Last updated 2025-06-06
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Designed for parents of minor children or unborn German citizens who intend to join them with the purpose of subsequent permanent residence.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
A national visa, in most cases, has a limited validity of 3 to 6 months. Depending on the purpose of stay, it is usually necessary to apply for a residence permit after entry. If the planned stay does not exceed one year, a visa may be issued for the entire duration of the intended stay.
from 3 months to 1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
As a rule, this visa serves only as an entry document allowing a limited period of stay. Within the first 90 days of their stay in Germany, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit in accordance with their purpose of stay at the competent foreigners' office. It is recommended to contact the local immigration office as soon as possible after arrival. Otherwise, the period of stay is limited to the date indicated on the visa. Consular officers determine the validity of the visa based on the applicant’s specific circumstances.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
In most cases, visa extensions are not granted; however, it is possible to apply for an extension of the residence permit at the immigration authority before its expiration. A visa can only be extended if it is impossible to leave Germany due to the need for emergency medical treatment, serious illness, or the death of a relative; force majeure; or natural disasters.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 1 month 15 days to 3 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Once all required documents have been submitted, the application and accompanying documents are forwarded to the relevant German authorities at the applicant's intended place of residence and work during their stay in Germany, so the processing may take up to 12 weeks. In addition, if the applicant has previously lived in Germany, the processing time may be extended, as the Immigration Office may be required to examine their previous immigration history.
free - for adults
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Parents of minor German citizens and family members of EU/EEA citizens are exempt from paying the consular fee.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to ICAO photo guidelines.
Visa application form
Official national visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Invitation
A free-form invitation from another parent living in Germany, written in German or English, with 1 copy.
Birth certificate
Birth certificate: - If only one parent is included in the birth certificate, this is sufficient proof that he has sole parental right. - If changes have been made to the birth certificate, for example, striking out, the name changes, an extract from the Civil Registry Office registration book.
Copy of the passport or identity card
1 copy of the passport or identity card of the parent residing in Germany.
Proof of residence in Germany
Proof of residence with 1 copy, for example: a certificate of registration at the place of residence of a parent living in Germany, issued no earlier than 6 months before the date of submission of documents, or a lease agreement, or proof of ownership, or a similar document indicating the future address of residence.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Previous marriage certificates
In the case of previous marriages, аll certificates issued by the Civil Registry Office related to previous marriages must be provided, including: - divorce certificate or court decision on divorce with a note confirming that the court decision has come into force; - death certificate; - certificates of name change. All documents must be original with an apostille and accompanied by a certified German translation, along with one copy of each.
Proof of language skills
Confirmation of initial knowledge of the German language at A1 level in the original with 1 copy.
Biography
A biography presented in the form of a table, without gaps between time intervals, indicating the full address and contact information with 1 copy.
Medical insurance policy
Health insurance coverage is required at the time of entry into the Schengen area. Proof can be provided by presenting the health insurance policy of the family member for whom the reunification is taking place and a letter from the health insurance company stating that the person entering the country will be included in the family insurance upon entry.
Proof of citizenship
For a reunification with a minor child-a German citizen, a proof of German citizenship for a child, with 1 copy, for example: a German passport or a certificate of citizenship.
Marriage certificate
In case the applicant is married to a second parent, a marriage certificate with an apostille in the original and with a certified translation into German, with 1 copy.
Acknowledgement of paternity
Not married mother reuniting with her child must provide an acknowledgment of paternity from the father, along with one copy.
Mother's statement
For a not married mother reuniting with her child, a written statement of consent to the acknowledgment of paternity must be provided, along with one copy.
Acknowledgement of paternity
For a not married father reuniting with his child, an acknowledgment of paternity must be provided, along with one copy.
Father's statement
For a not married father reuniting with his child, the father’s statement regarding the joint discharge of parental duties must be provided, along with one copy.
Mother's statement consent
For a not married father reuniting with his child, the mother’s written consent to the acknowledgment of paternity and to the father’s statement regarding the joint discharge of parental duties must be provided, along with one copy.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
National
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Family reunion
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 3 months to 1 year
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Free of charge
