Family Reunification – How to Prepare Step by Step

Bringing your family to Germany isn’t just a bureaucratic process – it’s a deeply emotional milestone. It means closeness, daily life together, and a shared journey toward settling in. At the same time, it involves paperwork, appointments, and some waiting. But don’t worry: when you know what to expect, family reunification becomes manageable – one step at a time.

Especially for doctors with long-term career plans in Germany, family reunification is more than a personal goal – it’s a real support system. Feeling at home privately helps you thrive professionally.

In principle, your spouse and minor children can join you in Germany. To do so, your family will need to apply for a national visa for family reunification (Type D). This visa allows them to stay for more than 90 days and can be converted into a residence permit after arrival – typically with the same rights as your own permit.

To make this possible, you need to have:

• a residence permit that allows for family reunification (e.g. EU Blue Card or residence permit for skilled workers)
• housing with sufficient space (around 12 m² per adult, 10 m² per child)
• a regular income that covers your family’s living costs – without relying on state support

As a general guideline, plan for around €1,500–2,000 net per family member. Your health insurance provider or a migration advisory service can help assess whether your income is sufficient.

Even if you're still in the recognition process and working with a temporary professional permit, family reunification is possible. In this case, immigration authorities often expect a positive outlook, a fixed-term work contract with future prospects, possibly a support letter from your clinic, and specific information about the expected duration of the process.

1. Book an Appointment at the Embassy

Start by scheduling an appointment at the German embassy in your family’s country of residence. Heads-up: waiting lists can be long in many countries – book as early as possible, ideally several months in advance.

2. Prepare the Documents

The required documents may vary slightly, but typically include:

• Completed visa application form (in duplicate)
• Passport and biometric photo
• Marriage certificate (legalized or with apostille, plus certified German translation)
• Proof of basic German skills (A1), if required
• Your income documentation, rental contract, and landlord confirmation if applicable
• Proof of health insurance
• For children: birth certificate, custody documentation, and consent from the second parent if necessary

3. Visa Interview and Processing

At the embassy appointment, your family will submit their documents, provide fingerprints, and answer basic questions about the family reunification. Processing takes around 8–12 weeks, depending on the country. If you hold an EU Blue Card, things often move faster.

4. Arrival and Registration

Once the visa is approved, your family can travel to Germany. Within two weeks of arrival, they must register at the local residents' office and apply for their own residence permit at the immigration office. This is usually issued for the same duration as your own permit. Spouses typically receive unrestricted work authorization.

Proof of health insurance is required already at the visa application stage.

• If you have public health insurance, a free family plan may be possible.
• With private insurance, each family member needs an individual policy.

There are many integration services available for your family: language and integration courses, parent-child programs in daycare centers, counseling services, and job support for spouses. Participation is voluntary – but highly recommended.

• Long Waiting Times: Book the embassy appointment as early as possible – even if you don’t have all documents yet.
• Legalizations & Translations: These take time – start early.
• Language Barriers: Even when not mandatory, having your spouse learn basic German early on makes a big difference.

You don’t have to manage the family reunification process alone. Free help is available from:

• IQ Network (www.netzwerk-iq.de)
• Migration counseling services for adults (MBE), e.g. Caritas, AWO, Diakonie
• Specialized migration lawyers
• Social services in hospitals or local immigration offices

Your profession brought you to Germany – your family belongs with you. Family reunification is a powerful emotional milestone and strengthens your journey – both personally and professionally. Plan early, seek support, and stay well-prepared. We're here to guide you along the way.

The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not replace legal advice or official sources. We strive for accuracy, but we recommend consulting the responsible authorities for the most up-to-date requirements.

All information provided without guarantee.