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Visa for family reunification: Spouse
You are already married or intend to get married to a German national or a person living permanently in Germany and consequently want to live together in Germany?
Information about the application procedure can be found here.
Checklist of required documents for a visa for the purpose of spousal reunification (print-version) :
| 1 | 1x Application form | Application completed, printed and signed (including Information provided to applicants pursuant to Section 54 (2) 8 in conjunction with Section 53 of the Residence Act) |
| 2 | Passport + 1x copy of the data page | Valid and signed passport which must have at least two blank pages. |
| 3 | 1x Photo | Recent passport photographs according to biometric specifications (not stapled) |
| 4 | Marriage certificate + 1x copy | Original marriage certificate with Apostille (from DIRCO, if marriage took place in SA) alternatively: confirmation by the German Standesamt (Anmeldung zur Eheschließung) with confirmed appointement for the intended marriage in Germany |
| 5 | 1x copy of spouse’s passport | |
| 6 | Proof of health insurance + 1x copy | Regular travel health insurance as per Schengen requirements, valid for 90 days – or proof of German health insurance coverage |
| 7 | Proof of German knowledge | The proof of German language skills (A1 level) must be presented when lodging the application.
Please see here for more information. |
| 8 | In case of former marriages: Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse | |
| 9 | 1x checklist | One copy of this checklist has to be signed and submitted with your application. |
If your spouse is neither a German citizen nor a EU citizen the following additional documents are required:
| 10 | 1x copy of proof of residence permit of spouse in Germany |
| 11 | 1x copy of proof of employment of spouse |
| 12 | 1x copy of proof of accomodation in Germany e.g. rental contract |
| 13 | The Visa fee amounts to 75 Euro (if paid by credit card) or the equivalent in ZAR depending on the exchange rate (if paid cash). |
The German Mission reserves the right to ask for additional documentation at any time during the processing of the application whenever deemed necessary. Presenting the above-mentioned documentation does not guarantee that the visa will be granted. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase an airline ticket unless the visa has been approved and the German Mission requests you to do so.
The processing time can take up to three months. Once the application has been approved by the relevant German authority, the German Mission will issue a visa valid for 3 months. Your subsequent residence permit will be issued by the competent Aliens Authority in Germany. You are required to apply well in advance for it before the expiry of the visa.
