Family Reunion Visa for Germany

The current processing time for a German dependent visa generally ranges from 12 weeks to 6 months or longer. The exact timeline can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of visa, the accuracy of the documents, and other factors. The processing time from India typically takes a minimum of three months.

The most reliable and accurate place to find the document checklist for a German dependent visa is the website of the German Missions in India, which provides the most up-to-date PDF checklists for different visa categories. Since visa applications in India are processed through VFS Global, their website is also a trusted source for the correct checklist based on the visa type and the country you are applying to.

To schedule an appointment for a German Dependent Visa, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the German Mission in your country

Step 2: Register on the appointment booking system

Step 3: Select the visa category

Step 4: Fill in the applicant details, including passport details and contact details.

Step 5: Choose an available date and time slot for your visa interview

Step 6: Receive the appointment confirmation

Note: Appointment for dependent visas is in high demand, so slots may take several weeks or months to become available. It is recommended that you book well in advance.

There are two main costs associated with applying for a Germany dependent visa: the visa application fee paid to the German government and the service fee paid to VFS Global, which costs around 21 to 28 euros.

The fees associated with the visa application fee paid to the German government are listed below:

Here are the requirements for extending a German dependent visa to a residence permit:

• Valid dependent visa
• Proof of accommodation
• Evidence of Financial Stability
• Health Insurance
• Marriage/Birth Certificate
• Registration in your local German city
• Application forms and fees
• A1 German language certificate may be required for some applicants.

Once you have a dependent visa and a residence permit in Germany, you can apply for German citizenship through naturalization. You can find official information about applying for German citizenship after a dependent visa on these sources:

• Federal Ministry of the Interior, Germany, Naturalization Section
• German government service portal
• Local German Immigration Office

When applying for a German-dependent visa from another country, you must provide proof of health insurance.

The options for health insurance coverage are:

• Public Health Insurance: If the sponsor in Germany has public insurance, dependents are usually covered under family insurance.
• Private Health Insurance: It is required if the sponsor is privately insured or has dependents who don't qualify for public insurance.
• Travel Health Insurance: For visa application purposes, short-term travel health insurance is often required until the residence permit is issued
• Student/Researcher Insurance Plans: Affordable special plans are available for dependents if the sponsor is a student or researcher.

When applying for a German dependent visa, securing accommodation is a crucial step.

Here are some reliable resources to help you find suitable housing:

• ImmobilienScout24: One of Germany's largest estate platforms, offering a wide range of rental listings nationwide.
• WG-Gesucht: Ideal for finding shared rooms, especially in major cities.
• Housing Anywhere: A platform catering to international students and professionals, providing mid-term rental options
• Nestpick: Offers a curated selection of furnished apartments suitable for expats and students.
• Spacest: Features listings that allow official registration, which is essential for visa and residence permit applications.

To be eligible for a dependent visa for Germany, you must fulfill certain criteria, such as being related to a German citizen or an EU Blue card holder or a residence permit holder, being above 18 years of age, providing proof of sufficient funds, and submitting evidence of your relationship with the sponsor.

Given below is the step-by-step process to get a Family Reunion or Dependent visa for Germany:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible for a dependent visa in Germany

Step 2: Arrange the required list of visa documents

Step 3: Schedule a visa appointment at the nearest German consulate

Step 4: Submit the visa application

Step 5: Complete the visa fee payment

Step 6: Await the dependent visa status

Yes, dependents, such as registered partners or spouses, are allowed to work in Germany, provided they apply for a residence permit that allows them to work legally there. With a residence permit, dependents can get legal access to work in Germany. Once the spouse enters Germany with a family reunion visa, they will be given a period of three months to convert the dependent visa to a residence permit for spouses.

Any adult who comes to Germany on a family reunion visa can work according to German law. However, there are a few conditions that the relative they are joining must comply with:

• Must have a residence permit which authorizes employment
• Must have an EU Blue Card
• Must be a highly skilled person or be employed as a researcher

You can get Germany PR via the Germany Family Reunion Visa upon eligibility.

Your stay in Germany will depend on the validity of your sponsor’s residence permit.

You will need an A1 level of German language proficiency to be eligible for a Germany Family Reunion Visa.

Unmarried dependent children over the age of 18 years can be sponsored on a Germany Family Reunion Visa in exceptional hardship cases or if they are differently abled.

Yes. You will require a Germany family reunion visa for entering Germany to join your relative, partner or spouse. Later, a residence permit will also be issued to you from the Alien’s Authority in Germany. The validity of the permit will be till the family member, spouse or partner of the applicant is living in Germany.

In order for your application to be accepted, you must pay a visa fee when you attend the interview. In most cases, a long-term family reunion visa (category D) costs 75,00 Euros for adults and 37,50 Euros for children under the age of 18.

You will not be entitled to get your money back if you plan to cancel your application after paying the fee. You will also not be reimbursed if your visa application is denied. You will have to pay the fee again if you wish to reapply for a Germany family reunification visa.

Citizens of the European Economic Area, European Union, and Switzerland do not need a family reunion visa to join family member or relative in Germany.

Nationals of third-world countries, that is, countries outside the European Economic Area and the European Union, will need a family reunion visa for entering Germany to join partner, spouse or relative.