German Visa for Thai Spouse

If you're married to a non-EU national, like a spouse from Thailand, and want them to join you in Germany, the German Spouse Visa is your path forward. This visa allows your spouse to join you legally, stay indefinitely, and begin building a life with you in Germany.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Germany Spouse Visa including the requirements, how to apply, and what to expect when applying from Thailand. Keep reading to find out how you can bring your spouse to Germany and begin the exciting next chapter of your life together.

What is the Germany Spouse Visa?

The German Spouse Visa allows your Thai or otherwise non-EU citizen spouse to legally join you in Germany. It allows them to stay beyond the 90-day limit of the Schengen Visa. After arriving in Germany, your spouse can apply for a residence permit to work towards permanent residency and citizenship.

If you are not yet married and are planning to get married in Germany, you should consider applying for a German Fiance Visa instead, which allows you to enter Germany for the purpose of marriage. The Fiance Visa is different from the Spouse Visa, as it is specifically made for those who plan to marry a German citizen within 90 days of arriving in the country.

If you successfully apply for your fiance’s visa and marry in Germany, you can progress to the spouse visa immediately without having to return to Thailand.

What does the Germany Spouse Visa allow you to do?

After arriving in Germany on this visa and acquiring a residence permit, your spouse can live with you and may be allowed to work or study, depending on the permit they obtain. However, work rights are not automatically granted; they depend on the residence permit type. In addition, your spouse can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

What are the requirements for the German Spouse Visa?

Before applying for the German Spouse Visa, you should be aware that failing to meet even one of the necessary requirements can lead to delays or even rejection. German authorities are strict, and incomplete or inaccurate submissions can cause long-lasting issues, potentially preventing your spouse from joining you in Germany.

Having all documents properly prepared is the key to securing your spouse’s future in Germany. Mistakes or missing documents can cause significant setbacks, keeping you separated for months or even longer.

The main requirements are as follows:

• Valid Marriage: You need to present a legal marriage certificate that proves your relationship is valid. The marriage must be recognized under the laws of the country where it took place.
• Valid Passport: Your spouse must hold a passport that complies with German visa standards, valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
• German Language Skills: Your spouse is required to demonstrate basic German language skills (A1 level). This helps them manage daily communication in Germany.
• Financial Proof: You, as the sponsor living in Germany, must show you have enough financial resources to support your spouse. This includes evidence of income, proof of employment, and that you have suitable housing.
• Health Insurance: Your spouse must have health insurance that is valid during their stay in Germany.
• Required Documents: Additional documents include a completed visa application form, passport-size photographs, and copies of your spouse's previous visas (if applicable). 

When applying for the Germany Spouse Visa, all documents must be in either English or German. If your documents are in another language, you’ll need to get them professionally translated and legalized. Failure to do so could lead to delays or even rejection of your visa application.

Who can apply for the German Spouse Visa?

Not everyone is eligible to apply for the German Spouse Visa, so it's important to confirm that you and your partner meet all the conditions before beginning the process. Misunderstanding the eligibility criteria can result in wasted time, frustration, and even an unnecessary visa rejection. If you don't meet the requirements, applying too early could also lead to complications that affect your immigration plans in the long run.

The main requirements for the foreign spouse applicant of this visa are:

• You are married to a German citizen: This visa is made for those in a legally recognized marriage with a German national. The marriage must be valid under both German law and the laws of the country where the marriage took place.
• Your spouse holds a valid residence permit in Germany: If your spouse is living in Germany with a temporary residence permit, it must be valid for at least two years before you can apply for the visa. For spouses of German citizens, this rule generally doesn’t apply as long as your spouse is a permanent resident or citizen.
• Basic German language skills are required: You as the applicant will need to demonstrate basic German language skills (A1 level). Some exceptions apply, such as if your spouse holds an EU Blue Card or other highly skilled work permits, but this is not the case for spouses joining German citizens.
• Proof of financial stability: Your spouse in Germany must prove they can support both of you financially. This includes showing a steady income and having suitable housing for you both.

What to Know About Holding the German Spouse Visa

Receiving the German Spouse Visa is just the first step — there are several important conditions your spouse must follow once they arrive in Germany. Violating any of these could result in losing residency rights, which could force your spouse to leave the country and restart the process. Failing to comply with these rules could not only lead to visa revocation but also impact future immigration opportunities.

• Residence Permit Requirement: After arriving in Germany, your spouse must apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde). The visa allows entry into Germany, but the residence permit is needed for long-term residency.
• Duration of Stay and Renewals: The initial residence permit is usually valid for one to three years, depending on your situation. It can be renewed if your marriage is still valid, and you continue to meet financial requirements. After living in Germany for a few years, your spouse may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (settlement permit).
• Work and Study Permissions: Whether your spouse can work or study depends on the residence permit type. While the Germany Spouse Visa doesn’t automatically grant these rights, your spouse can apply for a permit that allows them to work or study in Germany.
• Travel within the Schengen Area: With a valid residence permit, your spouse can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, without needing a separate visa.
• Divorce or Separation: If a divorce or separation occurs within the first three years of living in Germany, your spouse’s residence permit may not be renewed. Exceptions might apply if your spouse has secured independent residency or meets certain other conditions.

How Siam Legal can help you apply for the German Spouse Visa?

Applying for a German Spouse Visa can be stressful, especially when a small mistake could lead to major delays. As your spouse’s sponsor, it’s your responsibility to get everything right. An overlooked document or misunderstanding of the rules could lead to a visa denial, preventing your spouse from joining you in Germany. With so much at stake, this is where Siam Legal steps in. We help you avoid those errors, guiding you through the process and giving you peace of mind that everything is being handled properly.

Our team will handle the visa process for you, so you can focus on what truly matters — preparing for your spouse's arrival in Germany and taking care of other important aspects of your life. Instead of stressing over legal paperwork and complicated procedures, you can trust us to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you secure a bright future for you and your spouse back home in Germany.

What Siam Legal Can Do For You

Our German Spouse Visa services provide you with:

• A full review of your financial and employment history, as well as your spouse’s situation in Germany.
• A consultation with our German Visa Immigration Specialist.
• A detailed checklist of all necessary documents for both you and your spouse.
• Professional and accurate preparation of your German Spouse Visa application.
• Submission of your application to the relevant German government agencies.
• Preparation of all correspondence with immigration authorities to avoid delays.
• Expert advice on how to handle yourself during an interview, if required.
• Unlimited personal communication with our German Visa specialists to assist you throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Germany Spouse Visa

How long does it take to process a Germany Spouse Visa?

The processing time for a Germany Spouse Visa usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks. However, it can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. If additional documents are required or if the case is complex, it could take longer. It’s best to prepare early to avoid any delays.

Can my spouse work in Germany on a spouse visa?

While the Germany Spouse Visa allows your spouse to join you, they will need to apply for a residence permit after arrival. Depending on the type of residence permit they receive, your spouse may be allowed to work. The visa itself does not automatically grant working rights.

Do I need to show proof of income to sponsor my spouse?

Yes, proof of financial stability is required to sponsor your spouse. You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support both yourself and your spouse during their stay in Germany. This can include employment contracts, bank statements, or other financial records.

What level of German language skills does my spouse need?

Your spouse must demonstrate basic German language skills, usually at the A1 level. This is a requirement for most applicants to help them integrate into everyday life in Germany. Exceptions may apply such as if your spouse holds a highly skilled work permit.

What happens if we get divorced after my spouse gets the visa?

If you and your spouse divorce within the first three years of living in Germany, their residence permit may not be renewed. In some cases, exceptions can be made if your spouse has established independent residency or if there are special circumstances such as children.