After 5 years on a family reunification permit, family members may apply for permanent residence; after 8 years (or 3 with special integration), citizenship is possible .

HR should ensure full and authentic documentation, facilitate legalizations and translations, monitor deadlines, protect GDPR-sensitive data, and confirm that income and housing requirements are met .

Non-EU family members require a visa and subsequent residence permit; some nationalities may be exempt from the initial visa but must still register with local authorities in Germany .

The sponsor must provide proof of adequate living space by submitting a rental contract that demonstrates suitable accommodation for all family members .

Spouses typically need to demonstrate basic German proficiency (A1 level), except if exempt (e.g., spouse of EU Blue Card holder); children and parents generally do not need language certificates .

Yes, dependents (spouses, in particular) can work and study after receiving the residence permit, with no further approvals needed .

Standard processing times range from 4–10 weeks for fast-track routes, depending on workload and embassy; regular timelines may be longer especially for certain nationalities or large families .

HR should assist by providing employment contracts, payslips, proof of health insurance, guidance on document collection, and support throughout embassy form submissions and appointment bookings .

Required documents include valid passports, biometric photos, marriage/birth certificates, proof of relationship, sponsor’s residence or employment proof, rental agreement, health insurance, German language certificate (A1), and visa fee receipt .

Spouses (including same-sex partners), children under 18, and in some cases parents of minor children may apply if the sponsor legally resides in Germany with a valid residence permit or is a German/EU citizen .

No. As a spouse of an EU national, an A1 certificate is not required.

Yes. As a spouse of a German national, it is mandatory to present an A1 certificate while applying for family reunion.

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If the person holding a residence permit / visa as per § 16b AufenthG has already been married to his*her spouse at the moment of issuing the permit / visa and if this person’s intended duration of stay exceeds one year, the spouse as well as the children are eligible for family reunion.

If the marriage was solemnized after the issuance of visa, it will be at the discretion of the clearance officer only, whether family reunion will be approved or not. In order to apply for family reunion, please read the respective checklist thoroughly.

Use “dependent” category: 

• If the spouse in Germany is highly skilled and holds an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, or is a scientist
• And if the application is made with the spouse or if they follow him/her within six months of his/her relocation

Use “family reunion” category:

• In case the spouse in Germany holds another residence permit 
• and / or if the relocation of the dependent spouse happens more than six months after his/her arrival in Germany

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Yes, they can already book an appointment for a date shortly after their marriage. Please make sure, though, that they have all the necessary documents together by the time of their appointment.

Jobbatical tracks permit expiry dates and handles renewal applications, helping your employees maintain legal status in Germany without gaps.