Germany has granted 12,000 family reunification visas in 2024. The German Foreign Office has released statistics highlighting that the majority of family reunification visas are issued for children joining their parents in Germany.
These visas aim to reunite families separated due to migration or refugee circumstances, especially in the wake of the significant influx of asylum seekers over recent years.
Family Reunification Visa Statistics 2024
In 2024, the German Foreign Office reported approximately 12,000 family reunification visa applications, with the following distribution:
| Category | Applications |
| Children joining parents | 7,300 |
| Partners joining spouses | 3,200 |
| Parents joining minor children | 1,500 |
Policy Changes Over the Years
The family reunion statistics of Germany depend upon the asylum seekers influx. It changes with time due to an increase or decrease in several asylum seekers from around the world especially from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine, and Eriteria.
Suspension and Subsequent Updates (2015–2018):
- 2015/2016: Following the arrival of over one million asylum seekers—primarily from Syria—the German government suspended family reunification rights for individuals with subsidiary protection status.
- 2018: The policy was revised to allow up to 1,000 Syrians per month to apply for family reunification visas.
Who can apply for the Family Reunification Visa?
Spouses and children of someone living in Germany can apply for a family reunification visa. To apply for a visa for family reunification, you will typically need to provide a valid passport along with a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or registered partnership certificate.
Children under 18 years of age can also apply for a family reunification visa in Germany. If you and your spouse possess temporary residence permits for Germany, your children under the age of 16 are eligible to receive a temporary residence permit to join you (as per Section 32 of the Residence Act [AufenthG]).
If you are a single parent, you can also apply for a visa for your children, but this requires obtaining consent from the other parent with custody rights. For your children to qualify for a visa to join you, they must meet the following conditions:
- They must be under 18 years of age.
- They must not be married, divorced, or widowed.
It’s important to consult your local German embassy to learn about any additional required documents. Since the application process can be time-consuming, it is advisable to research the necessary documentation early and submit your application well ahead of time.
Efforts made by family members already in Germany to integrate into society significantly influence the visa decisions of their family members. Authorities assess the following in most of the cases:
| Integration Factor | Impact on Application |
| Living Costs | Applicants must demonstrate financial stability. |
| Accommodation | Suitable housing arrangements must be in place. |
| Language and Education | Progress in learning German or pursuing studies is encouraged. |