1. What is the purpose of the Germany Visa for Long Stay – Family Reunion?
The purpose of the Germany Visa for Long Stay – Family Reunion is for individuals who wish to join their family member(s) in Germany and stay for longer than 90 days. This type of visa allows you to reunite with your spouse, children, parents, or other relatives who are already living in Germany. It is also available for individuals who wish to marry a German citizen and settle in the country.
2. How can I apply for a long stay family reunion visa for Germany?
To apply for a long stay family reunion visa for Germany, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Determine your eligibility: You must be a family member of a German citizen or a non-German resident with a valid residence permit in Germany to apply for a long stay family reunion visa. Eligible family members include spouses, children under 18 years old, and parents of minor children.
2. Gather required documents: The exact documents you will need to submit may vary depending on your specific situation, but generally you will need the following:
– A completed visa application form
– Valid passport with at least two blank pages
– Two biometric passport photos
– Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
– Health insurance coverage for Germany
– Proof of accommodation in Germany
– Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself while in Germany
– Letter from the German relative inviting you to join them
3. Make an appointment: Contact the German embassy or consulate nearest to you to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application.
4. Attend the interview: On the day of your appointment, attend the interview and submit all required documents and pay the visa fee.
5. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a long stay family reunion visa can take several weeks, so be patient while waiting for a decision.
6. Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you will be notified via email or phone when your passport and visa are ready for pick-up at the embassy or consulate.
It’s important to keep in mind that each individual case is different and additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation. It is best to consult with the embassy or consulate where you will be applying for further instructions on how to apply for a long stay family reunion visa for Germany.
3. Do I need to provide proof of relationship for a family reunion visa in Germany?
Yes, you will likely need to provide proof of your relationship for a family reunion visa in Germany. This can include documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and/or adoption papers. The exact requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and the German embassy or consulate where you are applying. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and contact the embassy or consulate if you have any questions about what specific documentation is needed for your case.
4. Can I apply for the long stay family reunion visa while staying in Germany on a temporary visa?
No, you cannot apply for a long stay family reunion visa while staying in Germany on a temporary visa. You must return to your home country and apply for the long stay family reunion visa at your nearest German embassy or consulate.
5. Is there a minimum income requirement for sponsoring family members under this visa category?
Yes, there is a minimum income requirement for sponsoring family members under the UK Family Visa category. The sponsor must have a gross income of at least £18,600 per year or have enough savings to meet the financial requirement. This amount increases if the sponsor is also sponsoring non-EEA children. Specific details and exceptions can be found on the UK government website.
6. How long does the processing time take for a long-stay family reunion visa application?
The processing time for a long-stay family reunion visa application can vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s country of residence, the volume of applications being processed, and any additional requirements or complications. On average, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months for a family reunion visa to be processed. However, it is recommended to apply at least 4-6 months in advance to allow for any potential delays.
7. Do I need to have health insurance coverage for my family members under this visa category?
It is recommended to have health insurance coverage for your family members under this visa category, but it may not be a requirement. However, it is best to check with the specific requirements of the country you are applying for as they may have different regulations.
8. Can I bring my extended family members, such as grandparents or siblings, under this visa category?
No, the Tier 1 (Investor) visa is designed for the direct family members of the main applicant, including their spouse or civil partner and any dependent children under the age of 18. Extended family members such as grandparents or siblings would need to apply for their own visa category.
9. Is knowledge of German language required for this type of visa?
It depends on the specific requirements of the country you are applying to. Some countries may ask for applicants to have a basic understanding or proficiency in the local language, while others may not require any knowledge of the language at all. It is best to check the specific requirements and guidelines for the country you are applying to before submitting your visa application.
10. Can my spouse work in Germany while on a family reunion visa?
Yes, your spouse can work in Germany while on a family reunion visa as long as they obtain a work permit from the relevant authority. This is usually done after entering Germany and registering at the resident’s registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Your spouse’s ability to work will also depend on their nationality and qualifications. They may need to have their qualifications recognized by the German authorities before they can work in certain professions. It is recommended to consult with the local immigration authorities for specific requirements and procedures.
11. What documents do I need to submit as proof of accommodation for my family members in Germany?
You may need to submit the following documents as proof of accommodation for your family members in Germany:
1. Rental agreement or lease contract: If you are living in a rented apartment, you will need to provide a copy of your rental agreement or lease contract. This should include information such as the duration of your lease, rent amount, and landlord’s contact details.
2. Property ownership documents: If you own a house or apartment in Germany, you will need to provide documents that prove your ownership, such as a property deed or mortgage statement.
3. Letter of invitation: If your family members are staying with you, you may need to provide a letter of invitation stating that they will be staying at your residence during their visit. The letter should include your full name, address, and relationship to the family members.
4. Proof of accommodation payment: If you are renting a place, you may need to provide proof of payment such as bank statements or receipts showing that you have paid the rent on time.
5. Utility bills: You can also submit utility bills (electricity, gas, water) in your name as evidence that you are living at the stated address.
6. Certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung): This document proves that you have registered yourself with the local authorities in Germany and includes your current address.
7. Hotel reservations: If your family members will be staying at a hotel or other accommodations during their visit, you can provide copies of their hotel reservations as proof of accommodation.
8. Affidavit from host: In some cases, if the person inviting the family members is not the actual resident at the address (e.g., subletting), an affidavit from the actual resident may be required stating that they give permission for the visitors to stay at their residence.
It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on individual circumstances and visa requirements. It is recommended to check with the German embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
12. Is it possible to change the purpose of my long-stay family reunion visa once I arrive in Germany?
It is not possible to change the purpose of your long-stay family reunion visa after you arrive in Germany. If you wish to change the purpose of your stay, you must apply for a different type of visa before traveling.
13. Do children under 18 require their own individual visas or can they be included on their parents’ application?
Children under 18 years old can usually be included on their parents’ visa application. However, each country and visa type may have their own specific requirements. It is important to check with the relevant immigration authorities to confirm the specific requirements for the country and visa you are applying for.
14. Are there any restrictions on educational opportunities or access to benefits under this type of visa?
Generally, there are no restrictions on educational opportunities or access to benefits for individuals who hold this type of visa. However, the specific rights and privileges that come with this visa may vary depending on the country and its policies. It is important to research and understand the laws and regulations of the country you plan on studying or residing in before applying for a student visa.
15. Can I extend my long-stay family reunion residence permit once it expires?
Yes, you can apply for an extension of your long-stay family reunion residence permit if you still meet the eligibility requirements. You will need to submit a new application before your current permit expires. The length of the extension may vary depending on your specific circumstances, such as the duration of your family member’s stay in Germany. It is best to contact the local immigration office or embassy for more information on how to extend your residence permit.
16.Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a German long-stay family reunion residence permit?
Yes, a German long-stay family reunion residence permit allows you to travel to other Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) within the validity of your residence permit. Please note that you may have to apply for a Schengen visa if the purpose of your trip is different from family reunion or if you are not a citizen of a non-visa-exempt country. It is also important to make sure that your German residence permit and passport are valid during your entire trip and that you bring any necessary documents (such as proof of relationship with your family member in Germany) with you when traveling.
17.What steps should I take if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, there are a few steps you can take to try to address the issue:1. Review the denial letter: Carefully review the denial letter provided by the decision-making agency or company. This will typically outline the reasons for the denial and any options for appeal.
2. Ask for clarification: If the reason for denial is not clear, reach out to the decision-maker or company and ask for clarification. This can help you understand what may have caused the denial and if there is anything you can do to address it.
3. Request an appeal: Many applications allow for an appeals process if you believe your application was wrongfully denied. Follow the instructions outlined in your denial letter to request an appeal.
4. Gather additional information: If there were missing or incomplete documents or information in your initial application, gather any necessary materials and submit them with your appeal.
5. Seek legal advice: If you believe that your application was denied due to discrimination or unfair practices, you may want to seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in this area.
6. Consider reapplying: Depending on the situation, you may be able to simply reapply with more complete or updated information.
7. Improve for next time: If there is no option for appeal or reapplication, use this experience as a learning opportunity and make any necessary improvements before submitting future applications.
Always carefully follow any instructions provided by the decision-making agency or company and maintain a professional and courteous attitude during all communication regarding your denied application.
18.Is there an age limit for dependent children who can be included under this type of visa?
There is no age limit for dependent children who can be included under this type of visa. However, they must still meet the requirements and be financially dependent on the primary applicant.
19.What happens if one member of the family reunification process does not pass the integration course required by German law?
If one member of the family reunification process does not pass the integration course required by German law, they may face consequences such as delays in the processing of visa applications or revocation of their residence permit. Additionally, they may be required to repeat the course or face fines or other penalties. It is important for all family members to make a genuine effort to pass the integration course in order to successfully complete the family reunification process.
20.Can same-sex couples apply for a long-stay family reunion visa in Germany?
Yes, same-sex couples are eligible to apply for a long-stay family reunion visa in Germany if they meet the necessary requirements. This includes being legally married or in a registered partnership and proving that they have a genuine relationship. The German government recognizes same-sex marriages and registered partnerships from other countries for the purpose of issuing visas and residence permits.