Our immigration lawyers explain the details about obtaining a spouse visa for Germany based on nationality. Feel free to address our specialists if you want to bring your spouse, civil partner, or other family members to join you here.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the German spouse visa | It is a must to show official proof of the long-term relationship and present eligibility for the visa requirements. |
Spouse visa nationality restrictions | No specified restrictions. Citizens outside the EU area might have different requirements than the EU citizens. |
Spouse visa for civil partnerships (Yes/No) | Yes (D Visa) |
| Spouse visa in Germany for non-heterosexual couples (Yes/No) | Yes, the German law recognizes both mixed-sex and same sex marriages. |
| Spouse visa validity | 3 months. During this period, an application for a residence permit is required. |
| Employment in Germany for the spouse visa holder | Partners holding a spouse visa can work after obtaining a residence permit. |
| Study for the spouse visa holder | Possible on certain conditions. |
| Income requirements | The spouse who is a Dutch citizen or resident will serve as the sponsor of the visa holder, and the declared income must be stable, adequate, and self-sustaining. |
| Accommodation requirements | Proof of proper accommodation in Germany is required. |
| Document requirements for the applicant | application form, passport, biometrics, financial proof, accommodation proof, marriage certificate |
| Proof of relationship | Marriage or civil partnership certificate is required. |
| Permanent residency right | Subject to more requirements like living in Germany for at least 5 years, for example. |
| Visa fees | Visa fee is 75,00 EUR. For spouses/children of German and EU citizens, the fee is not applicable. |
| Visa processing time | 5-14 days, depending on the case. |
| Assistance for spouse visa applications in Germany | Find support from our specialized immigration lawyers in Germany in this matter. |
Table of Contents
Who is eligible for a spouse visa in Germany?
The following categories of immigrants:
- spouses of German citizens;
- spouses of foreign skilled employees who live in Germany based on temporary residence or permanent permits;
- spouses of EU Blue Card Holders.
Do I need to obtain a German spouse visa if I am an EU citizen?
Your life partner has the benefit of joining you in Germany without applying for a visa or permit, as long as she or he has the intention to stay in Germany only for a brief period.
What are the conditions to bring a non-EU spouse to Germany?
For the German spouse, these are:
- you need to have the legal right to reside in Germany;
- you have sufficient space to accommodate your family to live with you;
- you also have health insurance that will cover your incoming spouse or partner;
- you have sufficient funds to financially support your spouse.
With respect to the foreign partner, he or she must also meet 2 basic requirements for a spouse visa for Germany:
- he or she must have the legal age of 18;
- he or she must have basic knowledge of the German language.
It is also worth noting that now it has become possible to apply for an unmarried partner visa for Germany.
Here is also an infographic on this type of visa:
Where do I apply for a German partner visa?
To obtain information about the German partner visa, find below the main locations that process the applications for a German permit:
- closest German embassy to your location;
- closest German consulate to your present location;
- visa center where German authorities signed a subcontract.
Can civil partners apply for the same spouse visa in Germany, or is there another type of visa available for them?
The same visa is available for foreign civil partners.
How do I apply for an unmarried partner visa for Germany?
Here are the documents to be filed in order to obtain a German visa for your life partner when you are not married:
- an invitation letter;
- a declaration signed by both partners that attests to the existence of their relationship;
- evidence supporting the relationship (photos, correspondence, testimonies, etc.)
Do not hesitate to ask for guidance from our immigration law firm in Germany if you want to apply for such a visa.
What is the validity of the German spouse visa?
The spouse visa is a national type-D visa and has a validity of 3 to 12 months. The validity depends on the status of the spouse living in Germany.
Can a German spouse visa be converted into a residence permit?
Yes, it can be converted into a temporary residence permit.
IMPORTANT! Please note that conversion must be made BEFORE the spouse visa expires.
What are the documents required to obtain a spouse visa in Germany?
The following:
- the application form;
- two recent biometric photos of the foreign spouse;
- the legalized marriage certificate;
- the passport/ID or residence permit of the German spouse, depending on their status;
- a German language certificate with a minimum knowledge level of A1 for the incoming spouse;
- copy of the work permit and last 3 payslips of the German spouse;
- copy of the proof of accommodation;
- the visa fee payment receipt.
IMPORTANT! Foreign-issued documents must be translated before submission. English and German translations are accepted.
Here is also our video on this subject:
Can I apply for a spouse visa for Germany right after marriage?
Yes, the number of years of the marriage does not matter when filing for this type of visa.
How long does it take for a German spouse visa to be issued?
Generally, it takes about 10 days for a visa application to be processed by German embassies around the world. The most rapid time to process a dependant visa in Germany or other visa types takes around 5 working days. Depending on the flow of requests that the German authorities are receiving, it can take up to 14 days to process a visa application.
If you decide to apply for and obtain a spouse visa for Germany, do not hesitate to contact us.
