Family Reunification Germany Visa

If you're a German national or a legal resident of Germany with family members in Thailand, the Family Reunification Germany Visa enables your loved ones to come and live with you. This visa is for close family members like spouses and children, allowing them to join you for long-term stays. Whether your spouse plans to live with you, work, or study in Germany, this visa gives you the chance to bring your family together legally.

In this article, we’ll explain everything about the Family Reunification Germany Visa — including what the visa allows, the requirements, how to apply, and answers to common questions.

What is the Family Reunification Germany Visa?

As a German national, this Germany visa allows you to bring your Thai and other non-German family members to live with you in Germany. This type of Germany visa is for spouses, children, or close family members who are not citizens of the European Union. It’s a long-stay visa that makes it possible for your family members to join you legally, stay together, and work towards permanent residency in Germany.

What does the Family Reunification Germany Visa allow you to do?

The key benefit of the German Family Reunification Visa is that it allows your family to stay in Germany for an extended period, unlike short-term visas such as the German Tourist Visa, the German Business Visa, or the German Student Visa, which only permit stays for a few months. After your family members arrive in Germany, they can apply for a residence permit, which will allow them to stay indefinitely.

This visa also gives your family the right to work, as long as certain conditions are met. For example, your spouse or partner can take up employment if your residence permit allows you to work. Your family members can also attend German schools or universities, giving them the chance to pursue education while living with you.

What are the requirements for the Family Reunification Germany Visa?

To apply for the Family Reunification Germany Visa, your Thai family members must meet specific requirements. You need to meet certain requirements as well, and submit all the necessary documents. Missing or incorrectly prepared documents could result in the application being refused or delayed. Here’s what you need:

• Completed visa application form: Your family member must fill out and sign the official application form.
• Biometric passport photo: A recent photo with a white background, no older than six months, is required.
• Valid passport: The passport should be valid for 3 months beyond the period of stay and have at least three empty pages. A copy of the data page is also needed.
• Travel health insurance: Your family member must have health insurance that covers their stay during the visa’s validity. It must meet Germany’s requirements and be valid for the full duration of the visa.
• Invitation letter from you: You need to provide an informal invitation letter, a copy of your passport, and proof that you live in Germany.
• Proof of relationship: For a spouse, you need a marriage certificate. If the marriage took place outside Germany, the certificate must be translated and legalized. For children, a birth certificate is required, following the same rules if issued abroad.
• Basic German language skills: Your spouse needs to show proof of German skills at level A1 unless they already have permission to work in Germany.
• Proof of financial stability: You must show that you have enough income to support your family member once they move to Germany. This can include details about your housing situation.

How do you apply for the Family Reunification Germany Visa?

To apply for the Family Reunification Germany Visa, your Thai family member must follow a few steps. It’s important to plan ahead and start early, as the process can take time, especially if documents need to be legalized or translated. Once the visa is approved, your family member can travel to Germany and begin the process of obtaining a residence permit. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather all necessary documents: Make sure you have everything required, including the visa application form, passport, photos, and proof of relationship such as a marriage or birth certificate. Also, any foreign documents are translated and properly legalized if requested.
2. Make an appointment at the German Embassy: Your family member will need to book an appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in Thailand. This can usually be done online, and it’s important to book early to avoid delays.
3. Attend the visa interview: Your family member will attend an interview at the embassy, bringing all the required documents. During the interview, they will answer questions about the purpose of the visit and their relationship with you.
4. Wait for visa approval: After applying, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the case. It’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

What should you know about holding the Family Reunification Germany Visa?

To live in Germany with you, your family member must understand and follow the requirements and responsibilities tied to the Family Reunification Germany Visa. If they wish to stay long-term, work, and study, there are important conditions they need to follow:

• Residence permit application: After arriving in Germany, your family member needs to apply for a residence permit. This must be done at the local immigration office in Germany.
• Work rights: Your family member can only work in Germany if certain conditions are met. In most cases, spouses will be allowed to work as long as you, the sponsor, hold a residence permit that allows employment. Children can attend schools or universities as well.
• German language skills: Your family members must continue to improve their German language skills. Basic knowledge is required to apply for a visa, but living in Germany will offer many opportunities to advance their language abilities.
• Staying compliant: To keep the visa and residence permit valid, your family member must follow German laws. This includes staying employed (if applicable) or pursuing education and complying with all residency rules.

Failure to meet these conditions may cause their visa to be revoked.

Professional Application Services for the Family Reunification Germany Visa

Applying for the Family Reunification Germany Visa can be done on your own, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. Many applicants face challenges when filling out their applications, which can lead to delays or even rejections.

However, when you apply with Siam Legal, our experienced visa consultants will guide you through the entire process. We help you avoid mistakes that can slow down your application and increase the risk of rejection. Our team works to ensure that your application is complete and accurate, minimizing delays and removing obstacles to your family’s move. With Siam Legal by your side, the process becomes much smoother and you can start a new life in Germany without immigration issues holding your family back.

How can Siam Legal help you with your Family Reunification Germany Visa?

Applying for a Family Reunification Germany Visa can be a complicated process, but our team is here to simplify it. We offer a range of services tailored to support you throughout the application journey:

• Eligibility Review: We carefully assess your personal, financial, and employment situation to determine if you meet the visa requirements.
• Expert Guidance: Our foreign visa staff will provide clear answers to your questions and guide you through each step.
• Document Checklist: You’ll receive a list of required documents specific to your situation, reducing the risk of errors or delays.
• Application Preparation: We prepare your visa application accurately, helping to avoid mistakes that can lead to rejection.
• Submission Process: We handle the submission of your application to the correct government authorities, helping ensure a timely process.
• Problem Resolution: If any issues arise, we’ll address them quickly to keep your application moving forward.

Our fees for comprehensive application assistance with Family Reunification Germany Visa is 49,755 THB plus VAT. This does not include government fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Family Reunification Germany Visa

Who is eligible for the Family Reunification Visa?

The Family Reunification Visa is available for spouses, registered partners, children, and sometimes other close family members of German nationals or residents holding a valid residence permit. To qualify, the family relationship must be legally recognized, and you need to meet the other visa requirements.

Can my spouse work in Germany with the Family Reunification Visa?

Yes, your spouse can work in Germany once they receive their residence permit. In most cases, the right to work is granted as long as you, the sponsor, hold a residence permit that allows employment. Your spouse does not need a separate work permit.

How long does it take to process the Family Reunification Visa?

Processing times for the Family Reunification Visa can vary. On average, it takes around three months, but it may take longer depending on the embassy’s workload and if foreign documents need to be verified. It's best to apply as early as possible to avoid delays, especially if you're applying for a Germany visa in Thailand.

Does my spouse need to learn German to get a visa?

Yes, your spouse must show basic German language skills at level A1. This is required for most applicants unless your spouse already has permission to work in Germany or holds a specific type of Germany visa that provides an exemption. Learning the basics of German helps them integrate more easily once they arrive.

What happens after my family member arrives in Germany with the Family Reunification Visa?

Once your family member arrives in Germany, they will need to apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office. This is required to extend their stay and allow them to live, work, or study in Germany long-term.