Official Expert Answerabout 1 month ago
This depends a lot on the embassy + your exact situation, but in practice: your spouse usually needs a separate route (family reunion or own visa category). §16d is a residence title for *you* to do recognition steps in Germany.
To plan realistically:
• Ask your embassy what family option they accept in parallel (sometimes they allow parallel appointment booking, sometimes not).
• Prepare “time-sensitive” docs for both files: proof of financing, health insurance, and anything with validity dates (e.g., good standing).
• Keep your core file stable: Defizitbescheid / recognition letter + course/clinic confirmation + city of stay. Big changes can trigger re-checks.
If you want to reduce separation risk, aim for: your §16d first → then spouse appointment already prepared with translated/beglaubigt documents, so you don’t lose weeks.
To plan realistically:
• Ask your embassy what family option they accept in parallel (sometimes they allow parallel appointment booking, sometimes not).
• Prepare “time-sensitive” docs for both files: proof of financing, health insurance, and anything with validity dates (e.g., good standing).
• Keep your core file stable: Defizitbescheid / recognition letter + course/clinic confirmation + city of stay. Big changes can trigger re-checks.
If you want to reduce separation risk, aim for: your §16d first → then spouse appointment already prepared with translated/beglaubigt documents, so you don’t lose weeks.