The ‘Germany Dependent Visa’, also known as ‘Family Reunion Visa’ (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung), is a special visa that allows non-EU/EEA family members, such as spouses and children, to join foreign students living in Germany. This visa is an excellent way for international students to reunite with their loved ones while pursuing their careers or education in Germany.
Applying for the German Family Reunion Visa
The application process for the ‘German Family Reunion Visa’ requires submitting a formal visa application to the German embassy in the country where you are legally residing. For instance, if you are in Nepal, the application must be submitted to the ‘German Embassy in Nepal’. You’ll need to book an appointment in advance, usually through the embassy’s online system, and provide all the necessary documents during your visa interview.
Key Requirements for the Family Reunion Visa
- Proof of Financial Means
- You must demonstrate that you can financially support your dependent spouse or child.
- The minimum financial requirement includes:
a. €400 per person (per month including student)
b. €700 for rental expenses
- Accommodation
- A rental contract is required, proving that the living space is sufficient. The housing must have at least 12 square meters per person.
- German Language Proficiency (A1 Level)
- The dependent spouse must pass the A1 German Language Test from a recognized institution, such as the Goethe Institution (Goethe Centre Kathmandu for Nepalese applicants).
- This requirement does not apply to children.
- Health Insurance
- Your spouse and children must have health insurance, either through travel medical insurance or family health insurance. You can submit your current insurance policy along with a letter confirming that your dependent will be added to your policy once they arrive.
- Residence Registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- You must provide a valid ‘registration of residence’ document from Germany, which must not be older than 6 months.
- Marriage Registration
- You and your spouse must have legally registered your marriage before applying for the Family Reunion Visa and before obtaining your German student visa.You will need to write an ‘informal invitation letter’ confirming that you and your spouse will live together and that you will take on the financial responsibility for your dependent.
- Invitation Letter
- You will need to write an ‘informal invitation letter’ confirming that you and your spouse will live together and that you will take on the financial responsibility for your dependent.
- Visa Fees
- Adults (18 years and older): €75.00
- Children (under 18 years): €37.50
Required Documents for the Family Reunion Visa Application
To apply for a German Family Reunion Visa, you must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity)
- Visa application form (completed and signed)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means (income and rental documentation)
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Health insurance and travel insurance
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)
- German Language Proficiency Certificate (for spouse)
- Registration of residence in Germany (Meldebescheinigung)
- Invitation letter
- Visa application fees
Arriving in Germany and applying for a Residence Permit
Upon arriving in Germany with a Family Reunion Visa, your spouse or child has up to 3 months to apply for a ‘German Residence permit’ at the local ‘Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde)’. Once the residence permit is granted, your spouse will be allowed to work in Germany.
For the spouse to receive the residence permit, the following conditions must be met:
- The sponsor (you) must hold a residence permit that authorizes employment, or
- You must possess an EU Blue Card.
Challenges of Bringing Your Family on a Student Visa
While it is possible to bring your family to Germany on a student visa, several challenges need to be considered:
1. Limited financial resources
As a student, your income is often limited due to the part-time work restrictions in Germany. This can make it difficult to meet the financial requirements to support your spouse or child. Housing costs and health insurance for your family members can add significant expenses that are hard to cover with limited earnings.
2. Balancing studies and family responsibilities
Pursuing academic studies in Germany requires a great deal of time and effort. Managing the visa application process, finding suitable housing, and ensuring the well-being of your family can be time-consuming and may divert your attention from your studies.
3. Employment for Your Spouse
Although your spouse will be allowed to work once they receive the residence permit, it might take some time for them to find suitable employment in Germany. This could add further financial strain on you, especially in the early months of their arrival.
Alternative Option: Post-Graduation Employment
If you are concerned about meeting the financial requirements while studying, another option is to wait until you complete your studies and secure a job in Germany. After graduation, you can convert your student visa to a residence permit for employment, making it easier to meet the financial and other requirements necessary to bring your family to Germany permanently.
Conclusion
The ‘German Family Reunion Visa’ offers a great opportunity for international students and workers to reunite with their families while living in Germany. However, it requires thorough preparation, proper documentation, and financial planning to ensure the application process runs smoothly. For expert guidance and support, “A One Global Consultants” can assist you throughout the visa application process, helping you manage the requirements and ensuring a seamless family reunion experience in Germany.
