Key takeaways
  • Your spouse does not need to prove German to join you as a skilled worker or Blue Card holder.
  • Your spouse can work in Germany without restriction once they have their residence permit.
  • You need health insurance and enough money for your family.
  • If you got your first permit on or after 1 March 2024, you may also bring your parents and parents-in-law.

For many people I help, the job is only half of the decision. The other half is family. Germany made family reunification easier for skilled workers in recent years.

Spouse

  • No proof of German is required for family members joining a skilled worker (Make it in Germany).
  • Your spouse can take up any job in Germany without restriction once they have their residence permit.
  • You need adequate health insurance and enough resources to support your family.

Children

Minor children can join you. Public schools are free, and public health insurance covers children without income through family insurance.

Parents and parents-in-law

Skilled workers who received their first residence permit on or after 1 March 2024 can also bring their parents and parents-in-law, under conditions such as securing their livelihood (BAMF, The Local). Check the current conditions with your German mission.

Practical steps

  1. Prepare marriage and birth certificates. With legalisation or apostille and translations as your mission requires.
  2. Plan housing. A flat big enough for your family makes everything easier.
  3. Register everyone. Each family member needs the Anmeldung.
  4. Arrange health insurance. Public vs private.

Common questions

Does my wife need German to join me in Germany?

Not if you are a skilled worker or Blue Card holder.

Can my spouse work in Germany?

Yes, without restriction once they have their residence permit.

Can I bring my parents to Germany?

Possibly, if you got your first permit as a skilled worker on or after 1 March 2024 and meet the conditions.

Sources

Written by Swapnil (Samadhan Mule)

I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.