Family Reunion Visa - Parent
Parents joining a minor child who holds German residence, or in hardship cases.
The Family Reunion Visa - Parent is a German family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€75 (visa); ~€100 (residence permit)) and processing time (~2-4 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Reunion Visa - Parent is for
Parents joining a minor child who holds German residence, or in hardship cases.
Possible settlement after several years of lawful residence.
Family Reunion Visa - Parent - eligibility criteria
- Parent of a minor with German residence/citizenship, or hardship case
- Proof of family relationship
- Secured livelihood and housing (often required)
- Health insurance coverage
- No reliance on public funds where required
Family Reunion Visa - Parent cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Reunion Visa - Parent (Germany) is ~€75 (visa); ~€100 (residence permit), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Make it in Germany / BAMF.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a German consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Tied to the family situation (renewable) |
| Work rights | Generally permitted |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€75 (visa); ~€100 (residence permit) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 months |
| Route to PR | Possible settlement after several years of lawful residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Possible settlement after several years of lawful residence.
Many applicants also compare Spouse Join · Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner, Child Join · Family Reunion Visa - Child, Niederlassung · Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Run a free VisaChief check to see which German route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family Reunion Visa - Parent pitfalls we fix
Family Reunion Visa - Parent - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Reunion Visa - Parent cost?
The Family Reunion Visa - Parent government fee is ~€75 (visa); ~€100 (residence permit). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Make it in Germany / BAMF before applying.
How long does the Family Reunion Visa - Parent take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Reunion Visa - Parent lead to permanent residence?
Possible settlement after several years of lawful residence.
Can I work on the Family Reunion Visa - Parent?
Work rights: Generally permitted.
Who can apply for the Family Reunion Visa - Parent?
Parents joining a minor child who holds German residence, or in hardship cases.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Germany government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Make it in Germany / BAMF - official Germany immigration authority