How To Get A Germany Dependent Visa

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

Read: Your Gateway Germany – Everything You Need to Know About the German Work Visa

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.

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