Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner
Spouses or registered partners joining a resident or German citizen in Germany.
The Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner 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 (~1-3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner is for
Spouses or registered partners joining a resident or German citizen in Germany.
Independent residence and settlement after qualifying years of marriage/residence.
Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner - eligibility criteria
- Valid marriage or registered partnership
- Sponsor has a qualifying residence status and income
- Adequate accommodation for the family
- Basic German (A1) for the spouse, with exemptions
- Health insurance coverage
Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner (Germany) is ~€75 (visa); ~€100 (residence permit), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 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 sponsor's permit (renewable) |
| Work rights | Full work rights granted |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€75 (visa); ~€100 (residence permit) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Route to PR | Independent residence and settlement after qualifying years of marriage/residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Independent residence and settlement after qualifying years of marriage/residence.
Many applicants also compare Child Join · Family Reunion Visa - Child, Parent Join · Family Reunion Visa - Parent, Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b). 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 - Spouse/Partner pitfalls we fix
Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner cost?
The Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner 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 - Spouse/Partner take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner lead to permanent residence?
Independent residence and settlement after qualifying years of marriage/residence.
Can I work on the Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner?
Work rights: Full work rights granted.
Who can apply for the Family Reunion Visa - Spouse/Partner?
Spouses or registered partners joining a resident or German citizen in Germany.
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