Germany family route
1 current source-backed family pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-08-28
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family route | A third-country spouse may join a German skilled worker who holds a residence, settlement or EU Blue Card; the sponsor must have health insurance and resources for the family, and the spouse must be at least 18. Once granted, the spouse can work without restriction. | 2026-07-16 | Official source |
Can you work on this route?
Route-specific work rights and conditions stay separate from shortage-list status and individual eligibility.
| Route | Published work answer | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Family route | The exact destination-specific EU Immigration Portal page states route conditions including: ed by the administrative court in Berlin. The local court is only competent if you are already in Germany. Further information More on reuniting with your family in Germany Rights Access to employment Your family members who hold a residence permit can work if you are also entitled to work. Permanent residence German law makes a distinction between a settlement permit and the EC long-term residence permit. Settlement permit To obtain a settlement permit, the family member must prove the following: residence for at least five years on the German territory with permit; sufficient resources to support him/herself and dependants; health insurance; adequate housing/accommodation; in general, 60 months social security contributions (or equivalent contributions to a private scheme); s/he has the right to work or to be self-employed; sufficient knowledge of the German language and basic civic knowledge. An application may be rejected if the person threatens public policy or public security. More on settlement permits EC long-term residence To obtain an EC long-term resident status, the family member must provide the foll | Official source |
| Family route | The exact destination-specific EU Immigration Portal page states: examined by the administrative court in Berlin. The local court is only competent if you are already in Germany. Further information More on reuniting with your family in Germany Rights Access to employment Your family members who hold a residence permit can work if you are also entitled to work. Permanent residence German law makes a distinction between a settlement permit and the EC long-term residence permit. Settlement permit To obtain a settlement permit, the family member must prove the following: residence for at least five years on the German territory with permit; sufficient resources to support him/herself and dependants; health insurance; adequate housing/accommodation; in general, 60 months social security contributions (or equivalent contributions to a private scheme); s/he has the right to work or to be self-employed; sufficient knowledge of the German language and basic civic knowledge. An application may be rejected if the person threatens public policy or public security. More on settlement permits EC long-term residence To obtain an EC long-term resident status, the family member must provide t | Official source |
Official sources
ImmigrationDB does not provide immigration services, legal advice or application handling, and it does not assess anyone's eligibility. This section publishes links to the responsible official authority and short quotations from that authority's own published text, so the rule can be read at its source and checked there before acting.