Family reunification to Germany (Familiennachzug) allows spouses and minor children to join a relative who is a lawful resident or German citizen.
Family reunification visa (§§27–36 Residence Act) applies to spouses, children under 18 and certain special cases. Spouses generally need to prove basic German (A1) before arrival.
Reunification categories
Theo Make it in Germany, the common family reunification categories:
Ehegattennachzug
A legal marriage is required; German A1 is usually required (with exceptions).
Kindernachzug
Minor children reuniting with a legally resident parent.
Parents & others
Only in special cases, for example where the child's parent is a German citizen.
General conditions
The sponsor in Germany usually needs: adequate housing, sufficient income to support the family (not dependent on social benefits) and health insurance. The application is filed at the German representative office in Vietnam, then residence is registered upon arrival in Germany.
Why choose M2W for Germany family sponsorship
Distinguish between spouse, child and special cases to prepare the right documents from the start.
Advice on the German A1 test pathway for spouses and identifying exemption cases.
Guidance on proving accommodation, finances, and health insurance as required by German authorities.
Family reunification conditions are taken directly from the German Residence Act and official government portals.
Frequently asked questions about family sponsorship in Germany
Does sponsoring a spouse to Germany require German language proficiency?
Most spouse categories require a German A1 certificate before applying for a visa. There are exceptions, such as the spouse of a Blue Card holder or cases of genuine hardship.
Who can be sponsored to Germany under family reunification?
Most common are spouses and minor children reuniting with a lawful resident or German citizen. Parents and other cases are only considered in special circumstances.
What conditions does the sponsor in Germany need to meet?
Usually requires adequate housing, sufficient finances to support the family without relying on social benefits, and health insurance for the sponsored person.
Up to what age can a child be sponsored to Germany?
The Kindernachzug category applies to minor children (under 18) reuniting with a parent legally residing in Germany, subject to specific conditions of the Residence Act.
Related Germany services
Study in Germany
A study pathway linked to permanent residency.
View details
Germany visitor visa
Visa application and interview process.
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Investment immigration to Germany
Investment immigration for investors.
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Germany settlement services
Support settling into initial life.
View detailsGermany family sponsorship advisory
M2W identifies the right family reunification category and prepares the required documents and language certificates.
