Germany spouse visa: joining a non-German resident
Who it's for: Husbands, wives and registered partners of non-German citizens who live in Germany legally, for example skilled workers, EU Blue Card holders or permanent residents.
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 lives in Germany with a valid residence permit
- You are married or in a registered partnership; both partners are aged 18 or over
- Basic German (A1) before arrival, except for spouses of skilled workers and highly qualified people such as EU Blue Card holders
- Your spouse must have enough income and living space to support you without public funds
- National visa fee of €75 (€37.50 for under-18s)
- You can work in Germany
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| National visa fee (adult) | €75 | — | auswaertiges-amt.deOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| National visa fee (under 18) | €37.50 | — | auswaertiges-amt.deOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Minimum age of both partners | 18 years | india.diplo.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. The foreigners’ authority in your spouse’s town checks their residence permit, income and housing and must normally agree. After arrival you apply there for your residence permit.
One guide, two sponsor types
The paid guide covers both spouse routes: joining a non-German resident (this page) and joining a German citizen.
Common questions
How much income does my spouse need?
The official pages don't publish one fixed amount. The local foreigners' authority checks that the family can live without public funds. Spouses of skilled workers don't need to prove living space.
Does my spouse's permit type matter?
Yes. The language exemption and some other rules depend on it. Spouses of skilled workers and highly qualified people, such as EU Blue Card holders, don't need German before 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.
The full Spouse of a resident 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.