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Applying 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 may be waived in certain cases.

As a rule, you must provide proof of basic language skills. With basic 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 for proof of language skills. For example, if the foreign national holds an EU Blue Card ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card, they do not have to provide proof of language skills. You can obtain information on the other exceptions to language skills from your competent authority.

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

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

Under certain circumstances, the immigration authority may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

Process flow

You must apply for a residence permit 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 a residence permit.
- If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your 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 approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
- The eAT card must always be collected in person.

Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary 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 substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
  • There is no interest in deporting you.
  • Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • The foreign person in Germany has a valid residence permit, settlement permit, EU permanent residence permit, EU Blue Card, ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card.
  • You and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18.
  • You can provide proof of basic language skills, if required.
  • Your spouse or partner has sufficient health insurance cover and financial means to provide for your family.
  • Your spouse or partner has successfully rented an apartment in Germany that offers sufficient space for your family.

Which documents are required?

  • Valid passportor passport substitute
  • Current biometric photo
  • Visa, if required
  • Residence permit of the foreign person in Germany to whom you are joining
  • In the case of family reunification for 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 checked for authenticity and accuracy of content by the German diplomatic mission abroad in the original language and in German translation
  • In the case of family reunification with a partner: partnership certificate
  • If applicable, proof of basic German language skills (A1 certificate)
  • Proof of health insurance cover
  • Proof of livelihood insurance
  • Proof of housing conditions (e.g. rental agreement or purchase contract with details of the number of square meters of living space)

What are the fees?

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

  • The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your valid visa expires.
  • Deadline: 1 month

Processing duration

Processing Time: 6 - 8 Weeks

Legal basis

Applications / forms

The decision of the immigration authority can be appealed to the court named in the decision.

Appeal

  • Forms: Forms can be obtained 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)

No competent authority found