Introduction
One of the most important things for many professionals looking to relocate to another country for work is whether or not they can bring their family with them.
This article will act as a brief guide on what constitutes a dependent, and how to bring them with you when moving to Germany to work.
What is a Dependent
When someone receives a visa to live and work in another part of the world, one of the very first questions they ask is “Can I bring my family with me?”, to which the answer is almost always yes. Spouses and children of visa holders are known as dependents.
In Germany, the rules for dependents of individuals holding a work visa, including the EU Blue Card, allow for family reunification.
If a spouse or child is a citizen of a member state of the EU or EEA, they are fully entitled to freedom of movement and can both live and work in Germany without any restrictions.
Spouses and Children
Spouses of individuals holding a German work visa, including the EU Blue Card, are generally eligible to join them in Germany.
The marriage needs to be recognised in Germany and relevant documents proving the marriage need to be submitted.
Dependent children under a certain age limit (usually under 18) might be eligible to accompany the visa holder.
Proof of parentage and legal guardianship may also be required.
Document Checklist
The following documents are required for dependents when applying for a visa:
- Filled out application form
- Valid passport
- Recent biometric photos
- One of the following legally binding certificates
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Marriage certificate (for same-sex civil partners
- Birth certificate (for children)
- In some instances, proof of custody
- Health insurance that complies with German standards
- Invitation letter
- Proof of livelihood
- This refers to an employment contract
- Proof of German language skills at level A1, unless covered by a relevant exemption
Application And Processing
Since processing of the applications can take some time, it is advised to acquire the necessary documentation well in advance and submit the application in good time. This is especially important if your child will need to be enrolled into a schooling program.
If the family members apply at the same time, their visas are usually processed in the same time as the main visa applicant. Otherwise, the processing time for family re-unification visas can be up to 3 months.
Conclusion
If a family situation changes (e.g., the birth of a child after obtaining a Blue Card), it’s essential to inform the relevant authorities and follow the procedures set by the immigration authorities in the host country.
While not always mandatory for dependents (especially young children), knowledge of the German language can be extremely helpful for integration purposes.
Once a dependent is granted a right of residence in Germany, they are immediately entitled to take up any kind of employment in the state.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
