Germany Family Reunion Visa Checklist and Application Form Guide 2026

The Germany family reunion visa process requires a specific set of documents that varies by relationship type, country of origin, and the sponsor's status in Germany. A single missing document at the embassy appointment does not just cause a minor delay — in some jurisdictions, it means the appointment is closed, the dossier is returned, and you wait months for the next available slot.

This checklist covers the complete document requirements for the two most common cases: spouse reunification and child reunification. It also explains the application form (VIDEX), how to submit through the Consular Services Portal, and the formatting rules that embassy staff enforce with little flexibility.

The Application Form: VIDEX

The Germany family reunion visa application form is the VIDEX national visa application (Nationales Visum). This is the standard German long-stay visa application form. You are not applying for a Schengen tourist visa — you are applying for a National Visa (Type D), and the form is different.

How to access the VIDEX form:

In most countries, the form is now completed online through the Consular Services Portal at digital.diplo.de before your appointment. You complete and submit the digital version, and a confirmation is generated that you bring to your in-person appointment.

In some countries where the digital portal is not yet mandatory, the VIDEX form can be downloaded from the German embassy's website for your country, printed in A4 format, and completed by hand or on a computer before printing.

What the VIDEX form asks:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, current address)
• Passport details
• Details of the sponsor in Germany (name, address, legal status)
• Purpose and intended length of stay
• Previous visa applications and any refusals
• Accommodation in Germany
• Means of financial support

Fill the form completely. Leave no field blank — if a question does not apply, write "not applicable" rather than leaving a gap. Missing fields cause delays.

Document Checklist: Spouse Reunification

This checklist applies when joining a spouse who is either a German citizen or a third-country national with a valid residence permit in Germany.

Applicant's documents

If claiming an exemption from the A1 requirement:

• University degree: Original diploma or degree certificate with Apostille, plus certified translation if not in German or English
• Blue Card or other exempt sponsor permit: This exemption is documented via the sponsor's permit — no additional applicant document needed, but the permit copy must clearly show the exemption-triggering category

Sponsor's documents (originals or certified copies; sponsor typically sends these to the applicant)

If the sponsor's income does not clearly exceed the required threshold:

• Bank statements (last three months) may be requested
• A Verpflichtungserklärung (formal financial commitment declaration) from a financially solvent third party in Germany, if the sponsor's own income is insufficient

Copy requirements

Embassies require two complete copy sets of all documents. These rules are strictly enforced:

• All copies must be A4 format
• Do not staple or bind the copies
• Arrange copies in the exact same order as the originals
• Do not fold documents

Some embassies also require that copies be un-highlighted — check the specific requirements of the embassy handling your application.

Document Checklist: Child Reunification

This checklist applies when bringing a minor child (under 18) to join one or both parents in Germany.

Child's documents

Parental consent (when applicable)

If only one parent is in Germany and the other parent remains abroad, a notarized parental consent declaration from the non-migrating parent is mandatory. This document:

• Must be notarized (not just signed)
• Should explicitly state consent for the child to relocate to Germany to live with the other parent
• Must be apostilled if the notarization is from a Hague Convention country
• Must be accompanied by a certified translation

If the parent in Germany has sole custody:

• Court order or custody ruling establishing sole custody
• Apostilled and translated

Sponsor parent's documents (in Germany)

Same documentation as for spouse reunification: passport copy, residence permit copy, Meldebescheinigung, income proof, rental agreement showing square meterage.

Country-Specific Document Requirements

India

Indian documents submitted to German authorities must be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Documents typically requiring MEA Apostille:

• Marriage certificate (Kachehri, temple, or church registration — whatever was issued by the civil authority)
• Birth certificate
• Educational degrees (if claiming A1 exemption)

Important: The German embassy in India routinely commissions independent local lawyer verification of marriage and birth documents, regardless of Apostille status. This is not a sign of a problem — it is standard practice. The lawyer physically visits the issuing civil office to verify authenticity. Budget two to three additional months for this step.

Turkey

Turkish marriage certificates in the international Formül B format and birth certificates in Formül A format are generally accepted by German authorities without complex legalizations. If you have documents in these standardized international formats, you do not need an Apostille for those specific documents.

Pakistan

Pakistan is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents must go through a full legalization chain: notarization → attestation at the relevant government ministry → Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation → German embassy legalization. This process can take several weeks per document.

Philippines

Filipino applicants must also ensure they have completed the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Program before departure. The CFO certificate and passport sticker are required for exit from the Philippines when leaving to join a foreign spouse. Without the CFO sticker, Philippine immigration will deny departure regardless of a valid German visa.

The Appointment Day: What to Expect

Arrive with both originals and two copy sets arranged identically. Embassies process applications quickly on appointment day — the staff are checking that everything is present, not conducting the full review (that happens later). Common reasons for immediate issues:

• Missing signature on VIDEX form
• Photographs not meeting ICAO specifications
• A1 certificate from an unrecognized provider
• Rental agreement not stating square meterage
• Missing certified translation of marriage certificate
• Documents stapled rather than unstapled

The application fee is collected at the appointment: €75 for adults, €37.50 for minors, payable in local currency equivalent. This fee is generally non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome.

For a complete preparation guide — including income calculation worksheets, a parallel study timeline for the A1 exam, and post-arrival checklists — visit /de/family-reunion/.

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