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28 Nov. 2024

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Family reunification in Germany – who can obtain a residence permit and how to do it?

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Family reunification in Germany – who can obtain a residence permit and how to do it?

Ukrainians have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in Germany on the basis of family reunification. Find out what ways there are and who is eligible for a residence permit, as well as what documents are required and where to get help with the process

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
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After arriving in Germany, many Ukrainian citizens took advantage of the right to temporary protection, which allows them to stay in the country legally. However, if you have close relatives in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit (residence permit) for family reunification. We will tell you who can get a residence permit and how to do it in the article below. By the way, we told you how to switch from temporary protection to a working residence permit in Germany in a previous article.


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Qualified Visit Ukraine lawyers specialize in immigration law and have extensive experience working with Ukrainian applicants. You can sign up for a consultation via WhatsApp and Telegram or through the form on the website. Our specialists will help you assess your situation and prepare the necessary documents, and, if necessary, will accompany you at all stages of the procedure.


What are the main advantages of a residence permit?


● Long-term prospects: compared to temporary protection, a residence permit provides more rights and opportunities.

● Employment opportunities: allows you to work officially.

● Legalization of stay: stable legal status in Germany.


To find out which Ukrainian refugees are eligible for a pension in Germany, please follow this link.


Who is eligible for family reunification in Germany?


A residence permit for family reunification can be obtained by:


● Spouses (officially married)

● Minor children

● Parents of a minor child staying in Germany

● Other close relatives if it is proven that they are financially or physically dependent on the applicant


Conditions for obtaining a residence permit


The following conditions must be met in order to obtain a residence permit on the basis of family reunification:


1. The inviting relative has a valid residence permit (e.g. temporary protection or residence permit).

2. Sufficient financial support for the family (not always a requirement for temporary protection status).

3. Availability of adequate housing.

4. German language skills at the A1 level (only for spouses, except for persons with temporary protection).




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What documents are required for family reunification?


The package of documents includes:


1. Foreign passport of the applicant

2. Confirmation of the status of the inviting person (e.g. Aufenthaltstitel)

3. Proof of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

4. Proof of accommodation: lease agreement or ownership document

5. Proof of income of the inviting person (if necessary)

6. Health insurance of the applicant

7. Completed application for family reunification (Antrag auf Familiennachzug)


Where to submit the documents?


● If you are outside of Germany: apply at the German consulate in your country.

● If you are already in Germany: contact your local foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde).


Steps in the application process


1. Submission of documents: Prepare a complete set of documents and submit them to the relevant authority.

2. Waiting for the decision: The review period can be from 4 to 12 weeks.

3. Obtaining a residence permit: After approval, you will receive a plastic card with an electronic chip that confirms your status.


It is important to understand that applying for a residence permit on the basis of family reunification requires an understanding of the specifics of German migration law and attention to detail. Inaccuracies or mistakes in the preparation of documents, or insufficient validity of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit may result in a refusal to grant the relevant status. Qualified lawyers of Visit Ukraine can provide comprehensive assistance in legalizing your stay in Germany. Contact us for a consultation via a convenient messenger (WhatsApp/Telegram) or a form on the website so that specialists can assess your individual situation and help you with the preparation of the necessary documents for obtaining a residence permit.


We remind you! Ukrainians have legal ways to switch from Paragraph 24 to a residence permit in Germany. Read about the features of each option, requirements, documents and important nuances for a successful change of residence status in our previous article.


Photo: Dreamstime


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Frequantly

asked questions

What are the grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Germany?

The main grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Germany: 1) Family reunification. 2) Work in Germany. 3) Studying in the country. 4) Medical treatment, if it takes more time to receive medical services in Germany than a national visa allows. 5) Special political and humanitarian reasons.

Who is not granted a residence permit in Germany?

When will Paragraph 24 expire in Germany?

How can refugees enter Germany in 2024?

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