Germany spouse visa: joining a German citizen
Who it's for: Husbands, wives and registered partners of German citizens who live in Germany.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 29 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Your spouse is a German citizen whose main home is in Germany
- You are married or in a registered partnership; both partners are aged 18 or over
- Basic German (A1) before arrival, with narrow exceptions
- No visa fee for spouses of German citizens (normally €75 for a national visa)
- No income requirement is listed for joining a German citizen
- You can work in Germany, and may get permanent residence after 3 years
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual national visa fee, adult (waived for spouses of German citizens) | €75 | — | auswaertiges-amt.deOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Usual national visa fee, under 18 (waived for minor children of German citizens) | €37.50 | — | auswaertiges-amt.deOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Minimum age of both partners | 18 years | india.diplo.deOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 | |
| Permanent residence possible after | 3 years | bamf.deOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
Costs and local steps by country
Costs in your currency, plus what's specific to applying from there, such as how the German mission takes applications.
How the route works
You apply for a national visa for family reunification at the German mission responsible for where you live, usually after booking an appointment. The foreigners’ authority (Ausländerbehörde) in your spouse’s town in Germany must normally agree. After arrival you apply there for a residence permit.
One guide, two sponsor types
The paid guide covers both spouse routes: joining a German citizen (this page) and joining a non-German who lives in Germany.
Common questions
Are there exceptions to the A1 German rule?
The BAMF lists narrow ones: for example if German courses aren't offered or are too expensive where you live, or after a year of unsuccessful efforts. You must learn German after arrival if you can't speak it at entry.
Can I come on a visit visa and switch?
For most nationalities, German missions say a long-stay visa must be applied for before entry, at the mission responsible for where you live.
What documents prove the marriage?
Missions ask for a marriage certificate or registration, legalised or with an apostille where needed, and proof that any earlier marriages ended. The exact list depends on the country where you married.
The full Spouse of a German guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other Germany routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.