Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for Spouses and Children of Skilled Workers in Germany

Introduction

Obtaining a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) in Germany for family reunification (Familienzusammenführung) is essential for skilled workers wishing to bring their spouse (Ehegatten) and children (Kinder) to Germany. This article outlines the application process, required documents, and recent updates in German immigration laws relevant to family members of skilled workers.

Latest 2025 Updates in German Immigration Laws

The Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz), effective March 1, 2024, has eased family reunification requirements for Skilled Workers with a Blue Card EU eligibility:

• No Proof of Adequate Living Space (Wohnraumnachweis): Spouses and minor children of skilled workers no longer need to provide evidence of sufficient living space when applying for family reunification visas.
• Extended Eligibility to Parents and Parents-in-Law: Blue Card EU holders can bring their parents to Germany. This applies to skilled workers who received their Blue Card EU for the first time on or after March 1, 2024.
• Non-EU family members, who lived in another EU country with the Blue Card EU holder before may apply for the German residence permit directly at the immigration office after arrival and don’t need a national visa for the entry purpose any more.

For more details, visit: Make it in Germany

Political Developments Affecting Immigration Policies

• Protests Against Proposed Immigration Restrictions: On February 2, 2025, approximately 160,000 people protested in Berlin against a proposed immigration crackdown. The draft bill aimed to restrict family re-unification for refugees and tighten border controls but failed to pass in the Bundestag.
• Parliamentary Rejection of Radical Migration Plan: On January 31, 2025, the German parliament rejected a controversial bill intended to tighten immigration controls, proposed by the CDU/CSU opposition party and supported by the AfD.
  
  For more information, please refer to the links below:‍
• Reuters‍
• The Guardian

I - Residence Permit for Spouses (Ehegatten) of Skilled Workers

The process involves applying for a family reunification visa in the spouse's home country and then applying for the residence permit in Germany.

Stage 1: Family Reunification Visa Application (Visum zum Familiennachzug)

1.1 Where to Apply:

The spouse must apply at the German embassy (Deutsche Botschaft) or consulate (Konsulat) responsible for their place of residence. You can find the relevant German mission on the German Foreign Office website: German Missions Abroad (diplo.de)

1.2 Required Documents:

• Valid National Passport: Must have at least three months' validity beyond the intended stay.
• Marriage Certificate: An international marriage certificate, a legalized/apostilled national marriage certificate or a registered partnership certificate (for same-sex partners), translated into German by a certified translator.
• Proof of German Language Proficiency (A1 Level): A certificate from a recognized language institute (e.g., Goethe-Institut) demonstrating basic German language skills (exemptions are possible)
• Proof of Adequate Health Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the stay in Germany, meeting German standards.
• Proof of Registration Certificate from the Skilled Worker (if not moving to Germany at the same time): Proof of the skilled worker's official registration at their German home.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Available on the website of the relevant German mission.
• Passport Photos: Biometric passport photos that meet German requirements.

1.3 Application Process:

1. Check if the online application is available in your country of residence here. Submit personal information and document copies online and proceed with no. 4. Follow steps 2 and 3 if not available. 
2. Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment at the German embassy/consulate.
3. Document Submission: Submit all required documents during the appointment.
4. Interview: Attend an interview, where the applicant may be asked questions about their relationship and intentions.
5. Visa Processing: The embassy/consulate will process the application.

1.4 Costs:

• Visa fee: Regularly €75. Check the exact fee on the website of the relevant German mission.
• Language course and certificate: Varies depending on the institute and location.
• Translation and legalization of documents: Varies.

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Stage 2: Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) Application in Germany

2.1 Where to Apply:

At the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in the city where the family will reside. Search by using your ZIP or address here.

2.2 Generally required Documents:

• Valid passports with the family reunification visas.
• Completed residence permit application form.
• Marriage certificate or registered partnership, legalized and translated if necessary.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of registration (Anmeldung) at the German address.
• Biometric passport photos.
• Copy of the skilled worker's residence permit.
• Proof of financial means: usually salary payslips of Skilled Worker are sufficient.

2.3 Application Process:

1. Registration (Anmeldung): Register the address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt).
2. Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (if no digital submission option available. Otherwise, proceed with step 3)
3. Document Submission: Submit all required documents.
4. Biometric Data Collection: Provide biometric data during the appointment (fingerprints, photo).
5. Residence Permit Issuance: The residence permit will be issued within 6 weeks after the appointment.

2.4 Costs:

• Residence permit fee: Approximately €100–€120, depending on the duration of the permit.
• Health insurance costs: Usually already covered by social security contributions of the Skilled Worker presuming public health insurance. Family members are insured free of additional charge if not employed.

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II - Residence Permit for Children (Kinder) of Skilled Workers

The process varies slightly depending on whether the child is under or over 16 years of age.

Children Under 16 Years of Age

Stage 1: Family Reunification Visa Application

1.1 Where to Apply:

Apply at the German embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.
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1.2 Required Documents:

• Valid National Passport: With sufficient validity.
• Birth Certificate: Proving the parent-child relationship.
• Custody Agreement (if applicable): If parents are divorced or separated, provide legal documentation regarding custody.
• Consent from Non-Custodial Parent (if applicable): A notarized statement from the other parent agreeing to the child's relocation to Germany.
• Proof of Health Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the stay in Germany, meeting German standards.
• Passport Photos: Biometric passport photos.
• Completed Visa Application Form

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Stage 2: Residence Permit Application in Germany

2.1 Where to Apply:

At the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

2.2 Required Documents:

• Valid passport with the family reunification visa.
• Completed residence permit application form.
• Birth certificate (if not already submitted for the visa).
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of registration (Anmeldung) at the German address.
• Biometric passport photos.
• Copy of the skilled worker's residence permit.
• Proof of financial means: usually salary payslips of Skilled Worker are sufficient.

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Children Over 16 Years of Age

Additional Requirements :  Children over 16 may need to demonstrate German language proficiency (A1 level) and proof of integration prospects (e.g., enrollment in a school or vocational training program).
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Stage 1: Family Reunification Visa Application

1.1 Additional Required Documents:

• Proof of German Language Proficiency (A1 Level, if applicable): If required by the German embassy/consulate.
• Proof of Enrollment in Educational Program (if applicable): Documentation from a German school or vocational training program.

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Stage 2: Residence Permit Application in Germany

The process mirrors that of younger children but may involve additional interviews or documentation to assess integration prospects.

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Important Notes

• Processing times can vary depending on the Ausländerbehörde.
• Having all documents in order is crucial to avoid delays.
• The new skilled worker laws reduce the housing documentation required.

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Government Resources

Here are some quick reference government resources for making your process easier.

• German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt): https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de
• Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): https://www.bamf.de‍
• Make it in Germany: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/

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