Germany Spouse Visa: A Complete Guide for Indian Students and Families
Senior Study Abroad Consultant and Researcher working in Germany at a top global research institute.
If you’re an international student in Germany, there is the possibility of bringing your family with you. To have your spouse and/or your child(ren) join you while you study in Germany, you need to meet some requirements and have a residence permit.
📌 Summary
- • International students in Germany can bring family members, including spouses and children, through the German Family Reunion Visa.
- • To sponsor a family member you must have a valid residence permit, sufficient living space, adequate health insurance, and financial stability.
- • Family members can work in Germany without restriction once they receive their residence permit.
- • Applications must be made in the applicant’s home country.
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What Is the German Family Reunion Visa?
The German Family Reunion (Reunification) Visa (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung) allows non-EU/EEA family members (spouses, minor unmarried children) to join an international student in Germany who holds a residence permit. The visa is designed to keep the family unit together, under the condition that Germany is your main place of residence as a student.
Who Needs a Visa?
| Citizenship | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Switzerland | No Visa Needed |
| USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Israel, NZ, Korea | Apply for Permit upon Arrival |
| All Other Countries | Visa Required Before Entry |
1Prerequisites for Sponsors
Sufficient Living Space
You generally need 12 sqm for each adult and 10 sqm for each child under 6. A studio apartment or family housing is required.
Financial Security
You must cover all living expenses without public funds. This often means a Blocked Account for your spouse (~€11,208/year, subject to change).
Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance coverage for all family members is mandatory. Family insurance policies are available.
Valid Visa or Residence Permit
The sponsor must hold a valid German visa or residence permit for study purposes.
2Requirements for Family Members
For Spouses
- ✓Both must be 18+ years old.
- ✓Must be married before receiving the student visa.
- ✓Basic German skills (A1 level) usually required (exemptions for Blue Card holders or degree holders).
For Children
- ✓Under 16: Can join without additional requirements.
- ✓16-17 Years: Must prove C1 German OR ability to adapt (e.g., previous education in German).
📄 Document Checklist
Spouse Checklist
- ✓ Valid Passport (min 1 year validity)
- ✓ 2 Biometric Photos
- ✓ Application Forms (Videx)
- ✓ Marriage Certificate (Translated & Apostilled)
- ✓ Proof of A1 German (Goethe/Telc/ÖSD)
- ✓ Travel Health Insurance
- ✓ Copy of Sponsor's Passport & Residence Permit
- ✓ Proof of Sponsor's Accommodation (Meldebescheinigung)
Child Checklist
- ✓ Valid Passport
- ✓ Birth Certificate (Translated & Apostilled)
- ✓ Parental Consent (if one parent remains abroad)
- ✓ Proof of Financial Means
- ✓ C1 Certificate (if child is >16 years)
Note: Always check with your local German mission for the most current requirements.
📥 Free Essential Visa Templates
To increase your chances of approval, we have prepared professional templates that adhere to German diplomatic standards. Download, customize, and submit these with your application.
Cover Letter Template
A persuasive cover letter (motivation letter) is your chance to explain your relationship history and future plans to the visa officer. This template ensures you cover all critical points required by the German Embassy.
Download Template →Invitation Letter Template
The spouse residing in Germany must provide a formal invitation letter confirming their desire for family reunification and ability to support the applicant. This document must be signed digitally or physically.
Download Template →Processing Time
Usually 3 months. Appointments can have long wait times.
Visa Fees
€75 for adults, €37.50 for minors. Paid in local currency.
Work Rights
Spouses can work full-time without restriction in Germany.
Is It Difficult?
Bringing family on a student visa can be challenging due to financial requirements. Students can usually only work part-time, making it hard to prove sufficient income for a whole family.
Alternatives
If the requirements are too high currently, consider waiting until you graduate and find a full-time job (Job Seeker / Work Visa). Alternatively, family members can visit on a short-term Schengen Visitor Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓Can I bring my unmarried partner to Germany?
Generally, no. Germany does not typically recognize boyfriend/girlfriend relationships for family reunion visas. You must be legally married or in a registered civil partnership. Unmarried partners can usually only apply for short-term visitor visas.
❓Does my visa type affect requirements for my spouse?
Yes. If you hold a EU Blue Card or are a highly skilled worker, the requirement for your spouse to prove German language skills (A1) is often waived. However, for regular student visa holders, the A1 requirement is usually mandatory unless the spouse holds a degree themselves.
❓What if my spouse's visa gets rejected?
If rejected, you will receive a notification letter (Bescheid) explaining the reasons. You have two options:
1. Remonstrate: Submit a written appeal to the embassy explaining why the decision is incorrect (within 1 month).
2. Re-apply: Fix the issues (e.g., insufficient funds) and submit a fresh application.
❓If the approval mail comes from the Ausländerbehörde, how long will it take to get the passport back?
If the spouse-visa documents reach the German Ausländerbehörde (the foreign office of the city where your spouse lives) along with the Anmeldung or registration certificate, that office will process and verify the documents. In some cases, they may request additional documents such as the last three months’ salary slips.
Once these verifications are completed, the remaining process usually does not take long. In most cases, you will receive your visa notification from VFS by email within a week.
Need Help with the Paperwork?
The process can be overwhelming with blocking accounts, insurance, and embassy interviews. Let our experts handle the bureaucracy while you focus on your studies.
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