Aufenthaltserlaubnis erteilen für den Nachzug der Eltern und sonstiger Familienangehöriger

Other family members of Germans and foreign nationals living in Germany can obtain a residence permit for family reasons in cases of particular hardship. This allows them to move to Germany and entitles them to gainful employment.

Other members of the family are defined as relatives who do not

• Children
• spouses or
• are registered life partners.

• Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
• Proof of secure livelihood
• Proof that there are no grounds for expulsion against you
• Proof that you do not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• in the case of reunification with Germans: proof of German citizenship and habitual residence in Germany from the person you are joining
• in case of reunification to non-Germans additionally:
  • Proof of the residence permit of your family member already living in Germany
  • Proof of sufficient living space
• Proof that there is a special case of hardship

Hint: Depending on the other requirements you need to meet, the competent authority may require additional documentation.

• They meet the passport and visa requirements.
• Your livelihood is secured without using public funds.
• There is no ground for expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• in the case of reunification with Germans: The person you are joining has German citizenship and usually resides in Germany.
• in the case of reunification with non-Germans: Your family member already living in Germany has a
  • settlement permit,
  • EC long-term residence permit or
  • Residence permit and
  • sufficient living space available.
• There is a special case of hardship, e.g. because the family members living here are dependent on your life support due to the need for care.

In addition, you must meet other requirements. Enquire directly with the competent authority.

• Validity up to one year: 100 euros
• Validity over one year: 110 euros
• Extension up to three months: 65 euros
• Extension of more than three months: 80 euros

Hint: Only in exceptional cases can you be exempted from the fees.

Processing may take several weeks.

In most cases, foreign nationals living in a family relationship with Germans receive a settlement permit after three years.

Young foreign nationals who:

• grew up in Germany or
• have entered the country as part of child reunification,

can also obtain a settlement permit under simplified conditions.

The reunification of family members of nationals of EU/EEA states is governed by the Freedom of Movement Act/EU. This means:

• Family members of nationals of EU/EEA countries who themselves belong to an EU or EEA state can freely enter and work.
• Family members of nationals of EU/EEA states who do not themselves belong to an EU or EEA state also have a right of entry and residence.

Since 1 September 2011, you will receive the residence permit in the form of a credit card with additional electronic functions. Further information can be found under Electronic Residence Title (eAT).

Before entering Germany, you must apply for a national visa in your home country.

After entering the country, you must apply for the residence permit in writing at the Foreigners' Registration Office before your visa expires.

Depending on the place of residence, the Foreigners' Registration Office is the city administration or the district administration.