Family reunification with German citizens is only possible for the nuclear family (parents in the case of minors, children and spouses).

Before first entry and first stay for the purpose of family reunification or marriage, family members must apply for a visa at the German embassy in their home country. The German missions abroad are also the responsible contact persons for questions regarding the first application for family reunification. Please note that entry and residence for the purpose of family reunification without the appropriate visa or false information in the visa procedure about the purpose of residence will prevent the subsequent issuance of a residence permit, §§ 6 para. 3, 5 para. 2 AufenthG.

Main requirements:

• German spouse, custody of a German child or German parent
• German language skills A1 (in the case of spouses)

Disclaimer of the Foreigners' Registration Office Potsdam

The information on this website is merely intended as a guideline. There is no guarantee for the completeness and correctness concerning the information provided on this website. The completeness of the stated documents does not mean that the residence permit will be issued. Each case must be assessed individually. Therefore, the requested documents may vary.

Required documents:

• Application form - filled out and signed (issuance (Öffnet in einem neuen Tab) or extension (Öffnet in einem neuen Tab) of a residence permit)
• 1 new biometric passport photo
• Valid passport & copies (data sheet, entry visa, stamps, labels)
• Current health insurance membership certificate, not older than 3 months (no chip card)
• Current proof of residence (housing form from the Potsdam Foreigners' Registration Office (Öffnet in einem neuen Tab), filled out and stamped by the homeowner/landlord, homeowners must submit an excerpt from the land register)
• Joint declaration of marriage (Öffnet in einem neuen Tab) for one another (one form per spouse)
• Proof of financing/income, if applicable (also) of the spouse: e.g. employment contract + salary slips for the last 6 months
• If applicable, certificate of attendance or completion of language and integration course
• If applicable, other proof of financing (e.g. housing subsidy notice, Jobcenter notice, BAföG notice)
• Residence registration from the City Hall (Bürgerservice)
• For married couples:
  • Marriage certificate - if necessary with translation and apostille
  • Proof of the spouse's German citizenship
• For children:
  • Birth certificate - if necessary with translation and apostille
  • Proof of the parent’s German citizenship
• For parents:
  • Birth certificate - if necessary with translation and apostille
  • Proof of the child's German citizenship
  • If applicable, acknowledgement of paternity and personal custody rights
  • If parent and child live in separate households:
    • Completed statement (Öffnet in einem neuen Tab) of the other parent
    • Proof of child support payments

Fees

• First application: 100,00 Euro – 50,00 Euro for minors
• Prolongation: 93,00 Euro – 46,50 Euro for minors

Method of payment

• Debit card or cash