Family Reunion Visa in Germany: Complete Guide 2025
Do you dream of accompanying your spouse or child who is going to live in Germany? The family reunion visa (Familienzusammenführung) is the ideal way to keep your family together on this new journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain everything about the process, requirements, and documentation needed to successfully obtain your visa.
What is the family reunion visa in Germany?
The family reunion visa in Germany was created to allow foreign family members to accompany their relatives who already reside or are going to move to the country. This type of visa grants a temporary residence permit, allowing you to legally stay in the country beyond the 90 days allowed for Brazilian tourists.
This type of visa is especially important for those who are planning study and work in Germany and wishes to bring your spouse or children. Germany values family unity and facilitates the process so that families can remain together during the international experience.
Who can apply for a family reunion visa?
The German government has specific criteria on who can apply for this type of visa. Learn about the main categories of applicants and the specific requirements for each one:
- Spouses: Legally married partners (including same-sex couples) with a valid marriage certificate under German law. Stable unions are not accepted.
- Underage children: Children and teenagers under 18 who wish to be reunited with their parents or legal guardians in Germany.
- Exceptional cases: In specific situations, unmarried adult children, parents of underage German children, and other relatives may also apply.
It is worth noting that for cases of joint custody, family reunification of the child will only be possible with the consent of the other parent or by a court decision.
How does the application process work?
The process for obtaining a family reunion visa varies depending on your nationality and the situation of your family member in Germany. There are two main situations:
- Meeting with a German citizen: When your spouse is German, it will be necessary to prove basic knowledge of the German language (level A1).
- Meeting with a resident foreigner: When your spouse is a foreigner with valid residence in Germany, knowledge of the language may not be mandatory, depending on the situation.
After receiving your visa and entering Germany, you have up to 90 days to register with the Department for Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde) through Anmeldung, registering your new residence address. This step is critical to converting your visa into a temporary residence permit.
Documents required for the visa
The correct documentation is crucial to the success of your request. Prepare in advance by separating all original documents and a simple copy of each:
- VIDEX form completed online, printed and signed
- Recent biometric photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm with light background)
- Brazilian passport valid for at least 1 year and with 2 free pages
- Proof of residence in Brazil
- Marriage certificate with Hague Apostille and certified translation (for spouses)
- Birth certificate with The Hague Apostille and certified translation (for minors)
- Copies of the documents of the family member resident in Germany (passport, ID, residence permit)
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Travel health insurance
For spouses of German citizens, it will also be necessary to present the German language certificate level A1. This requirement aims to facilitate their adaptation and integration into German society.
Costs and deadlines for obtaining a visa
The family reunion visa has variable costs depending on your situation. It is important to know the updated values to plan properly:
- Underage child: 35€ (approximately R$ 187.29)
- Foreign spouse: 75€ (approximately R$ 401.97)
- Spouse of a German citizen or of a citizen of the Member States of the European Economic Area: Free
The amounts in reais may vary according to the day's exchange rate. Payments are made directly at the consulate upon submission of the documentation.
As for the deadline, the process of reviewing and approving a family reunion visa takes an average of 6 weeks from the date of the complete submission of the documentation. More complex cases may require a longer time, especially if additional evidence is requested.
Where to apply for a family reunion visa?
You have two main options for applying for your family reunion visa:
- In Germany: If you are already in the country as a tourist, you can carry out the process directly at the Department for Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde).
- In Brazil: For those still in Brazil, the process must be initiated at the German consulates in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, or Recife. The appointment must be made through the official website of the German Representations, exclusively via computer or notebook.
It is essential to correctly follow all instructions from the consulate and to appear on the scheduled date with all the documentation organized. Any missing document may result in the analysis being delayed or even a visa being refused.
Benefits and advantages of the family reunion visa
Opting for a family reunion visa offers numerous advantages for those who want to start a new life in Germany together with their family. In addition to the opportunity to remain with your loved ones, this visa opens doors to new experiences and developments:
- Emotional support: Having your family on your side significantly facilitates the process of adapting to the new country
- Access to public services: Health system, education and other quality services
- Work permit: Spouses generally receive authorization to work legally
- Cultural learning: Complete immersion in German culture and language
- Travel made easy: Germany's strategic position in Europe facilitates travel to neighboring countries
- Quality of life: Safety, quality education, and economic stability
For families with children, the German education system is recognized worldwide for its excellence, offering unique opportunities for academic and personal development for children.
Preparing for life in Germany with a family reunion visa
Moving to a new country requires careful preparation and planning. To ensure a smooth transition with your family reunion visa, consider these important recommendations:
- Language learning: Even if it's not mandatory for your visa, learning German will greatly facilitate your adaptation. Consider starting your studies while still in Brazil with the program Learn German online which includes language preparation.
- Financial planning: Set aside sufficient resources for the first few months, including translation costs, housing, food, and unexpected expenses. A good emergency reserve is essential.
- Research about the city: Each region in Germany has its own peculiarities. Research the cost of living, climate, labor market, and leisure options at your future destination.
- Organized documentation: Keep all your documents organized and scanned. Always have backup copies of all important items.
- Contact network: Search for groups of Brazilians in Germany on social networks to exchange experiences and receive valuable tips.
First steps after arriving in Germany
After arriving at your destination with a family reunion visa, certain procedures are essential to guarantee your regular status in the country. Keep an eye out for these initial steps:
- Residence registration (Anmeldung): Must be done within 14 days of arrival at the local civil registry office (Bürgeramt)
- Conversion of a visa into a residence permit: Visit the Department for Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde) to convert your visa into a long-term residence permit
- Opening of bank account: Essential for receipts and payments in the country
- Hiring of Health insurance: Required for all residents in Germany
- Enrollment in German courses: Fundamental for social and professional integration
Remember that each city has its administrative peculiarities, so it is important to seek specific information about procedures in the location where you are going to live.
Be Easy
A Be Easy specializes in making your international journey simpler and safer. We offer complete guidance for the family reunion visa process in Germany, from preparing documentation to supporting adaptation in the country. Our experienced team understands the needs of families in transition and ensures that you have all the necessary support for this important change. Contact us and discover how we can help you fulfill your dream of living in Germany with your family.
