Submitting a Residence Permit for a Family of Three at Berlin's BIS: One Application or Two?

The Challenge: Navigating BIS Submission Mechanics for Families

For HR teams managing corporate relocations to Berlin, the residence permit process for dependents adds a layer of procedural complexity that is easy to misjudge. The Berlin BIS — the city's immigration office — operates an online contact form system through which applications are submitted before an in-person appointment is booked. When a talent is relocating with both a spouse and a minor child, a natural question arises: does each dependent require their own separate contact form submission?

This confusion is compounded by the fact that the spouse and the child have different legal statuses in the application. The spouse applies in their own right; the child's application must be authorised by a parent or legal guardian. This distinction can lead HR teams to assume that the two applications must follow separate tracks — an assumption that creates unnecessary duplication and potential delays.

The child's documentation requirements introduce a further complication specific to Berlin: the authority expects both parents to co-sign the legal authorisation documents for the minor. If only the accompanying parent signs, the application is incomplete.

Jobbatical's Approach

Jobbatical manages family residence permit submissions in Berlin as a coordinated case — ensuring the correct documents are collected from both parents before submission and that the BIS system's three-application allowance is used efficiently. For complex family scenarios, our team verifies city-specific requirements ahead of submission. Learn more about our Germany family immigration service.

How the Process Works: Submission, Signatures, and What Happens Next

Submitting the applications: The BIS contact form system is designed to handle families. A single submission can cover up to three applications at once, which means the spouse and child applications can — and should — be bundled into the same form rather than submitted separately. This applies to both initial residence permit applications and renewals handled through the Berlin LEA system.

The child's PoA and RPA: Unlike the spouse's application (where only the spouse and the talent may need to sign depending on who holds the power of attorney), the minor child's Residence Permit Application form and the accompanying Power of Attorney must carry the signatures of both parents. In Berlin, this is a city-level requirement. Even if only one parent is the primary named contact, both must sign the child's documents. If the other parent is abroad or unavailable, this needs to be factored into the document collection timeline before the submission window opens.

After submission: Once the BIS contact form is submitted, the office will review the applications and schedule appointments. The talent, spouse, and child will typically attend the appointment together. Processing times in Berlin currently run 10–16 weeks in total, with the physical residence permit card (eAT) issued approximately 4–8 weeks after the appointment.

For a detailed breakdown of the documents required for each family member, refer to our guide on residence permits for spouses and children of skilled workers in Germany.

Steps For HR / Immigration Case Managers

1. Confirm the talent's permit status first. The family's residence permit applications can only proceed once the talent's own permit or visa approval is in place and their Berlin registration (Anmeldung) is completed.
2. Use a single BIS contact form for both dependents. The system allows up to three applications per submission — include the spouse and child in the same form rather than filing separately.
3. Collect dual-parent signatures for the child's documents. Before submitting, ensure both the talent and the spouse have signed the Residence Permit Application form and Power of Attorney for the minor child. Do not submit with only one parent's signature.
4. Prepare separate document sets per applicant. While submitted together, each family member — spouse and child — requires their own complete document package (passport, photos, proof of relationship, health insurance, etc.).
5. Confirm appointment logistics for all three. The talent, spouse, and child typically attend the BIS appointment together. Coordinate availability and childcare documentation if the child is under school age.

Steps For the Talent and Accompanying Family

1. Complete your own registration (Anmeldung) promptly. Your address registration at Berlin's Bürgeramt is a prerequisite for your family's permit applications — do this within 14 days of arrival.
2. Both parents sign the child's forms. You and your spouse must both sign the PoA and RPA for your child. Confirm this with your HR or immigration contact before the submission deadline.
3. Prepare your relationship documents. Have your marriage certificate and the child's birth certificate ready, translated and legalised if issued outside Germany.
4. Attend the BIS appointment as a family. You, your spouse, and your child will typically attend the appointment together. Biometrics will be collected for all applicants.
5. Plan for the eAT collection. The physical permit cards (eAT) are typically ready 4–8 weeks after your appointment. You may need to return to collect them.

Key Learnings

• The BIS contact form handles families together. You do not need separate submissions for a spouse and a child — the system allows up to three applications in a single contact form, so bundle them.
• Both parents must sign the child's PoA and RPA in Berlin. This is a Berlin-specific requirement. Submitting with only one parent's signature will result in an incomplete application.
• The talent's permit is the foundation. Family permit applications in Berlin depend on the talent's own valid residence title and completed address registration — do not attempt to submit dependent applications before these are in place.
• Treat each dependent's document pack as separate. Even though the submission is bundled, the spouse and child each require their own complete set of supporting documents.
• Factor document coordination time into the timeline. Collecting dual-parent signatures — especially when one parent is still abroad — can add days or weeks to preparation. Build this buffer into your submission planning.
• Berlin processing times currently run 10–16 weeks. Submit as early as possible after the talent's arrival and registration to avoid gaps in the family's legal status.
• Berlin LEA requirements can differ from other German cities. City-level rules — like the dual-parent signature for a child — are not always documented on national portals. Always verify with a Berlin-based immigration expert.