Applying for a residence permit for the spouse to join foreigners

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The residence permit can be issued if you and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18, although the minimum age may be waived in certain cases.

As a rule, you must provide proof of basic language skills. With basic language skills, you should be able to communicate in German in a simple way in everyday life, for example asking for directions, shopping and introducing yourself. There are several exceptions to the requirement for proof of language skills. For example, if the foreign national holds an EU Blue Card ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card, they do not have to provide proof of language skills. You can obtain information on the other exceptions to language skills from your competent authority.

The residence permit for family reunification is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the period of validity of the family member's residence permit in Germany - for at least one year. If the residence permit of the foreign person living in Germany is valid for less than one year, the residence permit will also be issued for the shorter duration.

The residence permit issued for family reunification entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment.

Under certain circumstances, the immigration authority may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

Valid passport
Current biometric photo
Visa, if required
Residence permit of the foreign person in Germany to whom you are joining
In the case of family reunification for the spouse: international marriage certificate as an officially certified copy or marriage certificate in the original language as an officially certified copy or marriage certificate checked for authenticity and accuracy of content by the German diplomatic mission abroad in the original language and in German translation
In the case of family reunification with a partner: partnership certificate
If applicable, proof of basic German language skills (A1 certificate)
Proof of health insurance cover
Proof of livelihood insurance
Proof of housing conditions (e.g. rental agreement or purchase contract with details of the number of square meters of living space)

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
There is no interest in deporting you.
Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The foreign person in Germany has a valid residence permit, settlement permit, EU permanent residence permit, EU Blue Card, ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card.
You and your spouse or partner have reached the age of 18.
You can provide proof of basic language skills, if required.
Your spouse or partner has sufficient health insurance cover and financial means to provide for your family.
Your spouse or partner has successfully rented an apartment in Germany that offers sufficient space for your family.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

Fee: 100,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
Issuance of residence permit Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

The residence permit must be applied for at the Foreigners' Registration Office responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

Depending on the Foreigners' Registration Office and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office offers the electronic application for a residence permit.

If it is only possible to apply in person, please make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT).

In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your proof will be checked (bring it with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT).

If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT to be issued.

After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

The eAT must always be picked up in person.

There are fees for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

about six to eight weeks

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your visa, which is still valid.

Deadline for filing an action: 1 month

An appeal against a negative decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office can be brought before the competent administrative court.

A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.

Detailed information can be found in the rejection notice.

Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
Online procedure occasionally possible
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Information on family reunification with non-EU citizens:

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/leben-in-deutschland/familiennachzug/zu-nicht-eu-buerger/

(German)

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/living-in-germany/family-reunification/spouses-non-eu-countries/

(English)

https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Familie/NachzugZuDrittstaatlern/nachzug-zu-drittstaatlern-node.html

(German)

https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Familie/NachzugZuDrittstaatlern/nachzug-zu-drittstaatlern-node.html

(English)

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

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Landkreis Emsland - Fachbereich Sicherheit und Ordnung