Aufenthaltserlaubnis für den Familiennachzug eines ausländischen Kindes zu einem deutschen Elternteil beantragen

Foreign, underage, unmarried children canforeign unmarried children can obtain a residence permit for family reunification in order to establish a family relationship with a German parent.

As a legal representative, you can apply for a residence permit for a foreign unmarried minor child if you have your habitual residence in Germany and would like the child to be able to live with you in Germany.

Please note that the child must not be married, divorced or widowed. Minor means that the child must not have reached the age of 18.

The establishment of a family relationship between you and the child is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. This must be intended and actually possible. If you, as the parent, have custody of the child, it can generally be assumed that there is the intention and possibility of establishing a family relationship. However, it is not necessarily the case that you are entitled to exercise custody. However, it must be proven that you are the father or mother of the minor child.

If only the father is German, there must be a valid acknowledgement of paternity.

The residence permit is issued for at least one year. It is extended as long as the family partnership continues.

After holding the residence permit for three years, it is possible to obtain a settlement permit.

Stepchildren and foster children are not entitled to reunification. However, it is possible to obtain a residence permit on the basis of § 32 of the Residence Act (reunification of children) or § 36 paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (reunification as other family members).

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) of the child and the German parent
• Visa of the child, if this was required for entry
• Current biometric photo of the child in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Birth certificate of the child
• Proof of acknowledgment of paternity if the parents are not married and the child is to join the German father
• If one custodial parent remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody
  • Declaration of consent from the parent living abroad.

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require less or further proof.

• One custodial parent has German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identity document.
• The child has the required visa if this was necessary for entry.
• The child is a minor at the time of application and is neither married nor divorced or widowed.
• The German parent has his/her habitual residence in Germany.
• The paternity or maternity of the child is proven.
• The German parent is actually and legally willing and able to establish a family relationship with the child moving to Germany. This is assumed to be the case if custody of the child exists. However, custody rights are not a prerequisite for the granting of a residence permit.
• There is no reason to deport the child.

Cost amount: 50,00 EUR

Remark:
Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

• If required for entry into Germany, a national visa for the child must be applied for at a German diplomatic mission abroad before entering the country.
• After entering Germany, you must apply for a residence permit for the child at the immigration authority before the period of visa-free stay or the validity of the visa ends.
• Find out whether the relevant immigration authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, an appointment must be made at the immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child as well as the available documents will be checked (please bring all documents, if possible in the original, to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, the child's fingerprints will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Children under the age of six will not be fingerprinted.
• The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on the processing time:

The production of the electronic residence permit by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Duration: 6 to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):

At the latest six to eight weeks before the expiry of the visa-free period of stay or the visa, the application should be received by the immigration authority.

Duration: at least 1 week

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is limited in time. An extension must be applied for at the Foreigners' Registration Office in good time before the expiry date.

• The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time, i.e. you will have to take care of extending the residence permit for the child yourself once it expires.
• Please make sure that the information you provide is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief. This is the only way the Foreigners' Registration Office can process your request without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for you. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Foreigners' Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Legal action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

• Residence permit for family reasons; granting for the family reunification of a foreign minor child with a German parent
• Right of unmarried minor children to join their German parent
• Conditions for granting
  • The paternity or maternity of the child joining the family must be established.
  • The reunification must serve to establish a family partnership.
  • The child must be unmarried and have not yet reached the age of 18.
  • The German parent must have their habitual residence in Germany.
• Residence permits are issued for at least one year and extended as long as the family partnership continues.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

Forms available: No
Written form required: No
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance necessary: Yes