Leistungen A-Z

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

As a legal representative, you can apply for a residence permit for a foreign unmarried minor child if you have your habitual residence in Germany and would like the child to be able to live with you in Germany.

Please note that the child must not be married, divorced or widowed. Minor means that the child must not have reached the age of 18.

The establishment of a family partnership between you and the child is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. This must be intended and actually possible. If you, as the parent, have the right of custody, the intention and possibility of establishing a family relationship can usually be assumed. However, it is not necessarily required that you are entitled to exercise personal custody. However, the fatherhood or motherhood to the minor child must be proven.

If only the father is German, there must be a valid acknowledgement of paternity.

The residence permit is issued for at least one year. It is extended as long as the family relationship continues.

After holding the residence permit for three years, it is possible to obtain a settlement permit.

Stepchildren and foster children are not entitled to join the family. However, it is possible to obtain a residence permit on the basis of Section 32 of the Residence Act (subsequent immigration of children) or Section 36 (2) of the Residence Act (subsequent immigration as other family members).

• One parent with parental authority has German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identity document.
• The child has the required visa if this was necessary for entry.
• The child is a minor at the time of application, neither married nor divorced or widowed.
• The German parent has his or her habitual residence in Germany.
• The fatherhood or motherhood to the child is proven.
• The German parent is actually and legally willing and able to establish a family relationship with the child who is moving in. This is assumed if the right of personal custody for the child exists. However, the right of personal custody is not a prerequisite for the issuance of a residence permit.
• There is no reason for the child to be expelled.

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example passport or passport substitute) of the child and the German parent
• Visa of the child, if this was required for entry
• Current biometric photo of the child in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Birth certificate of the child
• Proof of paternity acknowledgment, if the parents are not married and the child is to join the German father.
• If one custodial parent remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody
  • Declaration of consent of the parent living abroad.

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Aliens' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

Cost amount: 50 euros

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.

• § Section 45 number 1 Residence Ordinance
• § Section 50 (1) Residence Ordinance

• If required for entry into Germany, a national visa must be applied for for the child at a German mission abroad prior to entry.
• After entry, the residence permit for the child must be applied for at the aliens' registration office before the period of visa-free stay or the validity of the visa ends.
• Find out whether the competent foreigners authority allows the application to be submitted online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the aliens' registration office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving the application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child as well as the available documents will be checked (please bring all documents, if possible in original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, the child's fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Fingerprints will not be taken from children under the age of six.
• The Aliens Department orders the production of the eAT card from Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Duration: 6 to 8

Remark (for more information on the deadline):

At least six to eight before the expiration of the visa-free stay period or visa, the application should be received by the immigration office.

Duration: at least 1

Remark (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is valid for a limited period of time. An extension must be applied for at the Aliens' Registration Office in due time before the expiry of the validity.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• § Section 28 (1) sentence 1 number 2 Residence Act (AufenthG)

• The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time, i.e. you must take care of extending the residence permit for the child yourself after the period of validity has expired.
• Please make sure that your information is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge. This is the only way the Foreigners' Registration Office can process your request without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for you. In a serious case, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Aliens' Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the Federal territory.

• Information on reunification with German family members on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
• Information on reunification with German family members on the website of the Federal Government

Ministry of the Interior and for Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg