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Prerequisites

• You are a national of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)
• You are the spouse or life partner of a German citizen.
• You and your spouse or life partner are at least 18 years old.
• Your German spouse or life partner has his or her habitual residence in Germany (i.e. his or her main residence is not only temporarily in Germany).
• Your marriage/civil partnership with the German citizen is valid and still exists.
  • The validity of the marriage depends on the form and the conditions for marriage specified at the place of marriage. The marriage no longer exists if it is divorced, annulled or declared invalid.
• You live in a family relationship with your spouse or life partner (for example, share an apartment).
  • If you do not live together in an apartment, it can also be considered sufficient if you have regular contact with each other that goes beyond mere visits.
• You can at least communicate in a simple way in German (level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
  • This may be waived if no German courses are offered in your country of origin, if they are too expensive or if you cannot attend them for other reasons.
• There is no interest in deporting you and your stay does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Documents required

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric passport photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of the existence of the marriage or civil partnership (e.g. marriage certificate)
• Proof of knowledge of the German language at least at level A1 (e.g. language certificate, German school, training or university certificates, proof of successful participation in the integration course

The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence from you.

Please note

This residence permit also entitles you to pursue gainful employment.

Under certain circumstances, the immigration authorities may require you to attend an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

• You make an appointment with the responsible authority.
• You appear in person at the agreed appointment and bring the necessary documents in original.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked by the responsible authority.
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce your electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The responsible authority commissions the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card.
• Once the eAT card has been completed, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Processing time

6 - 8 weeks

Fees

Granting of residence permit: 100.00 EUR




Additional fees may apply for issuing a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.




In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be possible (for example for those entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

Legal remedies

contradiction

Legal basis