Being away from those you love the most is one of the hardest tests of migration. When you arrive in Germany with a work contract or after establishing your life here, the main goal is almost always the same: to bring your partner and children to start this new stage together.
The legal process of family reunification (Familiennachzug) can seem like a bureaucratic maze before the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) and the German consulates in Latin America or Spain. In this guide, we detail the essential requirements, financial aspects, and the necessary medical coverage to successfully complete this process in any German city, whether you reside in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, or Leipzig.
Fundamental Requirements for Family Reunification in Germany
The German authorities require that the sponsor (who already legally resides in Germany) demonstrate minimum stability conditions to ensure that the family will not depend on social benefits (Bürgergeld).
1. Adequate Housing (Wohnraumnachweis)
The regulations require a minimum living space per person. As a general rule in most federal states (Bundesländer), at least 12 square meters are required for each adult and child over 6 years old, and 10 square meters for children under 6 years old. You will need to present the rental contract (Mietvertrag) and the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
2. Proven Economic Solvency (Lebensunterhaltssicherung)
You must demonstrate sufficient net income to cover rent, heating costs (Warmmiete), and the basic sustenance of all household members according to the official basic needs tables. If you are employed, you will be asked for the last three payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen); if you are self-employed, balance sheets and tax returns will be required.
Visa for German Spouse or Resident Partner
The spousal visa process varies depending on the nationality and status of the spouse already living in the country:
Spouse of a German citizen: The process is usually faster. A basic German language certificate at level A1 (Start Deutsch 1 from the Goethe Institute or telc) is generally required, although there are exceptions in specific cases.
Spouse of a foreigner with a residence permit: The sponsor must hold a valid residence title (Aufenthaltstitel), such as the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) or a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Holders of the Blue Card have the advantage that their spouses do not need to demonstrate prior knowledge of German to apply for the visa.
Reuniting Hispanic Children: Ages and Legal Custody
Bringing your minor children is a protected right, but the conditions change depending on the age of the minor:
Children under 16 years: The process is straightforward if both parents have joint custody and live in Germany, or if there is exclusive custody (Alleiniges Sorgerecht) properly apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.
Children between 16 and 18 years: They may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the German language (level C1) or prove smooth school integration to receive consular approval.
Mandatory Health Insurance: The Key Piece of the Visa
No family reunification visa is approved without a valid health insurance certificate (Krankenversicherung) with full coverage from the first day in German territory.
If you are affiliated with the public system, your direct dependents without their own income can be included at no additional cost in the public family insurance (Familienversicherung). However, if you have private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung) or are self-employed with high income, your family members will need to have individual private policies adapted.
From the BarmeniaGothaer Service Center, we advise hundreds of Hispanic families to correctly structure their health policies and ensure that they meet the embassy's requirements 100%. In addition to health, it is essential to take out family liability insurance (Familienhaftpflichtversicherung), which protects the household's assets against unintentional damage to third parties caused by children or adults.
Prepare Your Family's Arrival with Professional Support
Organizing consular documents and protecting your family before their arrival in Germany prevents visa rejections and unforeseen expenses. At Finanzen Campuzano by BarmeniaGothaer, we accompany you in your language so that you know the insurance options that best protect your home in this new stage.
To review your case and ensure the appropriate medical coverage for your family, contact Elvis Campuzano, head of a service center at BarmeniaGothaer, at 0172 2638910 or visit finanzencampuzano.de.