Family reunification in Germany 2026: bringing your spouse, children and parents

Germany made family reunification much easier for skilled workers in 2023 and 2024. If you work here on an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit, most of the hurdles other families face do not apply to you. This guide explains the rules and the process.

Who can join you

For other residence permits, for example a student visa, family reunification is possible too, but usually with stricter conditions: German at A1 for spouses, enough living space and proof that you can support the family.

German for spouses: the A1 rule and its exceptions

Spouses generally have to show simple German at A1 before the visa is issued. They do not need to if you, the person already in Germany, hold:

• an EU Blue Card
• a skilled worker permit (§ 18a or § 18b of the Residence Act)
• a residence permit for research, an ICT card or a permit for self-employment, among others

Spouses of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are also exempt. Learning German before you come still makes the first months much easier.

Living space and money

For families of Blue Card holders and skilled workers, the immigration office no longer checks that your flat is big enough or that your income covers the family (since November 2023). In practice you still need a flat where the family is registered, and enough money to live on. For other permits, these checks still apply.

Parents and parents-in-law

If your Blue Card, skilled worker permit or a similar permit was first issued on or after 1 March 2024, your parents and parents-in-law can also get a residence permit. They must be able to support themselves and need health insurance that covers them fully in Germany. For older parents, private health insurance is often expensive or hard to get, which is the main practical obstacle.

Can your spouse work?

Yes. Spouses who join a Blue Card holder or skilled worker may take any job or be self-employed, with no separate work permit.

How to apply

1. Your family applies through the Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal and attends the appointment at the German embassy or consulate.
2. Typical documents: passports, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, a copy of your residence permit, your employment contract, proof of your address in Germany and health insurance for them. Certificates usually need a German translation, and some countries' documents need legalisation or verification first.
3. Ask your immigration office whether it supports a pre-approval (Vorabzustimmung), which can speed up the visa.
4. After arrival, register the family's address (Anmeldung) within 14 days and apply for their residence permits.

Then apply for Kindergeld and look for a Kita or school place early.

Questions people ask

Does my spouse need to speak German to join me in Germany?

Not if you hold an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit. Otherwise your spouse usually needs German at A1, with some exceptions.

Can I bring my parents to Germany?

If your Blue Card or skilled worker permit was first issued on or after 1 March 2024, yes, provided they can support themselves and have full health insurance.

Can my spouse work in Germany?

Yes. Spouses of Blue Card holders and skilled workers may work in any job without a separate permit.

Do I need a bigger flat for my family?

For families of Blue Card holders and skilled workers, the immigration office no longer checks living space. For other permits it still can.

Sources

• Federal Foreign Office: the new Skilled Immigration Act at a glance: living space and livelihood no longer checked, parents from 1 March 2024
• Federal Foreign Office: proof of basic German for spouses: exemptions for Blue Card holders and skilled workers
• Make it in Germany: visa for family reunification with skilled workers (PDF): process and general requirements
• Schleswig-Holstein state parliament: parents and parents-in-law (PDF): eligible permits and the health insurance hurdle