Family reunion with a spouse (German or Non-EU National)

Australian citizens should apply for a family reunion visa / residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Only in exceptional circumstances should citizens of these countries mentioned apply at the German Consulate General in Sydney (see below) before entering Germany. As the Consulate General can only issue a visa with a limited validity, and you subsequently have to apply for a residence permit after arrival in Germany anyway, it is advised that you do not apply for a visa before entry, but directly for a residence permit after arrival. Citizens of other countries have to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.

Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities. Please note that 'De facto' partnerships are not recognised under the family reunion category!

Where can I apply?

• All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
• Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney.

Which documents do I have to submit with my visa application?

(Please provide 2 copies per document)

• 2 completed application forms
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.  Please ensure that the barcode is printed in  high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm)
• your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) - original plus 2 copies
• your marriage certificate - original plus 2 copies
• passport of your spouse (if applicable: including his/her German residence permit) - original or certified copy plus 2 copies
• proof of basic German language skills (original plus 2 copies) - e.g. standard language test 'Deutsch 1' of the Goethe Institut. This is also applicable for applicants who are married to a German national.
  There are some exemptions for proof of basic German language skills. For more information see the Flyer from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
• evidence of health insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) -  including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; including coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages) - 2 copies
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$) (visa applications for spouses of German and other EU citizens are free of charge). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

Please note that all documents others than in German or English must be translated into German language.

We can process only complete applications; if you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.

What else should I know?

• If your children are going to accompany you, you must submit 2 complete sets of applications for each child. Please provide the childrens' original birth certificate plus two copies.
• Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
• Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes

Family reunion to a child

Which documents do I have to submit with my visa application?

• 2 completed application forms
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.  Please ensure that the barcode is printed in  high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm)
• your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) - original plus 2 copies
• child’s birth certificate original plus 2 copies
• child’s passport, certified copie plus 2 copies
• evidence of child’s registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Marriage certificate of parents or if applicable certificate of recognition of paternity, Adoption decree etc. original plus 2 copies
• evidence of health insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) -  including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; including coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages) - 2 copies
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.

Family reunion to an EU-National (not German nationals)

Which documents do I have to submit with my visa application?

• 2 completed application forms
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.  Please ensure that the barcode is printed in  high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm)
• your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) - original plus 2 copies
• your marriage certificate - original plus 2 copies
• passport of your spouse (if applicable: including his/her German residence permit) - original or certified copy plus 2 copies
• evidence of registration of your spouse (Meldebescheinigung)
• evidence of health insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) -  including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; including coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages) - 2 copies
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.

Intended marriage in Germany and subsequent stay

Which documents do I have to submit with my visa application?

• 2 completed application forms
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.  Please ensure that the barcode is printed in  high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm)
• your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) - original plus 2 copies
• passport of your spouse (if applicable: including his/her German residence permit) - original or certified copy plus 2 copies
• evidence of registration of your spouse (Meldebescheinigung)
• letter of registration from the German registrar office (Anmeldung zur Eheschließung)
• proof of basic German language skills (original plus 2 copies) - e.g. standard language test 'Deutsch 1' of the Goethe Institut. 
  There are some exemptions for proof of basic German language skills. For more information see the Flyer from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
• evidence of health insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) -  including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; including coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages) - 2 copies
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.

What else should I know?

A visa for an intended marriage in Germany can only be granted if a certificate of intended marriage (“Anmeldung zur Eheschließung”) issued by the competent German Civil Registrar has been issued stating that a date for the wedding has been scheduled. It is therefore vital to check with the German Registrar’s Office in the town where you want to get married which documents have to be submitted in Germany in order to obtain this certificate. For more information also see “Getting married in Germany”