Residence permit for family reasons Issuance for parents to join a minor foreigner

You can obtain a residence permit as the parent of a minor foreigner if you come from a state outside the EU or the EEA and your child has the nationality of a state outside the EU and the EEA.

In addition, you should want to establish or continue a familial cohabitation with the child in Germany (a familial cohabitation usually exists if you live with the child in a shared apartment).

Furthermore, the child living in Germany should have

• a residence permit as a resettlement refugee, recognized person entitled to asylum or refugee or
• a settlement permit on humanitarian, political or international law grounds

and your presence in Germany is required because no other parent with parental authority is staying in Germany.

The residence permit for parents to join a minor child is a temporary residence title. It is issued for the period of validity of the residence title of the minor child in Germany. If the residence title of your minor child living in Germany is valid for less than one year, your residence permit will also be issued for this shorter period.

Under certain circumstances, the Aliens' Registration Office may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment).
• For the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card) your fingerprints will be taken.
• In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office, if necessary.
• During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the eAT card.
• If your application is approved, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Aliens' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• Fees are charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• Your child has not yet reached the age of 18.
• Your child is staying in Germany without being accompanied by a parent with custody.
• Your child has a residence permit as a resettlement refugee, recognized person entitled to asylum or recognized refugee or a settlement permit on humanitarian, political or international law grounds.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, as far as it was necessary for the entry
• Proof of custody of the child to whom the reunification is to take place
• Birth certificate of the minor child to whom the reunification is to take place
• Residence title of the minor child in Germany to whom the reunification is to take place
• Current certificate of registration

In individual cases, the Aliens Department may request further documents.

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

Notes:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
• The time and the form of the fee collection as well as the payment vary depending on the foreigners authority.

• The residence permit should be applied for no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa or current residence permit or - if you are legally residing in Germany without a visa - within 90 days of entry.
• Action period: 1 month

Processing Time: 6 - 8 Wochen

An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.

• Online procedure possible: Occasionally
• Written form required: Yes
• Personal appearance required: Yes

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection (TMMJV)

27.01.2023

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and occupation from the hotline "Working and Living in Germany" from the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Phone: 030 18151111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.