Germany is a popular destination for expats and immigrants looking to live and work in Europe.

If you are married to a German citizen or permanent resident, or if you have close family members living in Germany, you may be eligible for a spouse visa or family reunion visa.

These visas allow you to join your spouse or family in Germany and enjoy many benefits and opportunities.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to apply for a German spouse visa now, this article will provide the information and resources you need.

In this Article:

What is a Spouse Visa?

Comprehensive Guide to German Spouse & Family Visas: Eligibility, Documents & Integration

A spouse visa, also known as a marriage visa, allows the spouse of a German citizen or permanent resident to live and work in Germany.

To be eligible, you must be married to a German national or someone who has a permanent residence permit in Germany.

Same-sex marriages are recognized in Germany, so you can apply for a spouse visa regardless of your gender or your spouse’s gender. However, the marriage must be legally recognized in Germany.

If you were married outside of Germany, you may need to have your marriage certificate authenticated and translated into German.

Benefits of a German Spouse Visa

A spouse visa grants you many of the same rights and benefits as German citizens, including:

The right to live and work in Germany without restrictions
Access to Germany’s social welfare system, including health insurance, unemployment benefits, and pension
The ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area
The option to apply for permanent residence and citizenship after living in Germany for a certain period of time
Access to free German language courses and integration classes

With a spouse visa, you can work for any employer in Germany without needing additional permits. You can also start your own business or work as a freelancer. This makes it much easier to find employment and support yourself financially while living in Germany.

Eligibility Requirements for a German Spouse Visa

To qualify for a German spouse visa, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be married to a German citizen or permanent resident
Your spouse must have adequate income or financial means to support you
You must have basic German language skills (level A1) or be enrolled in a language course
You must have health insurance coverage
You must pass a background check and have no criminal record

If you are applying from outside of Germany, you will need to apply for the visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. If you are already living in Germany on another type of visa, you can apply for a spouse visa from within Germany at your local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

How to Apply for a German Spouse Visa

The application process for a German spouse visa involves several steps:

Gather the required documents, including your passport, marriage certificate, proof of your spouse’s German citizenship or permanent residence, proof of income and financial means, health insurance, German language certificate, and more.
Make an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country, or at your local Foreigners’ Office if you are already in Germany.
Attend the visa appointment and submit your application along with all required documents. You may need to attend an interview and provide biometric data.
Pay the visa application fee, which is currently 75 euros for most applicants.
Wait for a decision on your application. Processing times can vary, but most spouse visa applications are processed within 3 months.

Once your spouse visa is approved, you can travel to Germany and begin living and working there. Your spouse visa will be valid for up to 3 years initially and can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

Dependent Visas for Children and Parents

In addition to spouse visas, Germany also offers dependent visas for children and parents of German citizens and permanent residents.

If you have minor children, they can accompany you to Germany on a dependent visa and attend school there.

If you have parents who are dependent on you financially, they may also be eligible for a dependent visa to join you in Germany.To apply for a dependent visa, you will need to provide proof of the family relationship, such as birth certificates or adoption papers. You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient income and living space to support your dependents in Germany.

Dependent visas grant many of the same benefits as spouse visas, including the right to live, work, and study in Germany. However, dependents may have some additional requirements, such as attending school or participating in integration courses.

The Germany Opportunity Card

In 2023, Germany introduced a new type of visa called the Opportunity Card. This visa is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world to fill labor shortages in Germany.

The Opportunity Card is a points-based system that takes into account factors such as education, work experience, language skills, and age.

If you are married to a German citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to apply for an Opportunity Card in addition to your spouse visa. This could provide additional benefits and flexibility, such as the ability to work in any field without restrictions.

To be eligible for an Opportunity Card, you must have a job offer in Germany or be highly qualified in a field that is in demand. You must also meet certain language and integration requirements.

If you are interested in applying for an Opportunity Card, you can learn more about the requirements and application process here .

Living and Working in Germany as a Spouse

Once you have your German spouse visa, you can begin enjoying all the benefits and opportunities of living in Germany. Here are some tips and resources to help you get settled and thrive in your new home:

Finding a Place to Live

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you arrive in Germany is find a place to live. Depending on your preferences and budget, you may choose to rent an apartment, house, or room in a shared flat. Some popular websites for finding housing in Germany include:

ImmobilienScout24
WG-Gesucht (for shared flats)
Ebay Kleinanzeigen (classifieds)

Keep in mind that the rental market in Germany can be competitive, especially in larger cities. You may need to provide proof of income, a security deposit, and other documents when applying for a rental.

Finding a Job

As a spouse visa holder, you have the right to work in Germany without restrictions. However, finding a job can still be challenging, especially if you don’t speak fluent German. Some tips for job searching in Germany include:

Use online job boards like StepStone, Indeed, and Monster
Attend job fairs and networking events in your industry
Consider working with a recruiter or headhunter who specializes in your field
Brush up on your German language skills and consider taking a professional German course

If you have a degree or professional qualification from your home country, you may need to have it recognized in Germany in order to work in your field. The Recognition in Germany website provides information and resources on getting your qualifications recognized.

Learning German

While it’s possible to get by in Germany with English, learning German will make your life much easier and open up more opportunities for work and social integration. As a spouse visa holder, you are entitled to take free German language courses offered by the government.

These courses, known as integration courses, consist of 600-900 hours of language instruction and 100 hours of orientation on German culture, history, and law. You can find an integration course near you through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

In addition to integration courses, there are many other ways to learn German, such as:

Taking classes at a language school or university
Hiring a private tutor
Using language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone
Practicing with native speakers through language exchanges or meetups

Healthcare and Insurance

Germany has a world-class healthcare system that is accessible to all residents, including spouse visa holders. As a spouse, you are entitled to join your German partner’s public health insurance plan, which covers most medical expenses with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

If your spouse is not employed or insured, you may need to take out private health insurance instead. Private insurance can be more expensive but may offer additional benefits and coverage.

In addition to health insurance, you may also want to consider other types of insurance, such as:

Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung), which covers damages you may cause to others
Household insurance (Hausratversicherung), which covers your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other damage
Legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung), which covers legal fees and expenses in case of disputes

Education and Childcare

If you have children, you’ll be happy to know that Germany has an excellent education system that is free for all residents, including the children of spouse visa holders.

School is compulsory from ages 6 to 18, and there are several types of schools to choose from depending on your child’s abilities and interests.

For younger children, Germany also offers a variety of childcare options, including:

Krippen (crèches) for infants and toddlers up to age 3
Kindergartens for children ages 3 to 6
Tagesmütter (day mothers) who provide in-home care for small groups of children

Childcare in Germany is heavily subsidized by the government, making it affordable for most families. However, spots can be limited, so it’s important to start looking for childcare options well in advance of when you need them.

Taxation and Finances

As a resident of Germany, you will be subject to German income tax on your worldwide income. The German tax system can be complex, with different tax classes and deductions depending on your marital status, number of children, and other factors.If you are employed in Germany, your employer will typically withhold taxes from your paycheck and remit them to the government on your behalf.

If you are self-employed or have other sources of income, you will need to file an annual tax return and pay any taxes owed.In addition to income tax, Germany also has several other types of taxes and fees, such as:

Solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag), a 5.5% surcharge on income tax to fund development projects in eastern Germany
Church tax (Kirchensteuer), a voluntary tax of 8-9% on income for members of certain recognized religious groups
Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), a mandatory fee of around 18 euros per month to fund public broadcasting

To manage your finances in Germany, you’ll need to open a German bank account and potentially obtain a German credit card or other financial products. Some popular banks in Germany include:

Deutsche Bank
Commerzbank
Sparkasse
N26 (online bank)

Traveling and Exploring

One of the great benefits of living in Germany is the opportunity to travel and explore Europe. As a spouse visa holder, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes most of the European Union as well as some non-EU countries like Switzerland and Norway.

Germany itself is a beautiful and diverse country with plenty to see and do. Some popular destinations include:

Berlin, the vibrant capital city known for its history, culture, and nightlife
Munich, the Bavarian city famous for its beer halls, museums, and nearby castles
The Black Forest, a scenic region in southwest Germany known for its hiking trails and spa towns
The Rhine Valley, a picturesque region along the Rhine River known for its vineyards, castles, and charming villages

To make the most of your time in Germany, consider joining local expat groups or meetups to connect with other international residents and explore together. The Meetup website is a great resource for finding events and activities in your area.

Conclusion

Obtaining a spouse visa or family reunion visa can open up a world of opportunities for you and your loved ones in Germany. With the right to live, work, and study in Germany, you can build a new life and future in this welcoming and prosperous country.

By following the steps and resources outlined in this guide, you can navigate the visa application process, find housing and employment, learn German, and take advantage of all the benefits and services available to you as a spouse visa holder.

Remember, moving to a new country is a big adjustment and it’s normal to face challenges along the way.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support when you need it, whether from your spouse, friends and family, or professional resources like lawyers, tax advisors, or therapists.

With time, patience, and an open mind, you can thrive in your new home and create lasting memories and connections in Germany. We wish you all the best on your journey!

Useful Resources

Here are some additional resources and links to help you navigate life in Germany as a spouse visa holder:

German Federal Foreign Office – official information on visas, immigration, and living in Germany
Make It in Germany – government portal for skilled immigrants, including job listings and visa information
BAMF – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees – information on integration courses, citizenship, and other services for immigrants
Welcome to Germany – a comprehensive guide to living and working in Germany, available in multiple languages
How to Germany – a practical guide to German bureaucracy, housing, education, and more
Toytown Germany – a popular expat forum and community for English speakers in Germany
InterNations – a global expat network with local events and resources in Germany

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your specific situation, it’s always best to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor.

We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. If you’re ready to take the next step and apply for your German spouse visa, click here to get started.

Good luck and welcome to Germany!