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Your situation

Bring your spouse or children to Germany

Selected criteria

  1. I already live in Germany
  2. Family and children
  3. Bring my spouse or children

This scenario helps you plan the move of your spouse, children or whole family to join someone already living in Germany. Start by checking the sponsor's status and the family composition: these determine the appropriate family reunification process and preparation details. Then gather information separately for your spouse and each child, and check documents on the relationship, custody, housing, finances and insurance. If a child is school age, plan their adjustment after arrival in advance. The materials below are grouped by task so you can prepare the application step by step without mixing general rules with the details of your specific situation.

Plan overview

Check the basis for reunification step by step, prepare documents for your spouse and children, arrange insurance and plan the child's first steps after moving.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Determine the basis and family composition

    Check the status of the person in Germany and find out which process applies to the spouse and each child.

    Articles for this step

    Family Reunification in Germany: Who Can Move and What Conditions Apply How to Move to Germany with the Whole Family: Visas, Money, Insurance, and Children
  2. 2

    Prepare your child's move

    Clarify the child's age, family situation, custody and documents before starting the application.

    Articles for this step

    Family Reunification of a Child with a Parent in Germany: Conditions, Documents, and Risks
  3. 3

    Prepare your spouse's documents

    Check the requirements for your spouse's move, including language, housing, income and insurance in your case.

    Articles for this step

    Joining Your Spouse in Germany: Requirements, Documents, and the National D Visa Family Reunification Visa for Germany: Requirements, Documents, and A1
  4. 4

    Prepare the family's complete application package

    Check the documents, financial means, housing and health insurance for everyone moving.

    Articles for this step

    How to Move to Germany with the Whole Family: Visas, Money, Insurance, and Children Family Reunification Visa for Germany: Requirements, Documents, and A1
  5. 5

    Clarify insurance after arrival

    Check whether your spouse and children can be included in statutory family insurance.

    Articles for this step

    Family Insurance in Germany: Who Can Be Covered Under the GKV for Free
  6. 6

    Prepare your child for school

    Research the rules in your federal state and school options if your child will attend school in Germany.

    Articles for this step

    The School System in Germany: School Types, Grades, Grades, and Vacations
  7. 7

    Clarify conditions for an EU Blue Card

    If the sponsor holds or is applying for an EU Blue Card, check the specific conditions for the family move separately.

    Articles for this step

    EU Blue Card in Germany: requirements, salary, and application process

Important notes

  • Rules depend on the sponsor's status, so do not apply the conditions of one case to another.
  • Check the language requirements for your specific basis for moving.
  • When choosing a school, first clarify the rules in your federal state.

Common mistakes

  • Delay checking conditions for a teenager
  • Fail to prepare the custody issue
  • Use one document checklist for everyone