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Apply for a residence permit for the spouse to join foreigners

Service Description

The residence permit can be issued if you and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18, although the minimum age can be waived in certain cases.

As a rule, you must prove that you have basic language skills. With simple language skills, you should be able to communicate in German in a simple way in everyday life, for example asking for directions, shopping and introducing yourself. There are several exceptions to the requirement of proving language skills. For example, if the foreign person is in possession of a Blue Card EU ICT card or Mobile ICT card, then you do not have to prove language skills. You can get the information about the other exceptions of language knowledge from your competent authority.

The residence permit for family reunification is a temporary residence title. It is issued for the period of validity of the family member's residence title in Germany - for at least one year. If the residence title of the foreign person living in Germany is valid for less than one year, the residence permit is also issued for the shorter duration.

The issued residence permit for family reunification entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment.

Under certain circumstances, the Aliens' Registration Office may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

Process flow

The residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

- Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
- If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). For the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card) your fingerprints will be taken.
- In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- If your application is granted, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Aliens' Registration Office.
- The eAT card must always be collected in person.

Fees are charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority.

Who should I contact?

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

Competent authority

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

Requirements

  • You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
  • There is no interest in deportation against you.
  • Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • The foreign person in Germany holds a valid residence permit, settlement permit, permanent residence permitEU, EU Blue Card, ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card.
  • You and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18.
  • You can prove simple language skills, if required.
  • Your spouse or life partner has sufficient health insurance coverage and financial means to provide for your family.
  • Your spouse or life partner has successfully rented an apartment in Germany that offers sufficient space for your family.

Which documents are required?

  • Valid passportor passport replacement
  • Recent biometric photo
  • Visa, if required
  • Residence title of the foreign person in Germany to whom the family reunification is taking place
  • In the case of family reunification with the spouse: international marriage certificate as an officially certified copy or marriage certificate in the original language as an officially certified copy or marriage certificate in the original language and in German translation verified by the German mission abroad for authenticity and correctness of content.
  • In the case of family reunification with a life partner: partnership certificate
  • If necessary, proof of basic German language skills (A1 certificate)
  • Proof of health insurance coverage
  • Proof of livelihood
  • Proof of living conditions (e.g. rental contract or purchase contract with details of the square meterage of the living space)

What are the fees?

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

  • The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiration of your still valid visa.
  • Flage period: 1 month

Processing duration

Processing Time: 6 - 8 Weeks

Legal basis

§ 29 i.V.m. § 30 Residence Act

Applications / forms

An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.

Appeal

  • Forms: You can obtain forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
  • Online procedure occasionally possible
  • Written form required: yes
  • Personal appearance required: yes

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection (TMMJV)

Professionally released on

15.12.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)

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