Help others to understand the Spousal visa or Family Reunification Visa (FRV) process by sharing your experiences.
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Family Reunification Visa
Family Reunification Visa Family reunification in Germany allows close family members to join their relatives living in Germany—whether those relatives are German citizens or third-country nationals with valid residence (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Eligible family members include: Spouses or registered partners Minor children to foreign parent (unmarried) Parents of a minor German Child These rules focus on preserving the nuclear family. Other relatives, such as adult children, siblings, grandparents, or extended family, are not normally eligible, unless there are exceptional humanitarian or personal hardship circumstances that justify reunification. Immigration authorities evaluate such cases very strictly, and approvals are rare. Visa and Residence Permit: What You Need to Know To join a family member in Germany, you’ll need to go through a two-step process: First, apply for a national visa while still in South Africa. This visa allows you to enter Germany for the purpose of family reunification. After arrival, you must apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany to legally remain long-term. Please note that the rules and requirements differ based on both your citizenship and the citizenship of the family member you are joining. As a general rule, the conditions vary depending on whether you are joining: A German national An EU citizen A third-country national (non-EU) Each category has its own conditions, documentation requirements, and processing times, so it’s essential to check the correct guidelines for your situation before beginning your application. 👉 Important Note:If you’re planning a short-term stay, such as visiting a relative or friend in Germany for a few weeks or months, this is not the right visa for you. For temporary visits, such as attending family events, holidays, or simply spending time with loved ones, a different visa category applies. Info on the web As the rules and requirements change regularly, please refer to the official websites for information on a family reunification visa. Bamf – Information for 3rd Country Nationals Berlin Welcome Centre Federal office for migration and refugees. Family Reunificationof third-country nationals in Germany – See page 39 for employment restrictions The Federal Government – At a glance: Visa for the purpose of family reunification to foreigners Where to apply You need to submit your application at the German Embassy in South Africa, or at one of the German Consulates in South Africa. You cannot apply for a family reunification visa from inside Germany. The following types of Family reunification Visas are available Spouse Parent to a minor German child Child to a foreign parent Family members of non-German EU citizens Proof of knowledge of basic German To join your spouse in Germany, you must demonstrate at least basic proficiency in the German language (equivalent to Level A1 of the European Language Framework).For more information, you can find a flyer from BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) here We summarised the possible exceptions, but please always refer back to the official information from BAMF: You or your spouse are a citizen of a member state of the European Union or you have exercised your right of free movement as a German citizen. Your spouse is a citizen of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, or San Marino. You have a university degree and can probably find work in Germany thanks to your language skills. Your spouse holds an EU Blue Card. Your spouse holds a residence permit as a skilled worker (§ 18c (3) German Residence Act (AufenthG)). a researcher 2 (§ 18f AufenthG). a selfemployed person 2 (§ 21 AufenthG). a person entitled to asylum (§ 25 (1) and § 26 (3) AufenthG) to whom you were already married in yourhome country before your partner moved to Germany. a person who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection (§ 25 (2) and § 26 (3) AufenthG) to whom you were already married in your home country before your partner moved to Germany. a longterm resident from another EU member state (§ 38a AufenthG). You do not wish to remain permanently in Germany. It is impossible or unreasonable to learn the language abroad, or this has proven unsuccessful despite your attempts. You are unable to prove basic knowledge of German on account of a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability. You are able to cite other circumstances that make it impossible for you to learn the language, circumstances that could constitute a case of hardship. Employment Joining a third-country national. According to BAMF documentation, If you are joining your spouse who is a third-country national you are also entitled to take up work if you come to Germany for the purposes of family reunification. Joining a German spouseAccording to BAMF documentation, family members coming to Germany to join their German spouses, for the purpose of family reunification are allowed to work in Germany. Medical For comprehensive guidance on your visa application, read our detailed tips regarding medical insurance coverage—an important requirement to ensure your application proceeds smoothly and meets all necessary criteria. Additional information and tips When a birth or marriage certificate is required, it must always be an unabridged copy The embassy only accepts Marriage certificates that were apostilled by DIRCO Unabridged birth certificates must also be apostilled by DIRCO We have companies listed that can assist in obtaining unabridged documentation, but remember they cannot speed up the process at DIRCO. You can find a list of these companies here When your spouse is already in Germany, it is sufficient to supply a copy of their “Anmeldung” you do not have to wait for a copy of their residence card to submit your application. As with all visa applications, make sure you supply all the documentation required on the Checklist Unless specifically asked for, documents that are in English does not need to be translated During your interview, ask if you can keep your passport with you, as the process can take a long time (months), and you will only get your passport back when the visa is issued. It is impossible to know how long
List of Long Stay Visas
Long term visas Long-term visas apply to stays in Germany of more than 90 days and are typically issued for purposes such as work or study. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter Germany. After arrival, you must apply for your residence permit at your local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. Your first point of reference is always the official channels: German Embassy in South Africa, long-term visas Federal Foreign Office Consular Portal Make it in Germany Website Disclaimer – The legal references and section numbers of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) provided on this page are intended for general information and orientation only. Immigration law is complex, subject to change, and often applied differently depending on individual circumstances, federal state practices, and the discretion of the competent authorities. In some cases, residence permits may be issued under multiple legal provisions or in conjunction with additional regulations, such as the Employment Regulation (BeschV). This information does not constitute legal advice and should not replace guidance from the German authorities, an immigration lawyer, or an official advisory service. Always consult the responsible German mission or local foreigners authority for binding and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation. Application Your first long-stay German visa must always be applied for through the German Embassy in South Africa. This also applies if you later change your purpose of stay, for example, from studying to working. The German Embassy operates from Cape Town and Pretoria. Many long-term visa applications can now be started online via the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. The portal provides a secure and structured application process, enabling you to complete your visa application online and have it reviewed in advance by the German mission. This helps ensure your application is complete and prepares you for your in-person appointment, where your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected. Germany differentiates between academic degrees and vocational or professional qualifications. Degrees from traditional universities (Universität) are generally treated as academic, while qualifications from Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschule/Fachhochschule) focus on applied, career-specific training. South African degrees that are considered university-level may, in some cases, be classified as vocational or professional in Germany, which can influence qualification recognition, visa options, and employment eligibility. List of long-term (Type D) Visas 👪 Family reunification Family reunification visas allow close family members of people legally living in Germany to join them for a long-term stay. This category covers spouses or registered life partners, minor children joining a parent, and, in more limited cases, parents joining their children in Germany. Each pathway has its own legal requirements, documentation standards, and eligibility criteria, which are strictly assessed by the German authorities. While the underlying principle is to protect family unity, these visas are not automatic and require careful preparation.Legal basis: This residence permit is issued in accordance with Sections 27–36 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), which governs family reunification for spouses, children, and other eligible family members. 💼 Employment Visas Employment visas allow non-EU citizens to live and work in Germany on a long-term basis, provided specific legal and professional requirements are met. These visas are tied to the type of work you intend to do, your qualifications, and in many cases, a concrete job offer or recognised professional background. Germany offers several employment-related visa pathways, ranging from highly qualified roles to skilled trades, creative professions, and regulated occupations. Applications for employment visas are submitted through the official Consular Services Portal, which guides you through the process, outlines eligibility criteria, and helps ensure your application is complete before your embassy appointment. 💼 Blue Card The Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries who wish to live and work in Germany. It is primarily aimed at applicants with a recognised university degree and a job offer in Germany that meets the required minimum salary threshold. The Blue Card offers a clear pathway to long-term residence and, in many cases, faster access to a permanent settlement permit. Legal basis: The EU Blue Card is issued in accordance with Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), regulating residence for highly qualified employment.Additional background information is available on Make it in Germany. 💼 General Employment Visas If you do not meet the requirements for an EU Blue Card, Germany offers a range of general employment visas for qualified professionals. These visas cover skilled workers with university degrees or vocational qualifications, IT specialists, researchers, and specific employment situations such as partial recognition of qualifications or intra-company transfers. The exact visa type depends on your qualifications, professional experience, and the nature of the job offer in Germany. The main entry point for this category is the Employment Visa, under which the following subcategories fall: 💼 Highly Skilled worker holding a university degree This visa category is intended for highly skilled workers with a recognised university degree who wish to take up employment in Germany. Skilled workers from non-EU countries may qualify if their academic qualification is recognised in Germany or considered comparable to a German degree, and if they have a concrete job offer or employment contract with a German employer. Legal basis: This residence permit is issued under Section 18b (1) of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) for skilled workers holding a recognised university degree. 💼 Skilled Worker with relevant experience This visa category is designed for skilled workers with relevant professional experience who wish to take up employment in Germany, even if they do not hold a formal German-recognised vocational qualification. Applicants from non-EU countries may qualify if they can demonstrate a recognised foreign degree or at least two years of formal training (this requirement does not apply to IT professionals), as well as at least two years of relevant work experience gained within the last five years. A binding job offer from a German employer is required, with a minimum annual gross salary threshold that must be met. 💼 Partial recognition of vocational training Work visa in the case of partial recognition of vocational training. This visa category is intended
Getting married
Getting Married Navigating the process of getting married in Germany can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not a German citizen. On our Facebook page, we often receive questions about marriage in Germany, and two scenarios come up most frequently: A South African marrying a German citizen. Two unmarried South Africans want to marry before relocating to Germany (to simplify obtaining visas or residence permits). Please note that there might be situations where you are only able to join your spouse once they are settled in. Getting married in Germany Many of our community members agree that it’s often easier to get married outside of Germany and then register the marriage at your local Rathaus. Popular Alternatives: South Africa: Familiar, straightforward, and recognized in Germany. Denmark: Renowned for its quick and simple marriage process, especially for international couples. If you’re planning to tie the knot, consider your options carefully to save time and avoid unnecessary stress. Getting Married in Denmark Getting married in Denmark as a foreigner is indeed a popular option due to its straightforward and relatively quick process compared to other European countries, including Germany. Denmark is known for having a simplified process for international couples. Here are the key steps and requirements: Basic Requirements: Valid Passports: Both partners must have valid passports. Proof of Marital Status: Documentation proving that both parties are legally single. This can include a certificate of no impediment, divorce decree, or death certificate if widowed. Proof of Residence: Depending on your nationality, you may need proof of residency or a visa for Denmark. However, most EU nationals and many non-EU nationals do not need a visa. Birth Certificates: Some municipalities may ask for birth certificates, so it’s good to have these documents on hand. Documents in English, German, or Danish: Any documents not in these languages may need to be officially translated. Application Process: Choose a Municipality: Popular choices include Copenhagen, Ærø, and Tønder, known for their efficiency and experience with foreign couples. Submit Documents: Couples must submit the required documents to the chosen Danish municipality. This can often be done online or via email. Approval: Once the documents are reviewed and approved, you’ll be given a wedding date. Wedding Ceremony: You can have either a civil ceremony at the town hall or a more elaborate ceremony if desired. Timeline and costs: Quick Process: The entire process can take just a few weeks from submitting documents to the ceremony itself. Cost: The fees vary by municipality but typically range between €200 and €300. (2024) If you have Facebook, watch a video on DW Stories about getting married in Denmark On the page below, you’ll find experiences shared by our community about the journey of getting married in South Africa, Germany, or Denmark, and the transition to living in Germany Registering your Marriage in Germany If you got married outside of Germany, you’ll need to register the marriage in Germany for it to be officially recorded in the German system. However, this is only necessary for family reunification purposes, such as when one spouse is a German national. Important Clarification: Two married South Africans living in Germany do not need to register their marriage in Germany unless required for a specific legal purpose. However, it’s advisable to have an apostilled copy of your marriage certificate on hand for official matters. Always consult your local Rathaus or a legal advisor to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your circumstances. German Civil Registry (Standesamt Submit Marriage Certificate: Obtain an international marriage certificate (in multiple languages, including German) from the relevant authorities. This will simplify the registration process in Germany. If you got married in South Africa Apostille Stamp: In some cases, the German authorities may require an apostille (an official certification) on the marriage certificate. Translation: If you didn’t get an international certificate, you may need to have the marriage certificate officially translated into German by a certified translator. Required Documents for Registration: $599.99 Marriage Certificate (with Apostille if required). Passports of both partners. Proof of Residence in Germany. Birth Certificates (sometimes requested). Procedure: Visit the Local Standesamt: Go to the civil registry office (Standesamt) in the area where you reside in Germany to register the marriage. Application for Registration: Fill out the necessary forms and submit your documents. Processing Time: The registration process can take a few weeks, depending on the workload at the Standesamt and whether all documents are in order. Please share your experience with us We’d love to hear your story! If you’ve gotten married, whether in South Africa, Germany, Denmark, or elsewhere, and have gone through the process of registering your marriage in Germany, please share your experience with us via the link below. Your insights will help others on a similar journey, and we’ll feature your story on our website. Additional Considerations Name Change: If you change your last name after marriage, you’ll need to update your name on all official documents in Germany, such as your passport, residence permit, bank accounts, and insurance. Tax and Benefits: Your marriage will also affect your tax class in Germany. You may want to consult with a tax advisor to understand the implications and benefits. Info on the web If you want to get married in Germany, you can get info it on the Expatica site Agentur Heiraten leicht gemacht – a company that can assist with weddings in Denmark Documentation companies listed on our site Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
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