General information

Children can either join both parents in Germany or only one parent if the latter has custody of the child. Generally, children can only join their parents as long as they are minors (i.e. not yet 18 years old).

Minors aged 16 and over must prove that they have a sufficient knowledge of the German language. Further information can be found below.

Australian citizens as well as citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand.

Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities.

Necessary documents

Please do not staple the documents!

• Completed and signed application form
  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.
  Only if the online application form is not available, you can print out this application form and fill it out by hand.
• Recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• Your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• Proof of visa status in Australia (VEVO) (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• Child's birth certificate - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Consent form of parent, if applicable
• Passports of the child's parents - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Copy of parents' German residence permit/visa, if applicable
• Evidence of parents' registration (“Meldebescheinigung”), if applicable
• Marriage certificate of parents or, if applicable, certificate of recognition of paternity, adoption decree etc. - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Proof of basic German language skills (level A1) if aged 16 and over of a non-German parent
  • The language certificate needs to be recognized by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). Find out more about language certificates here.
  • e.g. standard German language test “Deutsch A1” of the Goethe Institut.
  • Only if your German language skills prove to be on a conversational level during the interview, the requirement for a recognized certificate may be waived.
  • Exemption 1:
    If the child is moving to Germany together with both parents or with the parent with sole custody, proof of language proficiency is not required. This also applies if the child is only moving to Germany with one parent who has custody and the other parent has given their consent.
  • Exception 2:
    If the parent living in Germany or their spouse has one of the following residence permits, no proof of language proficiency is required either:
    • Residence permit according to § 18c Abs. 3 AufenthG
    • EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG)
    • ICT-Card/Mobile-ITC-Card
    • § 18a, § 18b Abs. 1, § 18d or § 18f AufenthG
    • § 19c Abs. 1 AufenthG as manager, business specialist, scientist or member of a research team
    • § 19c Abs. 2 or Abs. 4 AufenthG
    • § 21 AufenthG
  • If you believe that an exemption applies to you, you must prove the existence of the respective reason for this exemption when submitting your application.
• Evidence of health/travel 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; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• 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

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

Please note that 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.

Please note that you may be asked to present additional documents.

Additional information

• 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.
• Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.

Appointment booking

After your online application in the Consular Services Portal has been accepted, you will receive a booking link to schedule an appointment. You will need to show your original documents, submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and pay the fee at the Consulate General in Sydney.