Regarding minors

If you are living in Germany and are the holder of a residence permit, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification for your children in the following cases:

• You and the other parent hold a residence permit or settlement permit (a residence permit for family reunification is not possible if you and the other parent hold a residence permit issued in accordance with the following paragraphs: Section 25 paras. 4, 4b, 5 AufenthG (German Residence Act); Section 25a para. 2 AufenthG (German Residence Act); Section 25b para. 4 AufenthG (German Residence Act); Section 104a para. 1 s. 1 AufenthG (German Residence Act); Section 104b AufenthG (German Residence Act)) à  if you are unsure whether your children qualify for a residence permit, please feel free to contact us.
• Your child is still a minor

If the other parent does not live in Germany, written confirmation is required that your child is allowed to stay and live in Germany.

Please bring the following with you…

If you wish to apply for or extend a residence permit for a child under 18 for the purpose of family reunification, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your child’s valid passport
• A current passport photo of your child
• A completed application form
• Proof that you are able to cover your living expenses (e.g. tenancy agreement, employment contract, salary statements or certificate of social benefits)
• Proof of your child’s health insurance
• Child’s birth certificate
• Fee: up to € 50.00

If your child is at least six years old, they must attend the appointment in person.

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Period of validity

The residence permit for family reunification can be issued for the maximum period of validity of your residence permit. This applies to the issue and extension of the residence permit. If you already hold a permanent certificate of residential status, the residence permit for your children will generally be issued to coincide with the date on which your passport expires.

Paid employment

Your child is, in principle, permitted to pursue paid employment if a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification has been issued. This means that your child can take a part-time job or start vocational training if they are of the age to do so.

Settling down

Your child may be granted a settlement permit if they are at least 16 years old and have held a residence permit for five years. To find out which requirements have to be met visit our page about the settlement permit for minors.

Adulthood - what next?

When a child reaches the age of majority (18), the residence permit automatically becomes an independent right to reside. In order to extend the residence permit, you must have a valid passport, be able to cover your living expenses and have no criminal convictions. The settlement permit may also be considered after holding the residence permit for five years. This also applies to children who have reached the age of majority. You can find further information on the page about the settlement permit for minors.