Germany Family Reunification Visa Document Checklist

Germany Business Visa Requirements Document Checklist

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Detailed Explanation of Each Required Document

Documents not in English or German must be translated by a certified translator. Apostille or legalization is required for foreign documents, depending on the country of origin.

1. Valid Passport

• Document Type: Original international travel document.
• Format: Original passport with photocopies of the data page and any previous Schengen visas.
• Acceptance Criteria: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure from Germany, issued within the last 10 years, with two blank pages for visa stamps. Must be signed and in good condition. Damaged or invalid passports are a common cause of Family Reunification Visa rejection.

2. Visa Application Form

• Document Type: Official national visa form (VIDEX) for Family Reunification Visa.
• Format: Completed online at the German embassy website, printed, and signed manually.
• Acceptance Criteria: Must be fully completed with accurate personal, family, and sponsor details matching supporting documents. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or rejection.

3. Biometric Photos

• Document Type: Passport-style photographs.
• Format: Two recent photos, 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last 6 months.
• Acceptance Criteria: Must meet Schengen standards: clear, high-resolution, neutral expression, light background, no headwear (unless religious), and no shadows. Non-compliant photos frequently cause delays.

4. Proof of Family Relationship

• Document Type: Legal documents verifying family ties.
• Format: Marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificate (for children), or other documents proving relationship (for parents). Must be legalized/apostilled and translated into German.
• Acceptance Criteria: Must clearly establish the family relationship with the sponsor. Unverified or missing documents are a top reason for rejection.

5. Sponsor’s Residence Status

• Document Type: Proof of sponsor’s legal status in Germany.
• Format: Copy of sponsor’s German residence permit, passport, or citizenship certificate.
• Acceptance Criteria: Must confirm the sponsor’s legal right to reside in Germany. Missing or outdated documents weaken applications.

6. Proof of Sponsor’s Financial Stability

• Document Type: Financial documentation of the sponsor.
• Format: Bank statements (3-6 months), payslips, or tax returns showing sufficient income (approx. €1,500–2,000/month for a family of two).
• Acceptance Criteria: Must demonstrate the sponsor’s ability to financially support the applicant without relying on public funds. Insufficient proof risks rejection.

7. Health Insurance

• Document Type: Proof of health insurance coverage for the applicant.
• Format: Policy document from a recognized German public or private provider, covering medical emergencies (≥€30,000).
• Acceptance Criteria: Must be valid in Germany for the entire visa stay. Invalid or insufficient insurance causes rejections.

8. Proof of Accommodation

• Document Type: Evidence of sufficient living space.
• Format: Sponsor’s rental agreement, property ownership document, or declaration confirming adequate space (min. 12 m² per person).
• Acceptance Criteria: Must be verifiable and sufficient for the family size. Inadequate or missing proof risks rejection.

9. German Language Certificate (if applicable)

• Document Type: Proof of basic German language proficiency for spouses.
• Format: A1-level certificate from a recognized institution (e.g., Goethe-Institut), unless exempt (e.g., highly skilled sponsors or specific nationalities).
• Acceptance Criteria: Required for most spousal applications to demonstrate integration potential. Missing certificates lead to rejection unless exempt.

10. Clean Criminal Record

• Document Type: Police clearance certificate.
• Format: For the past 5 years, legalized/apostilled and translated, from the applicant’s home country or country of residence.
• Acceptance Criteria: Must show no relevant convictions. Missing or incomplete records risk Family Reunification Visa rejection.

Mistakes in Documents That Can Lead to Visa Rejections

Avoid these common errors to maximize approval chances for your Germany Family Reunification Visa application:

• Incomplete Visa Application Form: Omissions or errors in personal, family, or sponsor details lead to delays or rejection.
• Unverified Family Relationship Documents: Missing legalization/apostille or translations for marriage or birth certificates.
• Insufficient Sponsor Income: Inadequate proof of financial stability to support the family.
• Invalid Health Insurance: Coverage not meeting €30,000 minimum or not valid in Germany.
• Missing German Language Certificate: Lack of A1-level proof for spouses, unless exempt.

How Jobbatical Helps in Germany Family Reunification Visa Acceptance

Jobbatical’s expert agents and advanced HR global mobility platform streamline Family Reunification Visa applications for HR managers, global mobility managers, and families relocating to Germany. Our corporate immigration services for mid-size companies, small size companies, and enterprise customers ensure seamless, compliant, and efficient immigration solutions. Jobbatical platform is for corporate immigration services for mid-size companies, small size, and enterprise customers.

• Tailored Family Reunification Visa Checklists for HR Managers: Customized document lists based on family profiles and German embassy requirements, designed for enterprise visa sponsorship management.
• Document Review for Family Reunification Visa Compliance: Meticulous checks for format, translations, and visa-specific requirements to prevent errors for global mobility managers.
• Appointment Booking via HR Global Mobility Platform: Securing early slots via embassies, consulates, or Ausländerbehörde, optimized for corporate immigration services for mid-size companies.
• Real-Time Family Reunification Visa Updates: Our platform provides transparency with real-time tracking of visa application progress for HR managers and families.
• Corporate Immigration Services for Small Size Companies: Jobbatical’s platform supports small businesses with streamlined Family Reunification Visa processes and compliance.
• Enterprise Visa Sponsorship Management: Comprehensive solutions for large-scale family relocations, ensuring Family Reunification Visa compliance and efficiency.
• HR Global Mobility Platform Integration: Our technology simplifies document collection, compliance checks, and communication for global mobility managers handling Family Reunification Visa applications.
• Family Relocation Support: Assisting with spouse, child, or parent applications for seamless family reunification processes.

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