GermanyFamily

Germany spouse visa: joining a German citizen

National visa for spouses and family of German citizens (§ 28 AufenthG)

In short

The foreign spouse of a German citizen living in Germany receives a residence permit if both are at least 18 and the spouse can communicate in simple German (A1), with the same hardship and disability exemptions as for other families. As a rule the German partner does not have to prove income, and the spouse can obtain a settlement permit after three years.

Apply on Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
€75National visa fee as published in § 46 AufenthV; Schengen visas for spouses of Germans are free of charge.
Processing time
Same appointment system and waiting times as other family reunification visas at the mission responsible for you.
Work
Yes, any employment.
Family
Spouses, minor unmarried children of Germans and the foreign parent of a minor German child (for custody and care).
Path to permanent residence
Settlement permit after three years of living together in Germany, with B1 German and secured livelihood.
Where to apply
German mission responsible for your place of residence, or online via the Consular Services Portal for categories handled there.

Who is covered

Section 28 covers the foreign spouse or registered partner of a German living in Germany, minor unmarried children of Germans, and the foreign parent of a minor unmarried German child who exercises custody. Both spouses must be at least 18. Livelihood is normally not examined for spouses of Germans, although it can be required in special cases.

German language

Spouses must normally prove simple German (A1). The exemptions for illness or disability, a clearly low integration need, and cases where learning German before entry is impossible or unreasonable apply here as well; the authorities must consider whether the German spouse can reasonably be expected to live abroad instead.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport and biometric photo; national visa application form and Section 54 declaration
  • Civil status extract showing your family details

Study

  • A1 German certificate unless an exemption applies

Family

  • Marriage certificate, as an international (multilingual) extract where your civil registry issues one
  • Copy of the German spouse's ID card or passport and proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung)

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • For parents of a German child: child's German passport or ID and custody proof

How to apply

Book an appointment in the family reunification category as the German mission responsible for your place of residence instructs. Bring proof of the German partner's citizenship (German ID or passport) and residence in Germany. The foreigners authority at the partner's address must consent before the visa is issued.

  1. Obtain the A1 German certificate or document why an exemption applies.
  2. Book the appointment in the family reunification category with the German mission responsible for your place of residence.
  3. Submit the application and originals at the appointment, and pay the fee.
  4. After the foreigners authority consents, collect the visa and travel.
  5. Register your address and apply for the residence permit in Germany.

Permanent residence

After three years of living together in Germany, the spouse of a German is normally granted a settlement permit if the family remains together, livelihood is secured and the spouse speaks B1 German.

Frequently asked questions

Does my German husband need a minimum income?

As a rule, no. Livelihood is normally not examined for spouses of Germans.

Is A1 needed if I marry a German?

Yes, unless an exemption applies, such as illness, disability or special circumstances making it unreasonable.

When do I get permanent residence?

After three years of living together in Germany with B1 German.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Germany

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: The visa is usually issued for several months; the residence permit in Germany is normally granted for two years at a time, at least one year, and renewed while studies progress.
  • Language course visa Validity: For the length of the course.
  • Researcher visa Validity: At least one year, or the length of the research project if shorter.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Up to six months for the EU internship permit
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: Six to twelve months

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Appointment waiting times depend on the mission; after submission the Federal Employment Agency approval adds a few weeks. The accelerated skilled-worker procedure shortens this.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the employment contract plus three months if shorter.
  • EU Blue Card Validity: Up to four years, or the length of the contract plus three months.
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: Up to one year; a follow-up Opportunity Card of up to two years is possible for a qualified job that does not yet meet another permit.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Validity: Length of the transfer, at most three years (one year for trainees).
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months, once

Family

Residence

Faster processing

  • Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: Recognition authority: decision within two months; Federal Employment Agency: one week; mission: appointment within three weeks and decision usually within three weeks of a complete application.

Protection

  • Asylum and international protection Processing time: Regular procedure: six months from the application; accelerated procedure: at most three months; border procedure: at most twelve weeks.

Germany visa guide