (boarding passes, visas)
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Section C: Communication logs (sample screenshots by month/quarter)
Email to Ausländerbehörde (after arrival):
Subject: Family Reunification Residence Permit – Appointment Request
Hello, I entered Germany on a national D-visa for family reunification on [date] and completed my Anmeldung on [date]. I would like to schedule an appointment to apply for my residence permit. Attached are my Meldebescheinigung, passport ID page, visa, and proof of insurance. Please confirm the earliest available date. Thank you.
Special Situations
EU/EEA/Swiss sponsors: usually simplified—A1 generally not required; apply for a residence card (Aufenthaltskarte) after arrival with proof of free movement (employment/enrolment, insurance, sufficient means).
German citizen who lived in another EU state: the “Surinder Singh” route may apply (EU family rules); ask your local authority which framework fits your case.
Refugee/subsidiary protection sponsors: early reunification can relax some requirements; check embassy guidance.
Same-sex marriages/registered partners: recognized for reunification—ensure certificates are legalized/apostilled and translated.
FAQs
Do I have to show A1 German? Usually yes, unless you fall under a listed exemption (e.g., EU Blue Card spouse, researcher, documented medical issue, EU family case).
Can I work as soon as I arrive? Yes. D-visas often note work rights, and your residence permit typically confirms “employment permitted”.
How much income is “enough”? There’s no single nationwide number; officers weigh household size, rent, and insurance. Strong, clear financials remove doubt.
How long does the process take? Around 8–12 weeks for visa processing, plus local residence-permit timing after arrival.
Do I need originals or copies? Bring originals plus one to two full A4 copy sets. Avoid staples and label each section.
Clear Next Steps
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Confirm your eligibility route (German citizen, EU/EEA/Swiss, or non-EU resident sponsor).
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Build your document pack: passports, legalized/apostilled and translated marriage certificate, A1 certificate or exemption proof, sponsor’s payslips/contract/Meldebescheinigung/tenancy/insurance.
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Book your embassy/consulate appointment and complete VIDEX.
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Prepare a tidy, indexed bundle and a short cover note.
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Attend the interview, then track processing with your case number.
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On approval, travel, complete Anmeldung, arrange health insurance, and apply for your residence permit.
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Start integration steps (language course, recognition of qualifications, job search).