§16d visa: can spouse come with me?

Question

I’m applying for §16d recognition visa for Approbation + exam prep. Can my spouse join me directly, or only later with family reunion?

admin a · Accepted Answer

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.

Sofia S · Answer

Small tip: if you already have a marriage certificate, get it translated/sworn early. Embassy asked for it twice in my case.

Olga P · Answer

We tried to book appointments in parallel but it was not possible in our embassy. So plan some weeks separation just in case.

Layla M · Answer

Following… same situation. This process is so stressful.

Kwame B · Answer

I asked my embassy and they said spouse needs own visa (family reunion), not automatic with my §16d.