If you want to join your husband or wife in Germany, you will need a Germany Marriage Visa, also known as the German Spouse Visa or Family Reunion Visa for Spouses. This visa allows a married couple to live together in Germany legally. In this guide, you will learn requirements, sponsorship rules, documents, processing time, and step-by-step application process.
What Is the Germany Marriage Visa?
The Germany Marriage Visa is a long-term residence visa (Category D) that allows a non-EU spouse to join their partner who is living in Germany. Your spouse can be:
- A German citizen
- A Permanent Resident (Niederlassungserlaubnis) holder
- A Work Visa / Blue Card / Student Visa holder
This visa falls under Family Reunion (Familiennachzug) law.
Germany Spouse Visa Requirements (2025)
Requirements for the Applicant
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (NADRA + German translation + attested)
- A1 German Language Certificate (Goethe / ÖSD / Telc)
- Passport-sized photos
- Visa application forms
- Proof of relationship (pictures, chats — only if asked)
- Health insurance for the visa process
Requirements for the Sponsor in Germany
Your spouse must show:
- Valid German passport or residence permit
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Proof of stable income (salary slips for last 3 months)
- Job contract or employment letter
- Health insurance coverage
- Anmeldung (registered address)
These requirements ensure the sponsor can financially support the spouse.
Do You Need A1 German Language for Spouse Visa?
Yes, A1 level German is normally required, but exemptions apply if:
- Your spouse is a German citizen
- You cannot learn German due to medical reasons
- You have a university-level education (rare exceptions)
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for Germany Marriage Visa
Step 1: Book Appointment
Book a Family Reunion Visa appointment through Gerry’s Visa (Pakistan) or your country’s visa service.
Step 2: Collect All Documents
Prepare originals and photocopies. All Pakistani documents must be MOFA attested and translated into German.
Step 3: Attend Embassy Interview
You must appear at the German Embassy/Consulate. The interview includes:
- Purpose of visa
- Marriage verification questions
- Document submission
Step 4: Case Processing in Germany
After your interview, the embassy sends your file to the Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany. They check the sponsor’s documents, income, and apartment.
Step 5: Visa Approval
Once approved, you will get a D-type entry visa in your passport.
Step 6: Residence Permit in Germany
After arrival, apply for a long-term residence permit within the first 90 days.
Processing Time for Germany Spouse Visa (2025)
The usual processing time is:
- 8 to 16 weeks
- Sometimes 3–6 months, depending on city workload
- Delays may happen during background checks
Minimum Income Requirement (Sponsorship)
Your spouse must earn enough to cover:
- House rent
- Utilities
- Health insurance
- Your living expenses
Average monthly requirement: €1,600–€2,000 net income (varies by city and rent).
For students or low-income sponsors, the foreigners’ office may ask for:
- A guarantor (Verpflichtungserklärung)
- Additional proof of financial support
Important Tips for Fast Approval
- Keep all documents clean, translated, and attested
- Ensure marriage certificate matches passport details
- Sponsor must avoid gaps in employment
- Provide a clear rental contract showing enough space
- Don’t give conflicting answers in interview
Common Reasons for Visa Delay or Rejection
- Insufficient sponsor income
- Missing translation or attestation
- Doubts about marriage authenticity
- Incomplete application
- Wrong information during interview
Conclusion
The Germany Marriage Visa is one of the most secure and successful ways to start a new life in Germany with your partner. With the right documents, strong sponsorship, and a clean application file, approval becomes faster and easier.
This visa gives you the right to live, work, and build your future together in Germany.