The date of application determines whether the child is a minor

For the question of whether your child is still a minor, the date of application counts. If your child turns 18 during the processing, the application can still be successful.

Parents without custody can also join their child

You do not have custody of your German child? You can still receive a residence permit. The authority decides at its discretion if a family community exists.

Sufficient German language skills required for settlement permit

For the settlement permit after three years, basic German skills (A1) are no longer sufficient. You need sufficient German language skills. This corresponds approximately to level B1.

Apply for Residence Permit for Spouses, Parents and Children of German Nationals

Your family member is a German national? Here is how to apply for your residence permit for family reunification.

At a glance

How do you get a residence permit as a family member of German nationals?

Your spouse, registered life partner, a parent or your child is a German national and lives in Berlin? Then you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification.

This service applies to spouses, registered life partners, parents and children of German nationals. You apply for the issuance or extension of your residence permit.

Important: Have you already held this residence permit for 3 years? Then please find out about the "Settlement permit for family members of German nationals" (see Further Information).

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You are the spouse, registered life partner, parent or child of a German national

Additional requirements

Both spouses or registered life partners must generally have reached the age of 18
You generally require basic German language skills (as a spouse or registered life partner)
You need your main residence in Berlin -- a secondary residence is not sufficient

How to apply

Send an appointment request via the contact form to the responsible department at the LEA -- preferably 8 weeks before your current residence title expires

Gather all necessary documents: passport, passport photo, application form, language certificate A1 if applicable, marriage or birth certificate and registration certificate

Attend the appointment in person together with your spouse or registered life partner (for minors: parents with child) and bring all documents in original

Submit the application for the issuance or extension of the residence permit

Done! You will receive your residence permit for family reunification with German nationals.

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

100,00EUR

First-time issuance (adults)

First-time issuance (children and young people)50,00 EUR
Extension (adults)93,00 EUR
Extension (children and young people)46,50 EUR
Turkish nationals up to age 24 (issuance and extension)22,80 EUR
Turkish nationals from age 24 (issuance and extension)37,00 EUR
Digital passport photo at self-service terminal on site6,00 EUR

Exemptions

Foreign nationals who cannot cover their livelihood without benefits under SGB II or XII or the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (current decision from the Jobcenter or social welfare office required as proof)

Good to know

When your child reaches adulthood, their residence permit becomes an independent right of residence. It is then no longer tied to family reunification. You do not need to apply for anything.

mit Eintritt der Volljährigkeit des Kindes eines Deutschen die Aufenthaltserlaubnis zu einem eigenständigen vom Familiennachzug unabhängigen Aufenthaltsrecht

VAB A.28, S. 365-372

Are you a parent of a German child? Then your residence permit can be extended even after your child turns 18. The exception from the requirement to secure your livelihood continues to apply.

Eine Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis kommt sodann ausweislich des Wortlauts des § 28 Abs. 3 S. 2 auf der Rechtsgrundlage des § 28 Abs. 1 S. 1 Nr. 3 in Betracht. Ebenso wie bei § 28 Abs. 1 S. 1 Nr. 3 gilt bei der Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung der Personensorge nach Eintritt der Volljährigkeit des Kindes die Ausnahme von der Sicherung des Lebensunterhalts.

VAB A.28, S. 365-372

Has a foreign foster child been living in a German foster family for at least three years? Then they have a legal entitlement to a residence permit. The authority MUST grant it.

In den Fällen, in denen ein ausländisches Pflegekind seit mindestens drei Jahren in einer deutschen Pflegefamilie lebt, hat dieses unter den unten genannten Voraussetzungen einen Anspruch auf die Erteilung einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 28 Abs. 4 i.V.m. § 36 Abs. 2

VAB A.28, S. 365-372

Contact & Responsibility

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The responsible department depends on your surname and/or nationality.

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