General information

To protect marriage and family, spouses or registered partners have the opportunity to move to Germany to join their spouse.

A visa for family reunion with a spouse can be applied for if the spouse is already resident in Germany or if the spouses intend to move to Germany together and will be living together.

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.

Please note that “De facto” and civil partnerships are not recognised under the family reunion category!

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.
  Please note that your reference in Germany will be your partner!
• 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)
• Your marriage certificate - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Passport of your spouse (if applicable: including his/her German residence permit) - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Evidence of registration of your spouse (“Meldebescheinigung”), if applicable
• Proof of basic German language skills
  • 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 the proof of basic German language skills. For more information see the flyer from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
• 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: 75 EUR by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AUD). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

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

• If your children are going to accompany you, you must submit a complete set of application documents for each child. Please provide the original and one copy of the children's birth certificate.
• 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

Residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to apply at the Consulate General in Sydney in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.