Family reunification for skilled workers
Updated:
If you are a skilled worker from another country and would like to work and live in Germany or already live in Saxony, you can bring your family to Saxony under certain conditions.
General requirements (non-EU countries)
If you come from a country outside the European Union (so-called third country), you can bring your family to Germany if
- your family community is maintained,
- the livelihood of the entire family is secured and
- there is sufficient living space for everyone.
Which family members are allowed to join you?
In principle, family reunification is only possible for spouses or registered partners and minor children. Different conditions apply:
- Both persons must be at least 18 years old.
- The marriage must be valid in Germany.
- There must be sufficient living space available.
- The livelihood must be secured.
- Spouses of international skilled workers do not have to provide proof of German language skills.
- Children under the age of 16 may join their parents without any special requirements.
- From the age of 16, the following applies: The child must provide proof of German language skills at level C1 or have already attended a German school in their country of origin, for example.
- You must have custody of the child.
If your child is born in Germany, it will automatically receive a residence permit if you have a residence permit yourself.
In certain cases, your parents or parents-in-law can also come to Germany. However, certain conditions apply. In any case, you must prove that your parents or parents-in-law are able to support themselves.
Application for family reunification
Your family members require a visa to enter Germany. This must be applied for at the relevant German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the country of origin.
Important information
1 Entering Germanytogether with your family: If you apply for a visa as a recognized skilled worker, your family can come to Germany together with you. If you submit the visa applications at the same time, they will usually be processed together.
2. family reunification in the accelerated procedure for skilled workers: If you use the accelerated skilled worker procedure, your family can also be included in the procedure.
Important: This should already be stated when concluding the agreement with the immigration authority, but at the latest by the time the preliminary approval is issued.
3. dependence on the residence title: The residence title of your family members is closely linked to your residence status. As a rule, it is only possible to extend your residence permit as long as you live together as a family.
Family reunification with EU citizens
Family reunification with EU citizens is generally possible if the family members joining them are able to support themselves and have sufficient health insurance cover. Further information on family reunification with EU nationals can be found at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
Your family members joining you may work in Germany without restriction.
