The Germany dependent visa is also known as the Family Reunion visa. As the name suggests, this visa allows dependents of a German/ EU citizen or dependents of a foreigner residing in Germany to join them in Germany. Read on to find out more about this visa.
Read: Why and How to Migrate to Germany
Who needs a Germany dependent visa?
Not everyone who is not a German citizen needs a dependent visa to visit Germany. You do not need a visa if:
- You hold a Schengen passport
- You have a Schengen residence permit
- You hold a passport from a country that has a visa-free agreement with the Schengen nations
- You have a valid Schengen visa
Situations where you need a Germany dependent visa include:
- You are a citizen of a country that does not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen nations
- You hold a passport from a country that has a visa-free agreement with the Schengen nations but have been barred from entering Germany on an earlier occasion
Read: Everything You Need to Know About the EU Blue Card
Who can bring their family to Germany on a dependent visa?
To obtain a dependent visa, the person living in Germany must meet the below criteria.
- He/she must be a German/ EU citizen OR hold a residence permit/EU Blue Card / EU long-term residence permit
- He/she must be over the age of 18 years
- He/she must be fluent in German
- He/she must be capable of providing financial support for the dependent
Who is eligible for a German dependent visa?
- The spouse or registered partner
- Minor children
- Adult unmarried children (only in certain cases)
- Parents of minors
- Siblings
- Other relatives (only if the visa is needed to prevent hardship)
Documents required for a Germany dependent visa
In addition to a copy of the application form that has been filled and signed by you, you will also need the following supporting documents.
- Valid passport
- 2 Biometric passport sized photographs
- Copies of the first and last pages of your passport
- Copies of any earlier Schengen visas you have been granted
- Schengen travel insurance of at least €30,000
- Flight itinerary
- Proof that the sponsor can financially support the applicant
- Proof of accommodation – the sponsor must be able to prove that his/her home has enough space for the applicant.
- Copy of the sponsor German/ EU citizen’s passport
- Proof of relationship with the German/ EU citizen
Also, minors need to submit:
- Proof of adoption/ Birth certificate
- Custody decree in case the parents are divorced
- Death certificate if one of the parents is no more
- A signed letter of consent from both parents
- Copy of both parent’s passport
Biometric passport photo requirements
One of the most common reasons for a visa to be denied is because the applicant’s photograph does not match the prerequisites. Ensure that your photograph meets the below criteria.
- The applicant’s face must take up 70-80% of the frame
- No shadows or other objects/people must be visible in the photograph
- The photograph must be clear, well-lit and well-focused
- The photograph must be taken against a neutral grey background
- The applicant’s eyes must be open and looking straight into the camera
- Head coverings of hats are usually not permitted. In the case of exceptions for religious reasons, the face must be clearly visible from the forehead to the chin
Applying for a dependent visa
The visa can be applied for 6 months in advance of your intended date of travel. The latest an application can be filed is 2 weeks before the trip.
Once all the documents have been collected, you can submit the application with supporting documents at a German consulate, German embassy or visa center.
The visa application typically takes a few weeks to be processed. This may be extended if additional documents are required.
The dependent visa fees
If the applicant is the spouse or a minor child of a German/ EU national, there is no fee. Other relatives and adult children of German/ EU citizens must pay a €75 visa fee. This is non-refundable.
Visa validity
In case the visa is issued to a spouse/ child or a foreign national in Germany, the visa is valid for as long as the sponsor is in the country. Once in Germany they must apply for a residence permit.
Working Germany with the dependent visa
Adults who enter Germany on a family reunion visa can be permitted to work in the country as long as they meet a few conditions.
- He/she should be a highly skilled individual or researcher
- He/she should hold a residence permit authorizing employment
- He/she should have an EU Blue Card
Germany is a great country to live and work in. If your partner is already in Germany, this is the ideal visa for you to join him/her.
Also Read
- Tax Filing In Germany For International Students – Do All International Students Need To File Tax?
- How Much Does It Cost to Study In Germany?
- Know Why Germany Has Emerged as a Top Destination for Indian Students
